US Marines to Phase Out F/A-18 Maintenance Roles in Transition to F-35 Fleet
The U.S. Marine Corps has announced a strategic plan to phase out enlisted maintenance jobs associated with the F/A-18 Hornet as the service transitions to an all-F-35 tactical aircraft fleet. According to a recent Marine Administrative Message, all remaining Hornet squadrons will be deactivated by 2030, effectively eliminating six specific military occupational specialties, including mechanics and avionics technicians. Current personnel in these roles are encouraged to retrain for F-35 positions or transfer to other specialties. Those who do not volunteer for transition may face involuntary reassignment based on organizational needs or separation upon contract completion. The phased withdrawal of Hornet operations is scheduled to conclude at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort by August 2028, Miramar by August 2029, and Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth by August 2030. This move marks the end of an era for the Hornet, adopted in 1983 and described as the workhorse of Marine aviation, in favor of the F-35’s advanced stealth and electronic warfare capabilities. The Corps aims to expand its F-35 inventory to 420 aircraft under the 2026 Marine Aviation Plan.
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US Marines to Phase Out F/A-18 Maintenance Roles in Transition to F-35 Fleet
The U.S. Marine Corps has announced a strategic plan to phase out enlisted maintenance jobs associated with the F/A-18 Hornet as the service transitions to an all-F-35 tactical aircraft fleet. According to a recent Marine Administrative Message, all remaining Hornet squadrons will be deactivated by 2030, effectively eliminating six specific military occupational specialties, including mechanics and avionics technicians. Current personnel in these roles are encouraged to retrain for F-35 positions or transfer to other specialties. Those who do not volunteer for transition may face involuntary reassignment based on organizational needs or separation upon contract completion. The phased withdrawal of Hornet operations is scheduled to conclude at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort by August 2028, Miramar by August 2029, and Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth by August 2030. This move marks the end of an era for the Hornet, adopted in 1983 and described as the workhorse of Marine aviation, in favor of the F-35’s advanced stealth and electronic warfare capabilities. The Corps aims to expand its F-35 inventory to 420 aircraft under the 2026 Marine Aviation Plan.
Military Times