I entered the fleet as the F-14 was replacing the F-4. When I went through Topgun, our assigned wingman was a Marine F-4 crew, both with Vietnam experience. Mixed section made for interesting tactics and ACM results.
I was V-1/flight deck officer on the Ranger as a ship’s company tour. By that time, the RF-8, A-7, and A-3 COD were gone. Air wing comprised F-14, F/A-18, A-6, EA-6, S-3, E-2, C-2, SH-3. SH-60 & US-3 were about to come in, and A-6 soon was on the way out.
A lot of changes since then, mostly for the good. Still worry about the medium range attack mission that was gapped when the A-6 was retired, including at low level & at night. Not sure the F/A-18E/F adequately fills the role.
IIRC, the canceled A-12 Avenger was supposed to fill the medium attack role. I’m woefully ignorant of the various F-18 configurations. Not sure if any really qualify as medium attack.
Among the great sailors I worked with, Aviation Bosun’s were the best.