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If you could hitch a ride on the Navy's newest F/A - 18 Super Hornet and still retain your breakfast, you'd book the experience of a lifetime. Long the official aircraft for the Navy's precision Blue Angels squadron, the fighter's unearthly power, thrust, and blurring speed make for an ever-present canopy of security 24-7 almost anywhere a Nimitz Carrier can cruise.
With international travel alerts and American embassies closed across the Middle East, it's reassuring to know a great equalizer keeps adversaries mindful of U.S. vigilance.
The advanced Super Hornet is also shared by Marine fighter pilots for carriers or land based units. It's quite apparent American fans of modern aviation are not exclusive when it comes to respect for the F/A - 18's lethal credentials.
The following transcript comes from an actual conversation overheard by a commercial flight on VHF Guard emergency frequency 121.5 MHz while flying from Europe to Dubai:
Iranian Air Defense Site: "Unknown aircraft, you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself!"
Aircraft: "This is a United States aircraft. I am in IRAQI airspace."
Iranian Defense Site: "You are in IRANIAN airspace! If you do not depart our
airspace, we will launch Iranian interceptor aircraft."
Aircraft: "This is a United States Marine Corps FA-18 fighter. Send 'em up...
I'll wait."
Iranian Air Defense Site: silence...
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