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

NASA photographer Jim Ross captures a selfie in the rear seat of an F/A-18 during a flyover of the U.S. Air Force Test Center’s Red, White, and Boom celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and NASA Armstrong’s commemoration of its 80th year at Edwards Air Force Base, California, 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.