A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet on display aboard the USS Midway, shown from a dramatic low angle with its nose, cockpit, and stores prominent against a bright sky.

A McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet climbing aggressively in full afterburner, demonstrating its agility and power.

Tail hook test landing

2026 Jones Beach Airshow - Blue Angels

FA/18 Yorktown

A U.S. Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet performs a dramatic high-G aerobatic maneuver with smoke on against a deep blue sky.

Two US Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornets in an iconic opposing inverted pass maneuver during an airshow.

Oct 1998, my brother and I were invited to visit the USS Constellation, while at sea. F-18s and EA6B pilots were doing carrier qualifications.

This aircraft is a museum display, likely at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. The Blue Angels use a very distinctive adaptation of the F/A-18 for their aerobatic displays.

This Hornet is preserved indoors at a museum, likely the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum annex), among an impressive collection of historic military aircraft.

F-18 returning to NAS Oceana

Visible profile, twin tails, and mid-wing position are signature traits. Image taken in clear daylight with winter mountains in the distance.

VMFA-112 Cowboys F/A-18A landing runway 21 at NAS Point Mugu.

The Blue Angels' F/A-18s have special modifications, including a smoke oil system for airshow visibility and removal of combat equipment.

The F/A-18 is known for its versatility, carrier-capable structure, and extensive operational track record.