10 Mar 1988: First flight. 31 Mar 1988: TOS USMC and assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA-223), MCAS Cherry Point, NC. By 7/93: VMA-231, MCAS Cherry Point. 16 Feb 1996: "Crashed after apparently being struck by lightning shortly after takeoff from Cherry Point in foggy and windy conditions. The lightning set fire to one wing, then part of the wing broke off. The aircraft went down in a wooded area west of the airfield during a routine training mission. Pilot never ejected from his plane." (Aviation Safety Network)