Bombers Over Super Bowl: A 250th Birthday Surprise

Jet fighter flying through clear blue sky.

Patriotic cheers erupted from 100 million viewers as bombers and fighters thundered over Levi’s Stadium, delivering the sound of freedom on America’s 250th birthday.

Story Highlights

First joint Air Force-Navy flyover at Super Bowl LX symbolizes inter-service unity and national pride.
Eight aircraft formation, led by B-1 Lancers, replaced F-22s due to real-world operations in Iran and Syria.
No taxpayer cost; event doubles as critical crew training for combat missions.
Fans felt raw power of American air dominance during Patriots-Seahawks matchup.
Ties into U.S. 250th anniversary with joint color guard representing all armed services.

Historic First: Air Force and Navy Unite for Super Bowl Spectacle

Katie Spencer, Air Force Sports Outreach Program Manager, spearheaded planning from summer 2025. Navy joined the Air Force-led effort, creating the first joint flyover at Super Bowl LX. Aircraft came from Ellsworth AFB for B-1 Lancers, Fresno ANG for F-15C Eagles, and NAS Lemoore for F/A-18 Super Hornets and F-35C Lightning IIs. This eight-jet formation targeted open-air Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026. Precision timing ensured “time over target” during the national anthem, amplifying the majestic display.

Operational Realities Force Swift Aircraft Swap

F-22 Raptors dropped from the plan in late 2025 due to Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on Iran in June 2025 and Operation Hawkeye Strike against ISIS in Syria from January to February 2026. Fresno Air National Guard F-15Cs filled the gap seamlessly. Steve Bultman, Air Combat Command aerial controller, approved the high-stakes maneuver. Planners coordinated with NFL, NBC, and FAA in January 2026. This adjustment showcased military adaptability, prioritizing combat needs over spectacle—a common-sense decision aligning with conservative values of readiness first.

Community day at Moffett Federal Airfield occurred Thursday before the game, engaging locals in STEM while crews rehearsed. Formation finalized two weeks prior: two B-1s, two F-15Cs, two F/A-18Es, two F-35Cs. Spencer called it the “coolest and loudest formation,” with B-1s leading to evoke strike precision.

Patriotic Echoes in a Divided Era

Super Bowl flyovers trace to demo teams like Thunderbirds and Blue Angels, evolving to heritage flights since 2018. Spencer planned six prior events, including 2022’s Air Force 75th anniversary flight. This flyover represented all services—Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard—via aircraft and Military District of Washington color guard. Fans erupted in cheers, feeling the “sound of freedom” amid 250th anniversary celebrations. Such displays boost recruitment and morale without fanfare or excess spending.

'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

Spencer emphasized training value, replicating ops like Midnight Hammer. Bultman focused on safety in high-stress conditions. No extra taxpayer dollars funded it; crews honed skills for real threats. Yesterday’s event, fresh on February 9, 2026, reinforced public support for military might during global tensions.