“I had no idea,” Koehl said. The homecoming marks the end of an era for Marine aviation as the F/A-18C Hornets from VMFA-323 are the last of their type to deploy on an aircraft carrier.

According to an information page about the deactivation: “Though VMFAT-101 deactivates on Sept. 29, 2023, the squadrons training mission will transfer to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323.

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Squadron VMFA 323 out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar came home after a 10-month deployment in the Middle East, their homes very different due to the pandemic.