Marines Deactivate Historic F/A-18 Hornet Training Squadron

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 101, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a mass formation launch known as “flying the barn,” to honor the squadron’s legacy. [Credit: U.S. Marine Corps/ Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine]

The U.S. Marine Corps last week officially deactivated F/A-18 Hornet Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101) as it continues the transition of its mission to the F-35 Lightning II.

A "flying the barn" event with synchronized 18 F-/A-18s overhead was held at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, on Friday to mark the occasion. VMFAT-101 "Sharpshooter" instructor pilots have qualified combat pilots since 1969.

“Flying the barn” to honor the F/A-18 Hornet Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 legacy. [Credit: U.S. Marine Corps/ Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine]

“Pilots come to VMFAT-101, cut their teeth, and are transformed into aviation warriors,” Colonel William Mitchell, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), said in a statement.

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For the past four years, VMFAT-101 has operated as the last remaining F/A-18 Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron for Navy and Marine pilots.

“Thousands of aircrew have passed through the halls of VMFAT-101—fighter pilots, fighter radar intercept officers, fighter weapon systems officers, and it’s bigger than that,” said Brigadier General Robert Brodie, assistant wing commander of 3rd MAW. “This squadron has trained more maintenance Marines than any other in the Marine Corps."