The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet is a supersonic twin engine all-weather night fighter and attack aircraft. The F/A-18s first flew in November 1978 and the first production flight on April 12, 1980. The first 380 aircraft were F/A-18As and in September 1987 production switched to the F/A-18C. Variants A and C are single-seat aircraft while B and D are tandem-seats. The Hornet can operate from either aircraft carriers or land bases with the capability of in flight refueling. A total of 1,480 A-D variants were built.
Beginning on May 16 and ending May 27, 2016 the 15 Wing (ALA 15) hosted the annual NATO Tiger Meet at Zaragoza AB in north eastern Spain. There were 19 NATO Association members present along with 2 visiting units. The Silver Tiger Trophy (top award) was won by 31 Smaldeel (Belgium). Some of the most amazing paint schemes ever were worn by the aircraft. The next NATO Tiger Meet will be held be hosted by the 11F in Landivisiau, France beginning June 16, 2017.