There was a tinge of sadness this week as the chapter closed on one of the Australian Defence Force's most enduring combat aircraft, the Williamtown-based classic F/A-18 Hornet.
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A mainstay of Williamtown RAAF Base's exemplary No. 77 Squadron, the Hornets are being grounded as of Friday, making way for the joint strike fighter, also known as the F-35A Lightning II.
The Hornet has been an integral part of Australia's air combat forces for more than three decades and a regular sight above the skies of Port Stephens and beyond.
The multi-role fighter aircraft, capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, are being replaced with 72 advanced F-35s, some of which have been in operation at Williamtown over the past two years.
As a fitting tribute, the iconic Hornet was this week being farewelled with a series of flying displays over Port Stephens, ably led by 77 Squadron Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Jason Easthope.
"No doubt this has been a hyped week for the retiring Hornet," said WGCDR Easthope.
"For many of the men and women of 77 Squadron, the gravity of the situation won't sink in until the end of the week. The Hornet has been a stalwart with its air combat capability for 33 years and this week marks the end of an era.
"By Friday there will be no more Hornets flying out of Williamtown. The phasing out of such an aircraft is a rare event ... the last time it happened was in 1987 with the retirement of the Mirage."
WGCDR Easthope said that the transition from the Hornet to the F-35 remained on track.
"While it is a sad day to see the end of the F/A-18 after 33 years, it is exciting to be involved with its replacement, the F-35."
He thanked the RAAF personnel and Port Stephens community for their support over the years.
"I think many people will be saddened to see the end of the grey twin-engined, twin-tailed aircraft above the Port Stephens skies."
Farewell displays of the Hornets began on December 7 with a four aircraft formation at over Nobby's Beach (Newcastle), and a single aircraft handling display over both Nobby's and Birubi Beach in Anna Bay.
This was followed on December 8 with a four aircraft formation again over Birubi Beach, and a single aircraft handling display over Fighter World Museum at Williamtown.
The flying schedule for the remainder of the week includes:
Thursday, December 10: Single aircraft handling display by the Worimi-painted F/A-18A Hornet at 10am over RAAF Base Williamtown. A four-aircraft formation at 2pm over Nobby's Beach.
Friday, December 11: Eight aircraft formation flight over the region covering Nelson Bay, Medowie, Raymond Terrace and Newcastle, followed by a four aircraft formation display at 11am over RAAF Base Williamtown.
A Defence spokesperson said that the dates and times would be subject to variables such as weather and operational availability.
"Noise reduction and the environment are vital considerations in the planning and conduct of military activities, and Air Force appreciates the ongoing support of the Williamtown and wider Port Stephens communities during these activities."
No. 77 Squadron has operated the F/A-18A/B Hornet from RAAF Base Williamtown since 1987.
The squadron's operations are due to end on December 11.
The squadron will transition to the F-35A Lightning II in January 2021.
With the end of Hornet operations at No. 77 Squadron, the only remaining Hornet squadron is No. 75 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory.
In addition to the countless training operations from Williamtown, the Hornets, which could reach speeds of Mach 1.8 (1,814 km/h at 11,000m), have been deployed overseas in theatres such as the Middle East area of operations and have flown aerial patrols within Australia as security forces.
The Australian government purchased 75 of the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft in 1984.
