In May 1982, the squadron’s last F-4 was transferred in preparation for transition to the new F/A-18A Hornet.
In 1982, VMFA-314 received the first of its F/A-18As, becoming the first tactical squadron in the Marine Corps and Navy to employ the Hornet.

In 1985, VMFA-314 transferred to Carrier Air Wing 13 (CVW-13), and embarked on board USS Coral Sea for duty with the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea.
They participated in Freedom of Navigation operations in the vicinity of Libya and took part in combat operations in support of Operation El Dorado Canyon in the Gulf of Sidra and in Libya.
In May 1982, the squadron’s last F-4 was transferred in preparation for transition to the new F/A-18A Hornet. In 1982, VMFA-314 received the first of its F/A-18As, becoming the first tactical squadron in the Marine Corps and Navy to employ the Hornet.
In 1985, VMFA-314 transferred to Carrier Air Wing 13 (CVW-13), and embarked on board USS Coral Sea for duty with the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. They participated in Freedom of Navigation operations in the vicinity of Libya and took part in combat operations in support of Operation El Dorado Canyon in the Gulf of Sidra and in Libya.
VMFA-314