23 March 2003
F/A-18 Hornet Flight Operations in Middle East

Royal Australian Air Force carry out final inspections on their F/A-18 fighters for their first fully armed Operation Falconer missions. The AIM-9 missile is integral to the defence of the F/A-18 Hornet in combat. The F/A-18 deployment is part of the Australian contribution to international pressure on Iraq to destroy their weapons of mass destruction.

	Royal Australian Air Force Explosive Ordnance Technician, Corporal Darren, carries out a final inspection of AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to air-missiles prior to being fitted to Australian FA18 fighters for their first fully armed Operation Falconer missions. (Pic taken: 18 March 2003) low-res | hi-res
	An Australian pilot does a pre-flight inspection of his F/A-18 aircraft during the first day of combat flying over Iraq. (Pic taken: 18 March 2003) low-res | hi-res