This is one of the two F/A-18s from the USS Saratoga that shot down a pair of Iraqi Air Force F-7As (Chinese-built MiG-21s) on 17 January 1991, the first day of Operation Desert Storm. Note the Iraqi flag on the forward fuselage. Behind is a MiG-21 painted to represent one of those Iraqi aircraft (photo)

Assigned USS Forrestal.

damaged beyond repair in 1993 and relegated to ground instruction duties. The airframe has been seen at NAS Cecil Field and NAS Oceana. So NAS Cecil Field needs confirmation. Photographer unknown

Serving with VA-81 on the USS Forrestal, wearing show code "87". Stored at AMARG by April 2008.

The museum recently completed the restoration of 163508. This F/A-18C, with LCDR Mark Fox piloting, shot down an Iraqi F-7A (Chinese MiG-21 variant) on 17 January 1991 on the first day of Operation Desert Storm. A Sidewinder missile was used for the kill. After the engagement (another F-7A was downed by LCDR Fox' wingman) the flight of four Hornets continued on their strike mission. The target was the Al Walid airfield, where each a/c expended four Mk.84 2000 pound bombs on the target.

From VFA-81 "Sunliners" and wearing a MIG-kill markings credited to their pilot Cdr. Mark Fox, who scoring the first Navy MiG kill of Operation Desert Storm.