The combat-proven F/A-18E/F Super Hornet makes a carrier landing aboard the USS John Stennis. U.S. Navy test pilot Lt. Frank Morley was at the controls of the two-seat F/A-18F-1. The Super Hornet made its first carrier landing and catapult launch on Jan. 18, 1997 as part of a two-week period of initial sea trials to test its ability to operate from the deck of a carrier. The Super Hornet program began in 1992. Production of the first Super Hornets for fleet operations began in 1997.