McDonnell Douglas FA-18 Hornet (A46306)

I've been researching in an effort to learn why this Growler displays a United States military aircraft reg (169153). Naturally, there are several possible reasons and I could conjecture forever, so if someone knows the real reason, I'd greatly appreciate being advised. (Wave)

Great shot, Gary! I don't know the answer to your question, but I was considering how different this aircraft is compared to what the squadron must have been flying in 1917. Pretty amazing!

Beautiful airplane, beautiful mountains. Ahhhhhhhhhh.

Gary - Here's what Joe Baugher has to say about this USN BuNo. 169153...

"Boeing EA-18G Growler (MSN AG-6) To RAAF as A46-306 Feb 21, 2017".

His information shows that BuNo's. 169152 thru 169156 of this type all went to the RAAF... but he makes no mention as to "why" the original USN BuNo. identification was retained on the fuselage underneath the horizontal tail stabilizers.

http://www.joebaugher.com/navy_serials/thirdseries23.html

Cliff ... Many thanx for the info. I can understand the number being assigned to it temporarily and perhaps the number remained there when the RAAF first received it, but when this special paint scheme was being applied I would have thought the "16----" would have been removed. Perplexing.... Anyways, thanks for looking it up, Cliff. (Wave)
BigAl .... You are 100% right. It is indeed an impressive scheme, and the mountains always create an excellent backdrop.
Greg ... Sopwiths in 1917; Growlers now. I wish there was a way the RAAF could put a Sopwith with their 1917 "livery" next to this one. What a great comparison it would be!

Yeah, that would be great!

Note to Mr Schenauer: So what? And Who cares?

Gary - you are very welcome, sir! I agree... with the special repaint, such would have been an appropriate time to "remove/cover" that USN BuNo!!! :-)

Evidently there's some odd rationale at work here as we are not aware of. One would think the RAAF isn't typically sloppy in their approach to details!!!

Beautiful airplane , beautiful mountains and beateful photo !!!

Indeed.

Love it. Very appropriate....

Very cool looking livery. To Mr. Charles Peele, go ahead and post some decent photos before you just go ahead and make condescending comments on every photo that 1. You do not like 2. There is limited or no info on it 3. A picture of an Allegiant aircraft. There really is no excuse for continually making derogatory comments on others photos, but you would definitely not be the one that should be.

Fantastic shot, Gary! 5*+++

First of all, great picture Gary! I always enjoy viewing your pictures.

My take on the USN BuNo remaining. Most of the jet is still the USN "Haze Gray" paint, I posit that the celebratory paint colors were added without over-painting the gray.

30west ... I never thought of that. Extremely probable that you are 100% correct. Makes perfect sense. Much appreciated. And TYVM for the comment re: the photos, too. (Wave of my cap to you)
Note to Mr. "ValuJet" Peele ... I did. That's why I asked.
Vaides RS, jthyland, Isaac, Don, and Dave >> Thank you very much, guys. (Wave)

Have this pic as my background on my computer!

Awesome!