It’s amazing when I think back on Marine Corps aviation...they were still flying A-4/M Skyhawks and F-4 Phantoms when I joined the Corps, both aircraft developed well before the Vietnam War. I worked A6-E Intruders and EA-6B Prowlers, both those aircraft kicked ass in Vietnam as well, both designed many year prior. AV-8/B II Harriers were the latest greatest thing....now these Jarhead aviators are cruising the skies in F/A-18 one seater/two seater Super Hornets and E/A-18 Growlers.
The Sky Pig Intruder was the *s-wordt...would rattle your eardrums. Only bested by the F-4 Phantom...and Super Hornets are bad loud...you can’t stand to be near ‘em on engine runs. I’ve only dealt with a dozen or so Super Hornets over the many years when they land at Robins, whether Marine Corps or Navy birds.
They some bad ass fighters!