Salina, KS – The loud noises heard over Salina this week were not due to weather but rather the presence of F/A-18F Super Hornets from Fighter Squadron 213 (VFA-213), the Blacklions. Jets from the squadron, based out of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia, were at the Salina Regional Airport before returning home from Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada.
The Blacklions, a renowned United States Navy fighter squadron, have been in operation since 1955 and currently fly the F/A-18F Super Hornet, a twin-engine, carrier-based fighter jet designed for air combat and strike missions.
Local aviation enthusiast Christopher Heffner captured images of the aircraft from Fossett Plaza, documenting their stop in Salina. The squadron’s presence in the region provided a rare opportunity for residents to witness the powerful jets in action.
While military aircraft occasionally train in Kansas airspace, the arrival of an entire squadron for exercises is a notable event. Their operations in Salina are part of the U.S. Navy’s ongoing readiness training, ensuring pilots are prepared for a range of missions.
Photos by Christopher Heffner
Photos by Jacob Burgardt
