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**FRCSW Completes Final Maintenance on Last Legacy F/A-18 Hornet**
*October 2023*
The Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW), a key maintenance and repair facility for the U.S. Navy, has reached a significant milestone in naval aviation history by completing the final maintenance cycle on the last legacy F/A-18 Hornet. This event marks the end of an era for the iconic aircraft, which has served as a cornerstone of U.S. naval aviation for nearly four decades.
### The Legacy of the F/A-18 Hornet
The F/A-18 Hornet, originally developed by McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing), first entered service with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in the early 1980s. Designed as a multirole fighter, the Hornet was capable of both air-to-air combat and ground attack missions, making it a versatile and reliable platform for a wide range of military operations. The aircraft has seen action in numerous conflicts, including the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and operations in Afghanistan, and has been a critical asset in maintaining U.S. air superiority.
The "legacy" F/A-18 Hornet refers to the original A through D variants of the aircraft, which have been gradually phased out in favor of the newer F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the F-35C Lightning II. While the Super Hornet and F-35C offer enhanced capabilities, the legacy Hornet has remained a workhorse for the Navy and Marine Corps, particularly in training and reserve squadrons.
### FRCSW's Role in Hornet Maintenance
Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, located at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, has been a critical player in maintaining the operational readiness of the Navy's aircraft fleet. As one of the Navy's primary aviation maintenance depots, FRCSW has been responsible for the repair, overhaul, and upgrade of various aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet.
Over the years, FRCSW has performed thousands of maintenance actions on legacy Hornets, ensuring that these aircraft remained mission-capable despite their age. This work has included everything from routine inspections and repairs to more complex overhauls, such as replacing structural components and upgrading avionics systems. The center's skilled workforce of engineers, technicians, and support staff has played a vital role in extending the service life of the Hornet fleet.
### The Final Maintenance Event
