Two ‘Classic’ Hornets headed for Australian War Memorial

The first of two ‘Classic’ Hornets allocated to the Australian War Memorial for heritage display is being transported by road from RAAF Base Williamtown to Canberra.

CAPTION: F/A-18A Hornet A21-022 is lifted onto stands at RAAF Base Williamtown in preparation for its move to the Australian War Memorial, Canberra. Photo by Sergeant Brett Sherriff.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said today’s expected arrival of the F/A-18A Hornet A21-022 would be a major step in the preservation of Australian war history.

“This is a special aircraft for the RAAF,” Minister Price said.

“It employed the first Australian weapon on Operation Falconer in 2003, and was also deployed on Operation Okra in 2016-2017.

“It is very fitting that it will now spend its next life on permanent display at the Australian War Memorial.

“This will be a fantastic opportunity for generations of Australians to view and appreciate example of Australian Air Force capability.”

A21-022 was retired on 14 May 2020, having completed 30 years in service and 6131.5 flying hours with the Royal Australian Air Force.

It left RAAF Base Williamtown yesterday and is expected to arrive at the Treloar Technology Centre in Canberra today.

The aircraft was partially disassembled for transport and will be reassembled at the Treloar Technology Centre by Boeing Defence Australia during November 2020.

An official ceremony to hand F/A-18A Hornet A21-022 over to the Australian War Memorial is planned for December.

 

EDITOR’S NOTE: This news shoots down our earlier speculation that there would be no Hornets left for heritage display, after sale announcements to the Royal Canadian Air Force and a US military contractor. We was wrong – so there 🙂

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