This resolution recognizes the 30th anniversary of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's first flight and honors its service to the U.S. Navy and its personnel.
Ann Wagner
Representative
MO-2
This resolution commemorates the 30th anniversary of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's first flight and its subsequent decades of service to the U.S. Navy and its allies. It officially recognizes the Super Hornet as the United States' fighter jet, honoring its contribution to national security and the dedication of the personnel who operate and maintain it. The resolution also directs that a copy be sent to the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis.
Congress Designates F/A-18 Super Hornet as Official U.S. Fighter Jet, Marking 30 Years of Service
This resolution is a formal recognition of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, commemorating the 30th anniversary of its first flight and its three decades of service in the U.S. Navy. The core action here is ceremonial: it officially designates the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet as the official fighter jet of the United States. Beyond the title, the resolution serves to formally acknowledge the aircraft’s role in national security and specifically honors the Navy personnel—the pilots, weapons system officers, and maintenance teams—who operate and support it.
The Official Fighter Jet: What Does a Title Change?
For most people, a Congressional resolution like this doesn't change their daily commute or their tax bill. This is purely a commemorative and honorary measure, meaning it doesn't allocate new funding, change military procurement contracts, or alter any existing regulations. It’s essentially Congress tipping its hat to a workhorse of naval aviation. The designation of the F/A-18E/F as the "official fighter jet" is a symbolic nod to its long service, much like naming a state bird or flower. It recognizes the jet’s role in maintaining "naval supremacy and ensuring freedom of the seas."
Honoring the Teams Behind the Jet
The bulk of the resolution focuses on recognizing the people involved. It specifically calls out the "dedication, service, and sacrifice" of the Navy pilots and weapons system officers who fly the Super Hornet. Crucially, it also recognizes the "expert and agile support" provided by the maintenance teams. If you have friends or family in Navy aviation, this resolution is a formal, public acknowledgment of their often-unseen work keeping these complex machines operational, which is a big deal in military circles.
A Nod to St. Louis
One specific action item in the resolution is directing the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, Missouri. This is a clear acknowledgment of the aircraft’s manufacturing history, as the first Super Hornet flew from Lambert Field in St. Louis. While this doesn't impact national policy, it’s a nice local touch that links the aircraft’s history directly to the community where it was developed and first took flight.