Originally Posted by
III Corps
20 yrs? Quite an evolution during that time for the Hornet. What was your impression of it when you first flew it and how did that change over the years? The last C you flew.. how much different was it from the original you strapped on?
Yes - they weren't *new* when I first stepped into one but they were about the newest thing on the block. Powerful and light! That nose would whip around like no other aircraft - I flew Lot 7-9s in my first tour. An SA machine at the time. I couldn't understand how someone would not know where they were with the navigation and INS available
Over the years, the software changes were incredible. Now - Link 16, Helmet mounted sights, ATFLIR, secure comm, smart weapons rule the tactics now, and the eventual 4,000 lbs of thrust more was a welcomed addition. I still say that I should have been a Korean War vet
They are struggling with maintenance issues some now days. I use to take a 4 ship on the road for a weekend of 3 fights a day and I'd bet money that I would make it back with all 4 come Sunday night. Nowdays - I'll bet you we don't get three fights out in a day before limping home.
That would be my biggest gripe. Now the legacy Hornets are beginning to become the F-4s of my early years (I was stashed with VMFA-112 when they still flew F-4Ss - among the last of the F-4s)
USMCFLYR