F-15 Eagle Finds New Home

Combat-proven fighter joins museum collection following storied service in operations Desert Storm and Allied Force.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 01:00 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

F-15 arrives at museum [Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino]

Key Takeaways:

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has officially accepted its first McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle into its collection for display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
The F-15C is recognized as an iconic American fighter aircraft, lauded for its air superiority capabilities and an undefeated record in air-to-air combat with over 100 aerial victories.
This specific F-15C holds a distinguished combat legacy, having been flown by Captain Cesar “Rico” Rodriguez to achieve two aerial victories against Iraqi MiG fighters during Operation Desert Storm.

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The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has officially accepted a McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle into its collection, marking the first time this iconic fighter aircraft has been accessioned by the institution. The aircraft arrived on Wednesday at the museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and is expected to be on display in the coming weeks.

Michael Hankins, modern military curator at the museum, described the F-15C as “one of the most iconic American fighter aircraft of the last 50 years,” highlighting its significance in post-World War II aviation history.