In 2008, due to maintenance and budget restrictions, the Dragons would trade their remaining F-14s to VMF-78, and would instead fly the F/A-18 Hornet, redesignated as VMFA-24.
With their more advanced Hornets, the Dragons have continued their mission of supporting Osean Marine operations, with their first trial by fire during the Circum-Pacific War, providing critical Close Air Support during marine landings in southern Yuktobania during Operation Footprint.
Following their actions, they would make various deployments until making a combat deployment to Usea in support of the 2019 Lighthouse War between Osea and Erusea.
