A resolution recognizing the 30th anniversary of the first flight of the F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet from Lambert Field in St. Louis, Missouri, and the 30 years of service of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the United States Navy and to allies of the United States.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 591
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-28: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S355; text: CR S348)
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-03T22:16:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 591) commemorates the 30th anniversary of the first flight of the F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet, a U.S. Navy fighter jet, which occurred on November 29, 1995, from Lambert Field in St. Louis, Missouri. It also honors the aircraft's 30 years of service to the U.S. Navy and allied nations, highlighting its historical significance, operational achievements, and contributions to national security.
Key Provisions
The resolution consists of extensive "Whereas" clauses providing historical and operational context, followed by a "Resolved" section with five specific recognitions:
- Historical Background: Details the first flight piloted by retired Lieutenant Colonel Fred Madenwald; the aircraft's design as a larger, twin-engine, carrier-based multi-role fighter derived from the original F/A-18 Hornet; its manufacturing in St. Louis; and its later use in training for Kuwait.
- Technical and Performance Highlights: Notes the single-seat (F/A-18E) and two-seat (F/A-18F) configurations; a record-heavy test flight in 1997; entry into Navy service in 1999 with initial operational capability in 2001; and participation in operations like Operation Southern Watch (2002), a Syrian airstrike (2017), and recent missions in Yemen (2024) and Somalia (2025).
- Cultural and Allied Roles: Mentions its use by the Blue Angels demonstration team since 2021; feature in the film Top Gun: Maverick; service with allies like the Royal Australian Air Force (final capability in 2012) and Kuwaiti Air Force; and basing at key U.S. Navy stations (e.g., Lemoore, CA; Oceana, VA; Fallon, NV).
- Resolved Actions:
- Recognizes the Super Hornet's contributions to U.S. national security.
- Honors the dedication and sacrifices of Navy pilots and weapons system officers who operate it.
- Acknowledges the expertise of maintenance teams supporting the aircraft.
- Credits its role in maintaining U.S. naval supremacy and freedom of navigation on the seas.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to send an enrolled copy to the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, Missouri, where the original F/A-18 E1 is now displayed after reassembly in 2024.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws, regulations, or policies. It serves solely as a formal expression of Senate recognition.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Provides symbolic affirmation of the U.S. Navy's capabilities, potentially boosting morale among personnel at bases like Naval Air Station Lemoore and Oceana. It may indirectly support ongoing defense budgets or procurement for the Super Hornet fleet without mandating action.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of military aviation history and service, particularly in St. Louis (manufacturing and museum site), fostering community pride and education through the museum display.
- On International Relations: Highlights the aircraft's role in allied operations (e.g., Australia, Kuwait) and multinational efforts like Operation Prosperity Guardian, reinforcing U.S. commitments to partners in regions like the Middle East and Indo-Pacific, though without tangible policy shifts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Navy Personnel: Pilots, weapons system officers, and maintenance teams who operate and support the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
- Defense Industry: Boeing (successor to McDonnell Douglas), based in St. Louis, as the manufacturer and historical contributor.
- Allied Militaries: Nations like Australia and Kuwait that operate the Super Hornet, benefiting from the recognition of shared service.
- Museums and Communities: The National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis and local residents, through the aircraft's loan and dedication ceremony.
- Broader Military Community: Includes demonstration teams like the Blue Angels and training programs like TOPGUN.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a simple Senate resolution (agreed to without House involvement), it has no binding effect and complies fully with Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which allows Congress to express views on non-legislative matters. No challenges to rights or authorities are involved.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support, with sponsors from both parties (e.g., Mr. Schmitt (R), Ms. Rosen (D)), signaling unity on military heritage and defense priorities. It may serve as a platform to honor veterans and promote Missouri's aerospace industry without partisan debate.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-28: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S355; text: CR S348)
- 2026-01-28: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-01-28: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the 30th anniversary of the first flight of the F/A–18 E1 Super Hornet from Lambert Field in St. Louis, Missouri, and the 30 years of service of the F/A–18E/F Super Hornet to the United States Navy and to allies of the United States. — issued 2026-01-28 — PDF (5 pages)