Red, White, and Boom: Celebrating America’s 250th and NASA Armstrong’s 80th

A Northrop F-5 Tiger II aircraft landed at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, in preparation for Red, White, and Boom, the U.S. Air Force Test Center’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and NASA Armstrong’s commemoration of its 80th year. The event brought together the workforce, families, and the Edwards community for a high‑energy day featuring a Flightline 5K, Ramp Fest and STEM Expo, static aircraft displays, hands‑on STEM activities, and a NASA flyover with sonic boom.

A Northrop F-5 Tiger II aircraft landed at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, in preparation for Red, White, and Boom, the U.S. Air Force Test Center’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and NASA Armstrong’s commemoration of its 80th year. The event brought together the workforce, families, and the Edwards community for a high‑energy day featuring a Flightline 5K, Ramp Fest and STEM Expo, static aircraft displays, hands‑on STEM activities, and a NASA flyover with sonic boom.

Photographer NASA/Jim Ross
Location AFRC
AstronautNASA AFRCArmstrong Flight Research CenterEdwards Air Force BaseSTEMScience Technology Engineering and MathematicsflyoverFreedom 250NASA F A-18NASA F-15Armstrong 80th Anniversary