New guy here.... Question for Hornet guys!

[ScottZ28]

Hey guys, I am Scott, just wanted to introduce myself to you all [8D] I have a question for any Hornet drivers, or anyone else in the know How much longer are the older-model Hornets (A-D models) going to be in active service with the Navy? When is the Super Hornet going to be completely phased into the fleet? Thanks in advance guys!

 

[Slick]

Scott, I'm an engineer at NAS North Island with the F/A-18 A-F Avionics Team, so I'm pretty qualified to answer this. I also leave for OCS next summer.

The A/B-model Hornets are primarily flown by strike/weapons test folks. There are some A's and B's in the RAG squadrons though. Most of the early A-model birds went through something called the A+ program, which takes an A-model and essentially makes it a C-model(avionically speaking).

Right now the E/F's are not replacing any existing Hornet activities, they're replacing F-14 and some old A-6 squadrons. VFA-41, was a prior tomcat squadron(VF-41), now flying the F-model. VFA-115, was a prior A-6 squadron(VA-115), now flying the E-model. VFA-14 is also flying the E-model. Currently, these are the only three non-RAG squadrons, and they are all in Lemoore.

2003, 2004, 2005 are big years for the E/F program. Many old tomcat squadrons are getting brand new F's and the Super Hornet will make it's way to the East Coast(Oceana). Also, we will see some existing Hornet activities get the E/F model in 2005.

Slick

 

[Dawgfan]

Do they have any idea where East Coast Superhornets are going? I heard that Buford, Oceana, Key West and Meridian (!?!?) were in the running.

 

[Slick]

All East Coast squadrons will be at NAS Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Slick

 

[JayManC]

DAWGFAN:
I live here in Virginia Beach, Va. and it is true. the Super-hornet is coming here. there's a big effort being put in by the local community residents to try to stop it because of the noise levels from the new fighter. supposedly its even louder than the old A-6's were (and they were loud). we recently had the neptune festival airshow this last weekend where there was announcement made during an F-14 demo that the plane was being phased out over the next 5 years.
The way i understand it. F-14's are going super-hornet and F/A-18's are going to JSF in roughly 5-7 years. either way that'll fall into my RAG time so i'd be more than happy to take either.

<insert something witty here:>

 

[ProwlerPilot]

Screw the noise levels!! Move to Afghanistan if you don't like jets training over your head!!

Jet noise is the sound of freedom!

 

[ghost_ttu]

Wait till I'm flying the damn thing, they won't be able to hear the jet over the screams and moans of my satisfaction of flying the damn thing!

 

[Goliath112]

which communists Mr. McCarthy[]?

man the wait is killing me

 

[ChipK96]

I heard somewhere that they were considering putting some of the superhornet squadrons at MCAS Cherry Point, does anyone know if there's any truth to that at all?

 

[Slick]

Chip,

The Devil Dogs did not buy the Super Hornet, they are banking on JSF.
So to answer your question, no.

Slick

 

[ChipK96]

Actually I was referring to the navy keeping their planes there. I actually found another article which mentioned the same thing http://www.efaircraft.ene.com/ as well as mentioning Beaufort, SC as another location. Personally I don't know why the navy would keep their jets at a marine corp base instead of a location like NAS Oceana but then again I'm not in the Navy... yet . I'm sure whatever they're doing they have their reasons for it

 

[Dave Shutter]

The NAS Oceana webpage has a link to the E/F EIS program which is determining the location for the future East Coast E/F base. Possible locations are the two Marine bases and NAS Meridian as well as Oceana. Someone from Oceana posted that they were going there so I quess he has his ear to the ground.

VA beach works for me!

 

[Ray]

Jet noise gives me wood.

The planes are most likely going to Oceana. They have the best fascilities to take care of planes that big. I haven't been to Meridian yet, but they already have three training squadrons there so they might not have enough room or air space to handle all of that. Besides, being close to the ocean eases the noise issue somewhat. There are E/Fs in Mirimar too. Its the marine RAG, but navy guys can train there if there is a slot. I'd just as soon go to Lemore.

Honk if you demand satisfaction.

 

[Ray]

Oops. Thats what I meant. I'm stupid. Its the marine rag though right?

Honk if you demand satisfaction.

 

[Dave Shutter]

Remember the E/F has 90% parts commonality with the C/D. I'm betting there will be a compromise with all the rich, liberal Commie bastards in VA beach who don't want jet noise scaring their poodles, so some E/F's will probably get shipped off to the USMCAS's.

Slick...the E/F's are replacing the A-6's of VA-115? I thought the last fleet Intruder flew from a deck in 96'? VFA-115 has flown A' Hornets since then, that's what their website said anyway?