NSA Orlando receives F/A-18A display aircraft from closing NAS Atlanta

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A retired F/A-18A Hornet that previously served as a static display at Naval Air Station Atlanta is now in place near the West Gate of Naval Support Activity Orlando.

The NSA Orlando Public Works Office coordinated the logistics of the move, including the construction of a new concrete display pad with integrated tie-downs. The aircraft was unloaded from a flatbed truck and placed on its new home on August 5.

"It adds beauty to the base," said Lt. Jose Arinaza, who supervised the move. "Once you see the F/A-18, you know you are on a military base."

Lt. Arinaza added that it cost the government less to relocate the plane to Orlando, than it would have to send the aircraft to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), at Davis Monthan AFB, near Tucson, Arizona for disposal.

Upon arrival, it wore a paint scheme representing two decommissioned squadrons previously based at NAS Atlanta. The right side of Hornet is painted to represent the "Flying Gators" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 142. The left side wears the colors of the "Blue Dolphins" of Fighter Attack Squadron 203.

Today, the aircraft is painted gray with NAWCTSD and NAVAIR markings.