The awesome photos in this post show RAAF No. 77 Squadron F/A-18A Hornets flying in formation off the coast of Newcastle, Australia.
Taken on Nov. 5, 2020 the awesome photos in this post, show Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) No. 77 Squadron F/A-18A Hornets (from left) A21-39, A21-23 and A21-07 flying in formation off the coast of Newcastle, Australia.
No 77 Squadron was received F/A-18 multi-role fighters in 1987. With these highly capable aircraft, No 77 Squadron operates in the both air defence and ground attack roles and remains at the forefront of Australia’s air defence. Between 2000 and 2003, No 77 Squadron also operated specially converted PC-9 aircraft in the forward air control role, before the formation of the RAAF’s Forward Air Control Development Unit. No 77 Squadron has recently participated in combat operations as a component of the RAAF’s commitment to the International Coalition Against Terrorism.
The F/A-18A (single seat) and F/A-18B (twin seat) Hornets are multi-role fighter aircraft, capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. They are an integral part of Australia’s air combat capability.
Based at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal, the F/A-18A/B Hornets are operated by:
- Number 75 Squadron, RAAF Base Tindal; and
- Number 77 Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown.
In the last two years, the Hornets have participated in a range of exercises including Exercise Bersama Lima and Exercise Bersama Shield in Malaysia, Exercise Red Flag in Alaska, and Exercise Pitch Black in the Northern Territory.
The fleet have undergone major electronic upgrades to ensure effective operations. Air Force’s F/A-18A/B Hornets will be replaced with 72 advanced F-35A Lightning II aircraft from 2018.
Photo credit: Corporal David Said / Royal Australian Air Force
