McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet (1978-2000): The F/A-18 Hornet has two jobs. It can fight other planes in the air and attack targets on land and sea. That’s why its called F/A - - the “F” is for fighter; the “A” is for attack. It was the first aircraft to claim this distinction. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps and the air forces of eight other nations fly it. The F/A-18 flew for the first time on November 18, 1978 and entered operational service in 1983. The upgraded Night Strike F/A-18C/D, with its ability to deliver precision-guided weapons at night and in bad weather, was introduced in 1989. The F/A-18 Hornet has proven to be the most versatile combat aircraft in service. In the Navy and Marine Corps service, it is three times more reliable at half the maintenance of other fleet aircraft. A total of 1,479 F/A-18 Hornets were built in St. Louis between 1978 and 2000.