Flying the Barn! "Sharp-shooters" conduct their fini flight in style before Squadron is deactivated.

The U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing deactivated Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 101 nicknamed the "Sharp Shooters", a historic F/A-18 Hornet training squadron at MCAS Miramar on Sept. 29, 2023.
Since 1969, instructor pilots of the VMFAT-101 “Sharp Shooters” have qualified combat aviators and sent them to operational squadrons worldwide.
The squadron commemorated the event by “flying the barn,” launching 18 aircraft in a single flight. More than 300 Marines, Sailors, veterans, family members and community supporters then gathered for a sundown ceremony to commemorate the squadron’s history and contributions to Marine Corps readiness.
“Pilots come to VMFAT-101, cut their teeth, and are transformed into aviation warriors,” said Col. William J. Mitchell, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd MAW.
Since October 2019, VMFAT-101 has trained Navy and Marine Corps aviators as the only remaining F/A-18 Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron in the Department of the Navy.
“Thousands of aircrew have passed through the halls of VMFAT-101-fighter pilots, fighter radar intercept officers, fighter weapon systems officers, and it’s bigger than that,” said Brig. Gen. Robert B. Brodie, Assistant Wing Commander of 3rd MAW. “This squadron has trained more maintenance Marines than any other in the Marine Corps. It’s a holistic approach to ensure we are ready to fight and win.”
#usmc #usmarine #semperfi