Marine Corps concludes final carrier deployment with F/A-18 Hornet March 3 An F/A-18C Hornet, from the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, launches off the flight deck of the USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles DeParlier/Navy) The Marine Corps’ F/A-18 Hornet recently conducted its final aircraft carrier flight, ending nearly four decades of service to the Corps in the carrier-launched role. The Feb. 25 flight marked the final Hornet carrier deployment for Marines, according to a Marine Corps statement. Marine Attack Fighter Squadron 323, or VMFA-323, with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, will replace its Hornets with the F-35B Lightning II.