The F/A-18 is a multi-role attack and fighter aircraft. Hence the 'F' and 'A' designation. A fairly reliable aircraft, it can switch from air combat to close air support on the same mission.
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Hall waves to the crowd as he taxis by. LTC Hall is the Executive Officer of Strike Fighter Squadron 125 and is a fellow Aggie! Gig 'em Ags!
The F/A-18C at take off, with gears partially retracted.
The mountains in the background adds a lot of character to the shot!
Slightly different angle, completely different lighting.
The F-18 is put through its paces, and we're treated to a great show!
Here he is, doing a carrier 'bolt'.
That's where the hook misses the arresting wires when landing on a carrier, and the aircraft has to go around for another try.
This was a treat because he came fairly close to the audience with the afterburners lit! One of my favorite shots here!
The F-18s' landing gear is a lot beefier than it otherwise needs to be due to the constant pounding it needs to stand up to from repeated carrier 'landings'.
A going away shot showing the lit afterburning GE F404 eingines
Home ported in NAS Lenmoore, CA, Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125) is known as the 'Rough Raiders'. VFA-125 trains Navy and Marine Corp F/A-18 pilots.
Nellis '08 Gallery Index