@ Nellis AFB, NV
March 2010
A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornet taxies out for takeoff during the Red Flag 10-3 exercise. This aircraft is wearing “20 Years of Hornets” anniversary tail markings although at that time it was already 25 years. Entering service in May 1985 to replace their Mirage III fleet, the F/A-18 Hornet served for 36 years with the RAAF before replacement with Super Hornets in 2021. The current version of the RAAF roundel was formally adopted in July 1956, consisting of a white inner circle with a kangaroo surrounded by a blue circle. The kangaroo faces left, except when used on aircraft or vehicles, when the kangaroo faces forward. Nikon D300 w/80-200mm.