Patriotic Americans erupted in thunderous cheers as a historic joint Air Force-Navy flyover thundered over Super Bowl LX, delivering a powerful display of military might and national pride just weeks into President Trump’s triumphant return.
Story Highlights
- Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium featured the first Air Force-Navy joint flyover with eight aircraft under call sign DRAGO, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
- Fans cheered the precise formation including B-1 bombers with afterburners, F-15C Eagles, F-35C Lightning IIs, and F/A-18 Super Hornets, synced perfectly to the National Anthem.
- Year-long planning by Air Force’s Katie Spencer coordinated with NFL, Navy, FAA, and ANG, using routine training hours at no extra taxpayer cost.
- The event showcased U.S. military readiness and joint interoperability, reassuring citizens amid global challenges and Trump’s border security victories.
- No added costs or disruptions; hailed as a “spectacular” airpower flex evoking unity and strength for military families and patriots nationwide.
Historic Flyover Details
The Super Bowl LX flyover occurred on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, during the National Anthem from 6:15-6:20 PM ET. Eight aircraft flew under call sign DRAGO: a lead B-1 bomber from Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, requiring aerial refueling; two F-15C Eagles from the 144th Fighter Wing at Fresno ANG Base, California; two Navy F-35C Lightning IIs from VFA-97 at NAS Lemoore; two F/A-18 Super Hornets from VFA-2; and a trailing B-1. The B-1 lead achieved exact time-over-target, with ground crews syncing to anthem progress via stadium roof timing. B-1 crew “TOP OFF” lit afterburners for dramatic effect. This open-air venue enabled the large formation, unlike domed stadiums.
Planning and Coordination Efforts
Planning began in early 2025 under Air Force Sports Outreach Program Manager Katie Spencer at the Pentagon, who handled six prior Super Bowls. Coordination involved NFL, NBC, FAA, and air traffic control, finalized recently. Navy joined late 2025 for joint interoperability, initially planning F-22s swapped for F-15Cs due to operational priorities. Aircraft assembled from Ellsworth AFB, Fresno, and Lemoore bases. The display replicated high-stakes combat training in busy San Francisco airspace, like Midnight Hammer operations. Spencer emphasized the “majestical display” for America 250, showing forces ready anywhere, anytime. Air Force live-streamed from the stadium roof starting 6:15 PM ET.
Military Pride and Tradition
Super Bowl flyovers trace to the 1970s as National Anthem traditions symbolizing unity and pride. This marked the first Air Force-Navy Super Bowl collaboration, scaled for the U.S. semiquincentennial, building on 2022’s Air Force Heritage Flight and rare 2005 joint precedent with different aircraft. The event highlighted warfighter readiness without extra taxpayer expense, using allotted flight hours. Military media called it an “airpower flex” and interoperability demo, providing rare public view of precision multi-unit operations. Spencer noted it reassures the public of strength and joint capabilities essential for national security.
'HOME OF THE BRAVE': Patriotic football fans erupt in cheers as a historic Air Force and Navy flyover soars above Super Bowl LX ahead of kickoff. pic.twitter.com/86rdUYROQn
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 9, 2026
Impacts on Patriots and Families
Over 60,000 Levi’s Stadium fans, including those watching New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks, and 100 million TV viewers witnessed the spectacle, fostering immediate patriotism and engagement. California communities near Fresno and Lemoore bases shared pride, alongside military families nationwide. Socially, it promoted unity; politically, signaled U.S. airpower to adversaries. Long-term, it strengthens public-military trust ahead of America 250 celebrations and elevates NFL-military partnerships. No incidents reported post-event, confirming flawless execution amid Trump’s leadership restoring American strength.
Sources:
F-22s pulled from Super Bowl flyover due to operations, planner says
High-stress, high-stakes: Behind-the-scenes look at Super Bowl flyover
