The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet is an all-weather carrier-capable strike fighter jet, designed to attack both ground and aerial targets. Designed in the 1970's for service with the US Navy and US Marine Corps, the Hornet is also used by the air forces of several other nations. It has been the aerial demonstration aircraft for the US Navy's Blue Angels since 1986. Its primary missions are fighter escort, fleet air defense, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), interdiction, close air support and reconnaissance. Its versatility and reliability have proven it to be a valuable carrier asset, though it has been criticized for its lack of range and payload compared to its contemporaries. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a distinct, evolutionary upgrade to the F/A-18 designed to serve a complementary role with Hornets in the US Navy.