Operation Nighthawk Landing: Skunk Works F-117 unexpected guest restoration for Reagan Library

Lockheed Martin and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute are partnering on a permanent static display of the F-117 Nighthawk, nicknamed “Unexpected Guest.”

Here’s a look at the F-117 Nighthawk at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, along with documentation provided to support its public display.

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute collaborated on a permanent static exhibit featuring the F-117 Nighthawk, nicknamed “Unexpected Guest.” The display was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Reagan National Defense Forum on Dec. 7, 2019.

Known as “Operation Nighthawk Landing,” the project was made possible through a permanent loan from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to the Reagan Foundation. As part of the arrangement, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works restored the aircraft in preparation for its permanent exhibition at the Reagan Library.

“The F-117 Nighthawk reminds us of our country’s ability to rapidly develop disruptive technology critical to national security,” said Michele Evans, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, in the company news release. “Lockheed Martin is proud to partner with the Air Force and the Reagan Foundation to install a permanent symbol of American innovation at the Reagan Library for all to see.”

The nickname “Unexpected Guest,” assigned to F-117 No. 803, reflects both the extraordinary secrecy surrounding the Nighthawk program and the aircraft’s ability to evade detection by enemy radar. The name was also inspired by Demon’s 1982 heavy metal album, “Unexpected Guest.”

Developed in total secrecy by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, the F-117 became the world’s first operational stealth aircraft. Once considered impossible, it now stands as a lasting example of what teamwork, passion, and determination can accomplish.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is the nonprofit organization established by President Reagan to preserve his legacy and promote the principles he championed: individual liberty, economic opportunity, global democracy, and national pride.

The nonpartisan Foundation oversees the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California; the Reagan Center for Public Affairs; the Presidential Learning Center; the Air Force One Pavilion; and the award-winning Discovery Center. It also supports the Reagan Institute in Washington, D.C., which advances the Foundation’s mission. The Reagan Library contains more than 55 million pages of gubernatorial, presidential, and personal documents, along with over 60,000 gifts and artifacts documenting the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. It is also the final resting place of America’s 40th president and first lady.

Photo by Lockheed Martin