A Mini LEGO Custom F/A-18 Hornet Fighter Jet that is the perfect gift for the Navy or LEGO fan in your life! This Custom Set ships un-assembled with 77 new LEGO pieces and printed color instructions! This set includes a build-able LEGO display stand as well to display show off your jet! A truly unique gift for the Navy or LEGO fan young or old!
This Custom LEGO Set Includes:
The F/A-18 Jolly Rogers trace their lineage to one of the U.S. Navy’s most storied squadrons, Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84), established on July 1, 1955, at NAS Oceana, Virginia. Originally flying the FJ-3 Fury, VF-84 adopted the “Jolly Rogers” moniker and its iconic skull-and-crossbones insignia from a WWII predecessor, VF-17. The squadron transitioned through aircraft like the F-8 Crusader and F-4 Phantom before embracing the F-14 Tomcat in 1977, earning fame for air superiority and reconnaissance missions. The shift to the F/A-18 Hornet came in 1995 when VF-84 was disestablished due to post-Cold War cuts, and its legacy transferred to VF-103, which had been flying F-4s and F-14s. Redesignated VFA-103 (Strike Fighter Squadron 103), the Jolly Rogers took on the F/A-18C Hornet, marking a new era of multirole capability.
Under VFA-103, the Jolly Rogers adapted the F/A-18C to their aggressive tradition, deploying from carriers like the USS Enterprise and USS George Washington. The Hornet’s twin-engine reliability and versatility suited the squadron’s needs, excelling in air-to-air combat and precision ground strikes. Their first major action with the F/A-18 came during Operation Desert Fox in 1998, bombing Iraqi targets, followed by extensive operations in the Balkans enforcing no-fly zones. The squadron’s skull-and-crossbones adorned the F/A-18’s tail, preserving their pirate-inspired identity as they transitioned from the Tomcat’s long-range intercept role to the Hornet’s broader mission set. By 2004, VFA-103 upgraded to the F/A-18E Super Hornet, a larger, more advanced variant, enhancing range and payload for 21st-century conflicts.
The Jolly Rogers’ Super Hornet era solidified their reputation across multiple deployments. In 2007, flying from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, they supported Operation Enduring Freedom, dropping JDAMs on Taliban positions in Afghanistan. The F/A-18E’s APG-79 AESA radar and improved avionics allowed precision strikes in complex environments, a far cry from the F-14’s analog roots. The squadron redeployed to Iraq and Syria in the 2010s, notably during Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS, where their Super Hornets flew thousands of sorties from carriers like USS Harry S. Truman. The Jolly Rogers’ adaptability shone in these campaigns, blending air superiority with close air support, often sporting their signature black-and-yellow markings to intimidate foes and thrill aviation fans.
As of March 19, 2025, VFA-103 remains based at NAS Oceana, flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet as part of Carrier Air Wing 7, typically embarked on USS Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. Their last major deployment in 2023 saw them counter Houthi threats in the Red Sea, showcasing the Super Hornet’s enduring relevance. While the F-35C Lightning II is phasing into some Navy squadrons, the Jolly Rogers continue with the F/A-18E, leveraging upgrades like Block III enhancements—new cockpits and extended range—to stay combat-ready. Carrying a legacy spanning seven decades, the Jolly Rogers’ F-18 era blends their pirate swagger with modern lethality, a testament to their evolution from Cold War defenders to global strike fighters.
Guarantee: All sets come with a 100% money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied for any reason- just ship it back for a 100% refund. -Thanks Matt
DISCLAIMER: This is not a LEGO® Product. These are new LEGO elements that have been repackaged. LEGO is a trademark of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this product. The LEGO Group and BLOCK Jets are not liable for any loss, injury or damage arising from the use or misuse of this product.
