Over and done with...
 

A member suggested that the Military section would be a more appropriate forum to post this thread. It has been on the Hangar talk forum for a few days now, so now I'm moving it over. I agree that many more in this section might better understand the bitter sweet time.
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APC states that Hangar Talk is for sharing aviation experiences.
I had an aviation experience today that I would like to share.

Today, 18 Dec 09, I had my last flight in the F/A-18 Hornet.
It was in a F/A-18C Hornet, Buno 164057, side number 326. It used to have my name on the side but has our Flight Surgeon's name on it now.
It was probably fitting because without his help I would have not been flying for the last year. (Thanks Doc)!

I was able to fly the last flight with my best friend in the squadron.
Based on the weather (foggy and cloudy) and the gas available (plus some other things I wanted to do) it was a toss up between flying low and a little final fight. I chose low.

I chose the section takeoff, Hornet 5 route to the R-2508. Isabella airspace all altitudes and scheduled/activated the Black Mountain Supersonic area. Enjoyed the view from FL500 and then did a few supersonic runs, ending with a nice near idle nose low slice turn south of China Lake found me driving through the Trona Gap and into Panamint Valley. What great cons up high today!

My wingman chased me down low at 200' and 420-500 IAS while I did a few of the maneuvers taught in the Low Altitude Tactics Training (LATT) phase, ending with a Maximum Recovery Maneuver (MRM) leveling off at FL280.

Because of the weather we knocked it off early enough to come home with enough gas for the actual instrument approach, but I was hoping that the traffic pattern would be open. I led the section approach to section landing with the wingman full stopping and I did a touch-n-go into the pattern for 2 more bounces. I had family and friends out at the lens (landing area) and they got some pictures/video that I might be able to post on here after I get it.

That was the end of my 20 years and 3,000+ hours in the Hornet. It has been a heck of a ride the entire time. The great times were unbeatable and the lowest times were tolerable - it was certainly worth every minute in the end, but at the same time I know that it is time to move on.

USMCFLYR

Congratulations on ending your great career on such a high note. You will have incredible memories for yourself and that you will be able to share with others.

Thanks for posting about your last flight.

Bravo Zulu.

Sounds like a great last flight. Congratulations on your twenty years!!!

Well done, Sir!
 

--"Still the Same"

Ooorah! Congrats on 20 good years, sounds like it was well worth it.

How long until you hit the streets? Have any plans?

USMC, thank you for your service, and congratulations on your career. Best of luck to you down the road!

A tip o' the glass to ya, USMCFLYR. Thanks for posting it up for us.

Semper Fi!

Congrats on a great career, USMC. Your country is grateful and we're proud of you too. Now get those pictures up for us to see! :)

Thanks for sharing B and congratulations.

Now go get a job!!!!