Aviation News – The U.S. Marine Corps is preparing to eliminate enlisted job specialties linked to the F/A-18 Hornet as it moves toward an all-F-35 tactical fighter fleet by 2030. The transition marks a major modernization step for Marine aviation and will reshape workforce training across the service.
The Corps confirmed that all remaining F/A-18 Hornet squadrons will be deactivated by 2030, ending decades of service for the legacy fighter platform. As part of that shift, six enlisted maintenance specialties tied directly to the aircraft—including mechanic, avionics, and technical support roles—will be phased out. Marines currently serving in those positions will be offered opportunities to retrain for F-35 assignments, transfer into other military specialties, or exit service at the end of their contracts.
- The move reflects the Marine Corps’ broader strategy to standardize its tactical aviation fleet around the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed for multi-role operations. By consolidating around one advanced platform, the Corps aims to streamline logistics, improve operational readiness, and enhance combat effectiveness in future conflict environments.
