In celebration of the F/A-18 Hornet’s 35th anniversary, the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum let visitors climb into the cockpit of an actual F/A-18 and added an additional display in the museum aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Nov. 16-17.
“We opened up the F/A-18 on display for servicemembers and their families to see it inside and out,” said Stephen “Smitty” Smith, the museum’s curator. “We wanted visitors to experience the craft on the weekend, since the actual day of the anniversary is on the 18th when the museum is normally closed.”
In 1977, the F/A-18 received its name “Hornet” from William Graham Clayton Jr., the Secretary of the Navy at the time. The concept of the aircraft originates from heavy modifications of the YF-17 Cobra, in order to become a carrier-capable fighter jet. McDonnell Douglas and Northop developing companies created the fighter jet together, with McDonnell Douglas conducting the final assembly. From there, it went on its first flight Nov. 18, 1978.
For the complete story by Marine Lance Cpl. Michael Thorn via Military.com, click here.
