Hornets touch down

Commander Scott Toppel showing a heat-seeking missile which he pointed out had been made harmless.

Tue, May 22, 2012 - 12:00 AM

FOR THE SECOND time in about two weeks, Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport has hosted two F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets.

The first time the elite aircraft landed on local soil, they created quite a stir, with people vying for the best spots to take a picture.

However, on Sunday their arrival did not initially draw as much attention. But the jets were as impressive as ever.

The United States Embassy facilitated a brief media tour of the two jets on Sunday at the airport, conducted by Commander Scott Toppel.

Toppel, who is attached to the US Navy’s Master Jet Base in Virginia, takes part in air shows and trains recruits in how to operate the Hornets.

“These were built around 2006/2007,” he explained. “I train recruits in how they fly, air-to-air refuelling so when they are finished they will be ready to go into combat, if necessary,” he said.

Toppel arrived in Barbados from Brazil, where he took part in an air show, and was scheduled to leave yesterday. The next air show is scheduled for England.

The jets had to return to Barbados for unspecified reasons. This caused people to call the DAILY NATION, querying why jets were repeatedly streaking overhead.

The departure of the aircraft was rescheduled for later yesterday. (CA)