The F/A-18C Hornet is a multirole combat jet aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas and Northrup during the 1970s.  With a top speed of Mach 1.8, it was the first modern jet intended for both land and air duties.  It is a superb war plane with the primary missions of fleet air defense, fighter escort, intercept, combat air patrol, suppression of enemy air defense, air interdiction and close air support, among others.  The VFA-131 "Wildcats" squadron is based in Virginia, its mission is to project power, both ashore and at sea, and to defend the fleet against any and all threats.