By Denise Deon

TEAM Public Affairs, F/A-18

On September 14, squadrons around the world commemorated the 4 millionth flight hour of the F/A-18 Hornet. The U.S. Navy designated 12 p.m. EDT as the ceremonial flight hour enabling any Hornet or Super Hornet squadron airborne at that time to participate.

Traditionally, one aircraft and its crew log milestone flight hours. In a break from tradition, the U.S. Navy invited the entire Hornet community to take part in this historic event. More than 75 pilots from over 25 Hornet and Super Hornet squadrons shared in the milestone.

One of the squadrons that participated was VFA-25 "Fist of the Fleet" currently deployed aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln on its WESTPAC 2000 cruise. Lt. Cmdr. Marcus Pritchard and Lt. Mike DePrespinis were flying their F/A-18C models on a night vision goggles (NVG) strike exercise during the ceremonial time. VFA-25 has flown F/A-18 C models (Lot XIV) since 1983 and commemorated both their seventeen years of service and contribution to the total 4 million Hornet flight hours.

More than 1,200 A, B, C and D model Hornets are deployed with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and the air forces of Australia, Canada, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain and Switzerland. The first F/A-18 Hornets entered service with the U.S. Navy more than 17 years ago. The combat-proven aircraft are expected to remain in service for another 20 years operating alongside the newest addition to the family, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

Also flying his Hornet during the commemorative hour was Lt. Chris Hurst of VFA-151 at NAS Lemoore.

"What a great honor to fly this awesome war fighting machine during its 4 millionth hour. The Hornethas served the U.S. well and will continue to do so for many years to come."