@crdb you must be too young to see these Jets. Back in the late 70's, as a kid I got to see the A4J Skyhawk shown in this article. It was aboard HMAS Melbourne as it docked in Melbourne at Station Pier #1 inbetween a deployment and refit. [0] On the flight deck you could climb up the stairs and peer into the cockpit [1] or move around look. The RAN had about 20 these A4Js in the fixed wing Air Fleet.

Four years later the Melbourne was decommissioned and sold off, the squadron disbanded and the former RAN A4Js were sold to the NZAF. [2] The Aeromachi were moved to the RAAF for jet training. [3]

[0] My Uncle served on this ancient Carrier, "If it moves, salute, otherwise paint it." http://a4skyhawk.org/content/ran-vc-724

[1] Much like this shot http://a4skyhawk.org/content/155051-vf-805-ran-official-4966 and http://a4skyhawk.org/content/155051-vf-805-photographer-unkn...

[2] The two nations both used A4Js, here's a RAN with a NZAF A4J. The Kiwi A4 can be recognised by the avionics hump and differing paint work http://a4skyhawk.org/content/buno-157908-rnzaf-nz6205-4

[3] Eight years later I'd watch these re-badged Aermacchi's, now in their training Orange and White (Fanta Cans) at a mates passing out parade at RAAF Wagga. The AVM himself, flew the 400 or so kilometers from RAAF Sale in his own personal jet to officiate. Before: http://a4skyhawk.org/content/4g-buno-154909-1 and After: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macchi_MB-326 and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Royal_Australian_Air_Forc...