Join Your Fellow Americans in the Observation Tower at Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum as F-15C 85-0114 Demonstrates American Airpower at its finest!
Time on Target (TOT)
12:00 Noon
August 13th, 2025
Dulles International Airport
F-15C 85-0114's Final Mission Begins on Landing Rollout at Dulles!
As "114" taxis from the Dulles runway to the Air & Space Museum (lower left on the graphic), this will represent the end of an Era of flight for the single seat air superiority F-15C Eagle with an undefeated combat record of 107 - 0.
As the only F-15 in the National Air & Space Museum, she will begin an important, multi-faceted mission to represent decades of distinguished service and to inspire future generations to discover what it takes to defend freedom.
Rico will return in September after 114 is demilitarized to celebrate her Air & Space Museum Gallery induction. Stay in the Loop for details.
Key Facts about F-15C 85-114
- Delivered to the US Air Force on 27 January 1987
- Over the course of 38 years of Fully Mission Capable (FMC) service, 114 logged more than 9,600 flight hours
- 114 was assigned to 5 front line Air Superiority Fighter Squadrons (FS); 58th FS (Eglin AFB, Florida), 12th & 44th FS (Kadena AB on Okinawa, Japan), 19th FS (Pearl Harbor, Hawaii) and the 114th FS in Klamath Falls, Oregon
Ironically, the arrival of 85-0114 coincides with the 35th anniversary of Operation Desert Shield's launch in August 1990,
This opens an opportune window to recognize the first Gulf War Veterans from all services, especially given the Desert Storm War Memorial will be dedicated on the National Mall in 2026.
All supporting events, programs and initiatives described on this website and in follow-on communications are privately funded by generous Operation Victory Remembrance partners (Zero Tax Dollars).
Meet the National Air & Space Museum Curator and Combat Fighter Pilots!
Dr. Mike Hankins
Mike is the Curator for US Air Force, Navy, & Marine Corps post-World War II Aviation at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum.
Cesar 'Rico' Rodriguez
Rico is a retired US Air Force Colonel, Triple MiG Killer & President of Splash 3 Foundation serving Tucson's Community and Veterans.
William 'Tonic' Thiel
Tonic is a retired US Air Force Colonel. Under his command in Desert Storm, the 58th Fighter Squadron "Gorillas" scored 16 MiG Kills.
Jay 'Hedz' Hedley
Hedz is a retired US Air Force Lt Col. He flew over 250 A-10 "Hog" Combat sorties. Hedz is the Chairman of Warbird National Course and CLAW.
Steve 'Buick' Olds
Buick flew F-15s in Desert Storm. In 2011, he founded PATRIOT MISSION to promote the American Dream, Heritage and Honor our Heroes.
August 13th Event Agenda
Operation Victory Remembrance Networking Breakfast Workshop
8:00-9:00 - Casual Networking Breakfast - Arrive at your convenience and connect with old & new friends who are supporting Operation Victory Remembrance.
9:00 - 10:15: This briefing is designed to review the logistics of Operation Victory Remembrance and how the local distribution process will function.
We'll discuss unique ways to create value for your brand, walk-in traffic, follow-on event opportunities in September and strategies to inspire the next Generation.
You will learn from one of our Founding Partners, Warbird National and CLAW how their unique Golf Course strategy to honor Military Aviation merges with inspiring STEM Education in the next generation.
10:15 - 10:30: During the break, we'll drive individual vehicles 3/4-mile to the Air & Space Museum.
F-15 Airpower Demonstration, Arrival & Preservation Brief
10:30am-12:00pm: Upon arrival, you will have time on your own to browse the Air & Space Museum prior to taking the elevator to the Observation Town.
Our sponsor group will connect with F15C community family & friends, get a bird's eye view and wait for our Eagle to enter the Dulles visual landing pattern at Noon.
12:00-12:30: Hopefully the weather, commercial traffic and other variables align nicely to offer a great view as 114 lands and taxis to the restoration hanger.
12:30-12:50: After 114 shuts down, we will make our way down the elevator to the glass encased overlook into the restoration hangar.
We'll watch as the jet is towed into place for the demilitarization process.
12:50 - 1:00: Shortly after 114 arrives in the hangar, Dr. Mike Hankins will join us for a quick briefing before we move to our luncheon at the Dulles Hilton.
Lunch Discussion
Airpower: Past, Present & Future
1:14-3:00: Join Rico and our team of speakers, special guests and subject matter experts for an interactive luncheon. Rest assured, there will be no death by PowerPoint.
You will learn more about the Air & Space Museum plans, hear 85-114 stories of yesterday & today and a Desert Storm & American Airpower panel discussion.
We'll wrap up this interactive luncheon with exciting visions of "Life after Blue" from RIco & Hedz as they continue to serve veterans and the next generation.
Fighter Pilot Happy Hour
3:00-5:30: Enjoy snacks and a wide variety of beverages overlooking Dulles runways in our deployed "FIGHTER SQUADRON BAR."
Hear open mic "There I was..." war stories from those who flew and maintained the Eagle. FAIR WARNING: Fighter Pilot Stories only require 10% truth...
Our day concludes with a special Splash 3 dedication of the MiG Killer Challenge.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT OR UNITED STATES AIR FORCE WHATSOEVER. NO FEDERAL ENDORSEMENT INTENDED OR IMPLIED.
