MISSION STATEMENT
To honorably receive and preserve F-15C 85-0114 into the Smithsonian Institution's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center as a lasting symbol of American Airpower, engineering excellence and the enduring legacy of the Airmen who flew and maintained her.
This mission ensures that future generations will be able to learn from and be inspired by the aircraft's decades of distinguished service in defense of freedom.
Mission Objectives
Receive F-15C 85-114 at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum from Oregon's 173 Fighter Wing on August 13th, 2025.
Recognize key individuals who contributed to 85-0114's legacy in both combat and training operations.
Remember Operation Desert Shield's August 1990 Launch 35 years ago by thanking Gulf War Era Veterans and inspiring a new generation to cherish their own freedom.
Why is F-15C EAGLE 85-0114 Unique?
In 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, Captain "Rico" Rodriguez while flying F-15 "114" scored 2 Aerial Victories against a MiG 29 and MiG 23.
MiG Kill 1 - Iraqi MiG-29
Gulf War, January 19, 1991
Rodriguez and his wingman, Capt Craig "Mole" Underhill, engaged two Iraqi MiG-29s. After Underhill destroyed the lead MiG-29, Rodriguez entered a low-altitude dogfight with Capt Jameel Sayhood, forcing the MiG-29 into a fatal overstressed maneuver. Rodriguez was credited with the kill after Sayhood crashed.
MiG Kill 2 - Iraqi MiG-23
Gulf War, January 26, 1991
During a coordinated interception, Rodriguez and three other F-15C pilots encountered four Iraqi MiG-23s. Each pilot fired on an assigned target. Rodriguez's AIM-7 Sparrow achieved a direct hit on the southernmost MiG-23 in a textbook beyond-visual-range engagement.
In 1999, Rico scored a 3rd Aerial Victory downing a MiG 29 in Operation Allied Force.
MiG Kill 3 - Yugoslav MiG-29
Kosovo War, March 24, 1999
On night one of Operation Allied Force, Rodriguez, as Deputy Mission Commander, led the escort for 25 strike aircraft against Yugoslav targets. Informed of an airborne contact, Rodriguez positioned his element between the threat and the strike package. A Yugoslav MiG-29 approached aggressively, placing Rodriguez in mortal danger. He engaged and destroyed the MiG-29 with an air-to-air missile, directly ensuring the safe return of allied aircraft.
Since Vietnam, few American Fighter Pilots have become triple MiG Killers earning three Distinguished Flying Crosses.
On August 13th, meet Rico, the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum curator, fellow Airmen, business leaders, family and friends as we welcome 114 to Dulles Airport as she prepares to begin her Final Mission.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT OR UNITED STATES AIR FORCE WHATSOEVER. NO FEDERAL ENDORSEMENT INTENDED OR IMPLIED.
