WASHINGTON — Surprise! A new artifact has arrived at the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center. The National Air and Space Museum has received a F/A-18C from the Navy’s Blue Angels at its Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
The plane was one of the first C models built, delivered to the U.S. Navy in 1987. The legacy Hornets -- the A/B/C/D models -- were retired at the end of the 2020 season in favor of the considerably larger Super Hornet -- the E and F models, according to a release.
The F/A-18C flew into Dulles Airport on Wednesday afternoon, later taking a taxi to the Udvar-Hazy Center.
"Look who just stopped by...to stay! An hour ago, this Blue Angels' F/A-18C Hornet landed at Dulles Airport and taxied over to the Udvar-Hazy Center where it will go on display soon," the National Air and Space Museum wrote on Twitter.
The F/A-18C is available on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center and is open from 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily.
To protect the health of visitors, staff, and animals, new safety measures based on guidance from the CDC and other health officials will include:
- Requesting that all visitors who are sick or do not feel well stay home.
- Requiring that visitors ages six and older wear face coverings during their visit—inside the Udvar-Hazy Center and Zoo buildings as well as in Zoo outdoor spaces.
- Face coverings are also strongly recommended for visitors between the ages of two and six, per CDC guidelines.
- Limiting the number of people in each facility by requiring all visitors to obtain a free, timed-entry pass in advance of their visit.
- Beginning July 20, visitors can reserve passes online or by phone and select the desired date and time for their visit.
- The Smithsonian will release 5,000 timed passes per day for the Zoo and about 1,500 passes per day for the Udvar-Hazy Center. Those numbers may change over time.
- Implementing safe social distancing, including some one-way paths and directional guidance where appropriate.
- Providing hand-sanitizing stations for visitors and conducting enhanced cleaning throughout both facilities.
Detailed information for visitors is available on the National Air and Space Museum’s website.