Public flight tracking websites showed a pair of U.S. Navy F/A-18 fighter jets fly over the Gulf on Tuesday.
Hegseth said the U.S. must stay ahead of adversaries who are working to take advantage of rapid technology advancements, like the development of AI.
As survivors fade, their descendants and the public are increasingly turning to other ways of learning about the bombing.
After four years of repair efforts, the "Spirit of Georgia" overcame obstacles to return to flight following a landing accident.
