ST. LOUIS - Missouriar -- The National Museum of Transportation (TNMOT) proudly announces a special evening event in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet's first flight. The F/A-18 Pilot Panel will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Museum, located at 2933 Barrett Station Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to land an F/A-18 on an aircraft carrier? Here's your chance to find out — directly from those who've done it. This exclusive panel brings together distinguished military and test pilots who have flown, tested, and advanced the iconic Super Hornet, one of America's most formidable fighter aircraft.

Featured Panelists:

Dave "Dez" Desmond – A member of the first operational USMC squadron to fly the F/A-18 Hornet, Mr. Desmond served as a McDonnell Douglas test pilot flying the F/A-18, AV-8B Harrier, and as Lead Pilot for F/A-18 E3 flight loads testing. He retired from Boeing as Chief Pilot for Tactical Aircraft.

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Elliott "Hemo" Clemence – A veteran operational F/A-18 and Super Hornet test pilot at NAS Patuxent River, Mr. Clemence later tested the F-35A and carrier suitability for Lockheed Martin. He has flown the Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler for Boeing and currently serves as Chief Pilot for St. Louis Flight Operations.

Jason "Finch" Pattison – A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Mr. Pattison flew operationally and as a test pilot in the Super Hornet. He also served as Director of Operations and Chief Pilot for VX-9 at Nellis AFB. He currently supports Boeing's proprietary flight test programs.

Tim Bischof – With over 40 years at Boeing/McDonnell Douglas, Mr. Bischof was the flight test engineer and test conductor for the first Super Hornet, F/A-18 E1, from 1994–1999. Now Test Program Manager for Phantom Works fixed-wing programs, Mr. Bischof also serves on TNMOT's Board of Directors.

Event Details:

• Date & Time: Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
• Location: The National Museum of Transportation, 2933 Barrett Station Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122
• Admission: $30.00 per person
• Reservations: Advance reservations required at www.tnmot.org

Proceeds from this event benefit The National Museum of Transportation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives no government funding. Your participation helps preserve and celebrate America's transportation heritage.

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Join us for an unforgettable night of aviation history, innovation, and first-hand pilot stories that bring the legacy of the Super Hornet to life.

The National Museum of Transportation is a 501(c)(3) organization and receives no government funding.  TNMOT relies solely on the community for its ongoing operation and mission to preserve the past for future generations.