Hornet's Pass
The F/A-18C Hornet has long been a vital component of the U.S. Marine Corps' expeditionary force, with Marine Fighter Attack squadrons (VMFAs) historically deploying as part of a U.S. Navy Carrier Air Wing. This unique integration allowed the Marines to leverage the power and reach of the Navy's supercarriers, extending their tactical aviation capabilities far beyond land bases. Onboard the carrier, Marine pilots and their Hornets performed the full range of missions, including fleet air defense, fighter escort, and strike missions. However, a key distinction was the Marine Corps' primary focus on supporting ground forces, making their F/A-18s highly proficient in close air support (CAS) and interdiction roles. While the U.S. Navy has since transitioned to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the F-35C, the Marine Corps continued to operate the F/A-18C/D for years as a workhorse, bridging the gap to the F-35B/C.