Marines Deactivate Historic F/A-18 Hornet Training Squadron

Eighteen aircraft converged for a ‘flying the barn’ event marking the end of the combat aviation training squadron.

Tuesday, October 03, 2023 at 02:43 PM ET

Verified

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 101, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a mass formation launch known as “flying the barn,” to honor the squadron’s legacy. [Credit: U.S. Marine Corps/ Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Marine Corps officially deactivated Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101), the last F/A-18 Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron.
This deactivation is a key step in the Marine Corps' strategic transition from the F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35 Lightning II.
VMFAT-101 had a long legacy, having trained combat pilots and a significant number of maintenance Marines since 1969.

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The U.S. Marine Corps last week officially deactivated F/A-18 Hornet Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101) as it continues the transition of its mission to the F-35 Lightning II.

A “flying the barn” event with synchronized 18 F-/A-18s overhead was held at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, on Friday to mark the occasion. VMFAT-101 “Sharpshooter” instructor pilots have qualified combat pilots since 1969.