NASA Photographer Jim Ross Captures D.C. from F-18 on July 4

On July 4, 2026, Jim Ross, a photographer for NASA, soared over Washington, D.C., in an F-18, capturing aerial views of the capital during the Freedom 250 flyover, which marked America's 250th anniversary. He was among four fighter jets that performed above the Great American State Fair on the National Mall. On July 2, 2026, Ross snapped a selfie from the back seat of a NASA F/A-18 while traveling cross-country from Spokane, Washington, to D.C. The aircraft, part of NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, sported a new red, white, and blue design for the event. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman piloted his own F-5 Tiger during the flyover, while astronaut Victor Glover, pilot of Artemis II, engaged in a panel discussion at the fair. Ross has been with NASA since 1989, becoming photo lead in 1997, with the images credited to NASA.