Patrick's Aviation

In October 1981, Australia signed a contract for the provision of 75 F/A-18 Hornet aircraft , of which 18 were two-seat aircraft configuration. The first two aircraft were produced in the United States, with the remainder being assembled by the Government Aircraft Factories (GAF) in Victoria, Australia . The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) received it's first Hornet at RAAF Base Williamtown's No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU) in May 1985. 2OCU commenced Hornet Pilot Training shortly after in August 1985. As such, 2005 the RAAF will celebrate 20 years of successful F/A-18 Hornet Operations. F/A-18 Hornet A21-26, a single seat RAAF Hornet aircraft has been painted in a celebratory ' Year of the Hornet ' anniversary paint scheme.