After a cumulative 408,000 hours in the skies, the iconic Classic Hornet aircraft has flown for the final time.
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Seven of the aircraft fleet transited from RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory to Newcastle, NSW this week to complete their military careers.
The F/A-18A/B Classic Hornets has served the Australian air force for 30 years, but have now been farewelled to make way for the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter.
The original two jets arrived to Williamtown base in Newcastle from California on May 17 1985.
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The first operational deployment of RAAF Hornets took place on November 2001 following the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Group Captain Jason Easthope flew the final display route over Williamtown base as the fleet was officially decommissioned.
"It was bittersweet for me today because I'm passionate about flying and I love flying the Hornet but it was pretty clear to me today that it was coming to an end," Group Captain Easthope said on Monday.