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.
S. Res. 591 is a commemorative Senate resolution recognizing the 30th anniversary of the first flight of the F/A-18E1 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 allied forces. The resolution recounts the aircraft’s development, first flight, entry into fleet service, combat use, and later roles in training, demonstration, and operational deployments, including service with the Blue Angels and allied militaries such as Australia and Kuwait.
The resolution also highlights the Super Hornet’s continued operational relevance in recent naval and coalition missions, including operations in the Red Sea, Yemen, and Somalia, and notes the aircraft’s association with the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis. It concludes by formally recognizing the aircraft’s contributions to national security, naval aviation, and the service of pilots, weapons system officers, and maintenance crews, and directs that an enrolled copy be sent to the museum.
This resolution does not change federal or state law and has no regulatory or budgetary effect. Its practical impact is symbolic: it places the Senate’s official recognition on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet’s history and service, and it directs transmission of the enrolled resolution to the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, Missouri. The resolution may also reinforce public and institutional attention to military aviation heritage, defense manufacturing in St. Louis, and the Navy’s carrier air wing capabilities.
The sentiment around the resolution is strongly positive and celebratory. It was agreed to by unanimous consent without amendment, indicating broad bipartisan support and no recorded opposition. The sponsors and the resolution’s findings frame the Super Hornet as an important contributor to U.S. and allied defense, and the tone emphasizes pride in the aircraft’s performance, the people who operate and maintain it, and its connection to Missouri and naval aviation history.
There is little to no apparent contention in the available record because the resolution passed by unanimous consent and no committee debate or votes are provided. Any potential disagreement would likely be limited to the use of Senate floor time for a commemorative resolution rather than a policy measure, but no such objection appears in the record. The resolution itself is noncontroversial in substance, focusing on recognition of military service, aviation history, and allied cooperation.