Last Classic Hornet ops at RAAF Williamtown

[mcmaster]

Had the fortune of being in Newcastle and Williamtown end of last week for the displays. For me nicely bookends being at the base when the first 2 arrived in '85. Highlights for me was the 4 ship over Nobbys beach (Town of Newcastle's main beach) which I watched from Fort Scratchley. One of the best displays I've seen. The vid below was the final 8 ship over the base on Friday - weather was looking a bit sketchy but held out just enough. Easty's wing drop outbound saluting the heaps of people on the fence was a nice touch and also the bit at the end where they pulled up and popped the canopies - luvly. Classic Hornet ops will end at Williamtown but will continue at RAAF Tindal with 75 sqn for a while yet. 77 squadron will transition to the F35 next year joining 2OCU and 3 sqn who have around 30 jets now at the base. Saw 4 of those head out Friday and yep they are loud..

Official pics here Link To Gallery:
images.defence.gov.au/S20203977



Video from Nobby's beach (Fort Scratchley) display



www.airforce.gov.au/operations/flying-operations/no-77-squadron-farewells-fa-18ab-hornet

7 December 2020 :
- Four aircraft formation at 10.00am over Nobby’s Beach (Newcastle), and a single aircraft handling display at 2.00pm over Nobby’s Beach and Birubi Beach (Port Stephens).

8 December 2020 :
- Four aircraft formation at 10.00am over Birubi Beach (Port Stephens), and a single aircraft handling display at 2.00pm over Fighter World Museum and Nobby’s Beach (Newcastle).

9 December 2020 :
- Four aircraft formation at 10.00am over Fighter World Museum.
- Up to two F/A-18A/B Hornets will conduct a handling display at 2.30pm at Redhead Beach, including a fly-over of Tuggerah Lake and Lake Macquarie.

10 December 2020 :
- Single aircraft handling display by the Worimi-painted F/A-18A Hornet at 10.00am over RAAF Base Williamtown.
- A four aircraft formation at 2.00pm over Nobby’s Beach (Newcastle).

11 December 2020 – Eight aircraft formation flight over the region covering Nelson Bay, Medowie, Raymond Terrace and Newcastle, followed by a four aircraft formation display at 10.30am over RAAF Base Williamtown.

[planecrazy]

That was great thank you, a little sad as well if I'm honest, is there any talk of what happens to
them now, I'm guessing some for museums, some sold, some scrapped or buried like the F111s?

[colford]

The Hornets will be still operating out of RAAF Tindall for some time yet. From the available Hornet airframes, historically significant airframes have been selected for preservation in Museums. An example of that is the Hornet that was handed over to the AWM the other week. There will be examples for RAAF Museum, one going to the Heritage Centre/Fighter World at Newcastle and a couple of other museums. Canadians have made a selection of airframes that they are taking and they already have a number of ex-RAAF Hornets flying in RCAF colours. There has been a shuttle of these going from Williamtown to Canada on board an Antonov. Then there is also a deal being done for the remainder by one of the USA based companies providing 'opposition' 'aggressor' services to the US Armed Forces to get as many other airframes and spares they can get. There was a bit of a hulla-balu about that last one a little while back as the numbers the US company and AusDoD representatives were talking about initially seemed to indicate that there would be no examples preserved for museums, etc. That seemed to get sorted quickly with a change in the numbers being quoted and added vague wording like "numbers around" and "up to around" when they were talking how many Hornet airframes might eventually be in contention for purchase by the US company. So Tindall will carry the responsibilty for providing the Classic Hornet display aircraft until they are eventually retired in service and replaced by the F-35.

ADDITION: Flickr album of Hornet handover to AWM here:

www.flickr.com/photos/australianwarmemorial/albums/72157717150940121

I've heard the 77 Sqdn Hornet has been earmarked for retention as a Museum airframe.

[mcmaster]

No burials required Planecrazy thankfully. I can’t remember if the Pigs were buried because of asbestos or being possibly used as USAF strategic ie nuclear bombers. Re Hornets quite a few secured for Museums including the Worimi painted jet for Fighterworld and the AWM already has one of their (I believe) 2. Deliveries to Canada continue by Antonov freighters. The RCAF have bought around 20. 46 will go to private rent-a-threat in the US much like the Kiwi A4s. I hope the 77sqn green jet stays at home.

[Mustang51]

Amazing to think back.... I have been around for P-51/CAC Mustang ops, Vampire, Sabre, Mirage, FA.18 and now F.35.... somehow do not think I shall be around for whatever version of an "X" wing is in operation but would like to !

[vultee43]

May happen sooner than you think if the F35's keep being dogged by issues

[mroz]

Dec 17, 2020 20:11:51 GMT 12 vultee43 said:

May happen sooner than you think if the F35's keep being dogged by issues

Every newgen plane gets accused of being dogged by issues! It's great column fodder for desk-bound journos!

[Naki.]

Yep, just being reading article from 1986 about issues dogging the F-18.

[vultee43]

Feb 4, 2021 5:03:09 GMT 12 mroz said:

Dec 17, 2020 20:11:51 GMT 12 vultee43 said:

May happen sooner than you think if the F35's keep being dogged by issues

Every newgen plane gets accused of being dogged by issues! It's great column fodder for desk-bound journos!

[vultee43]

Feb 5, 2021 19:32:42 GMT 12 vultee43 said:

Feb 4, 2021 5:03:09 GMT 12 mroz said:

Every newgen plane gets accused of being dogged by issues! It's great column fodder for desk-bound journos!

[vultee43]

Just stating the known deficiencies and issues that exist the F35 programme and not the journalist's opinions. Every 4th and 5th generation fighter aircraft (with the possible exception of the SAAB Griphon) have been proven in combat conditions. In Australia's case it is akin to the Spitfire - a great base fighter but suffering range, misson and operational issues. It is not fit for purpose within our current requirements, not to mention the extreme cost per unit and operational readiness capacity. We are a maritime nation and need appropriate aircraft. The Mirage had similar deficiencies. Given what is on our doorstep and the posturing of such actors, we perhaps need to re think this white elephant.