NASA Repaints Iconic F-15 and F/A-18 for US 250th Anniversary Flyover
Two of NASA’s most prominent aircraft have been repainted in red, white, and blue to mark the nation’s 250th birthday, with the new scheme set to remain in place for at least one year.
Two of NASA’s most iconic aircraft, an F-15 and an F/A-18, have been repainted in red, white, and blue to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary. The aircraft, which belong to the Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, participated in a flyover in Washington on July 4, 2026, alongside other NASA planes.
The commemorative livery features the Freedom 250 logo and was applied ahead of the national celebration. According to the agency, the patriotic paint scheme serves as both a tribute to the past and a salute to the future. The new design is scheduled to remain on the jets for at least the next year.
NASA has indicated that the aircraft may appear at local air shows and other public events during this period. However, specific dates and locations for these appearances are dependent on operational availability and flying schedules, which have not yet been fixed.
The event occurs concurrently with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, though the two occasions are distinct. While the World Cup features international sporting events, including a recent match in Philadelphia, the NASA flyover was a separate commemoration held in the nation’s capital.
Additional images and information regarding the aircraft’s schedule are available through NASA’s social media channels and on the agency’s Freedom 250 website. The space agency continues to document the aircraft’s activities as they continue their service.
