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

NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick receives a commemorative plaque from Col. Daniel Fredberg, Deputy Commander of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, California, during 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 on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. 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 a sonic boom.

NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick receives a commemorative plaque from Col. Daniel Fredberg, Deputy Commander of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, California, during 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 on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. 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 a sonic boom.

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