U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) on Jan. 8 introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the 30th anniversary of the first flight of the F/A–18 E1 Super Hornet from Lambert Field in St. Louis, Mo., and 30 years of its distinguished service to the United States Navy and to America’s allies.
“The Super Hornets have played a critical role in keeping the United States the most powerful country in the world by saving lives and protecting freedoms worldwide,” Rep. Wagner said. “The Super Hornets were made by your neighbors right here in St. Louis, fostering a robust local economy powered by groundbreaking defense companies like Boeing and McDonnell Douglas and maintaining our region’s critical role in supporting our national security.”
Rep. Wagner sponsored House Resolution (H.Res.) 983 alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) to highlight the supersonic fighter jet’s inaugural flight on Nov. 29, 1995, flown by McDonnell Douglas pilot Lt. Col. (ret.) Fred Madenwald.
Since then, the jet has been used in numerous instances, most recently on Feb. 1, 2025 when U.S. Armed Forces carried out an airstrike in Somalia from the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which was the largest airstrike launched from a single aircraft carrier in the history of naval aviation.
The strike dropped approximately 124,000 pounds of munitions on the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-Somalia targets from the Super Hornets.
“I am proud of the dedicated Missourians who build these fighter jets and help ensure we maintain naval supremacy and freedom of the seas,” said the congresswoman. “You do incredible work for our country and for that we thank you.”
H.Res. 983 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Armed Services Committee.