The squadron returned to NAS Lemoore for Christmas and on January 10, 1986 VA-192 was re-designated Strike Fighter Squadron One Nine Two (VFA-192) and began F/A-18 Hornet transition training under VFA-125. The squadron received their first F/A-18A on 5 May 1986. This new beginning also included notification that the squadron would be changing homeport to join CVW-5 and out of Yokosuka, Japan. This change became official on 1 July 1986, and in November VFA-192 executed their second trans-Pacific movement in eighteen months in new F/A-18 Hornets to NAF Atsugi, Japan.