VX-9 retires legacy Hornet
Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9 "Vampires" retired their last legacy Hornet when F/A-18C "Vampire 301" (BuNo 164223, former XE-301) left for the final time home base NAWS China Lake (CA) on 22 September 2020.
The unit now only operates the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and F-35C Lightning II.
The US Navy still continues to operate the F/A-18C/D with the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) "Top Gun / Strike" ('xxx') at NAS Fallon (NV) and the US Navy Reserve squadrons Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 204 "River Rattlers" ('AF-4xx') at NAS New Orleans JRB (LA) and Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 12 "Ambush / Fighting Omars" ('AF-xx') at NAS Oceana (VA).
The US Navy baby Hornets are clearly becoming a dying breed.
Fortunately the US Marine Corps continues to operate these types with ten squadrons for many years to come.
- VMFA-112 / MA-xx "Cowboys" at Fort Worth NAS JRB/Carswell Field (TX)
- VMFA-115 / VE-xx "Silver Eagles" at Beaufort MCAS (SC)
- VMFA-232 / WT-xx "Red Devils" at Miramar MCAS (CA)
- VMFA-251 / DW-xxx "Thunderbolts" at Beaufort MCAS (SC)
- VMFA-312 / DR-2xx "Checkerboards" at Beaufort MCAS (SC)
- VMFA-323 / WS-xx "Death Rattlers" at Miramar MCAS (CA)
- VMFA(AW)-224 / WK-xx "Flying Bengals" at Beaufort MCAS (SC)
- VMFA(AW)-242 / DT-xx "Bats" at Iwakuni MCAS (Japan)
- VMFA(AW)-533 / ED-xx Hawks" at Beaufort MCAS (SC)
- VMFAT-101 / SH-2xx "Sharpshooters" at Miramar MCAS (CA)
Photos: VX-9