News - Super Bowl's Spectacular Sky Display: Meet the Pilots

In an extraordinary collaboration, the U.S. Navy and Air Force are coming together to perform a remarkable flyover for this year's Super Bowl, making it a truly memorable event before the game even begins. Captain Topoff, an experienced B-1 Lancer bomber pilot, waves off the notion of this flyover as merely ceremonial. Instead, he considers it a demonstration of the rigorous precision and timing that bomber pilots are meticulously trained for. With jets like the B-1 Lancer, F-15C Eagles, F/A-18 Super Hornets, and F-35C Joint Strike Fighters soaring together, this event represents an intricate coordination between the services, a synchronized dance of technology and skill that is a testament to their tight collaboration. The aircraft will originate from Moffett Federal Airfield, not far from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, where two premier football teams, the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, eagerly await their showdown on game day. “We're going to establish a holding pattern just south of the stadium,” shares Topoff, providing insight into the precise nature of their mission. The team can adjust flight timings dynamically, responding to the pacing of the national anthem with incredible accuracy, aided by advanced computer software aboard each aircraft. This technology ensures that their flyover is impeccably timed, right down to the final moments of the anthem. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Grier, who will take the lead in one of the Super Hornets, highlights the unique challenge of working closely with the Air Force. It's a bond they rarely get to forge but are embracing with thorough preparation and detailed rehearsals. Known as “The Bounty Hunters,” Grier’s squadron takes great pride in this opportunity, which followed their recent deployment to the Pacific. Highlighting the rigorous training and intense preparation, Navy ground coordinator Lt. Cmdr. Dewayne Hooper emphasizes the adaptability of the unit, seamlessly transitioning from a deployment mindset to state-side missions. As they return to normalcy, the squadron refines every detail of the flyover to ensure seamless execution, balancing duty with a touch of spectacle befitting the Super Bowl. Captain Topoff, along with the rest of the team, understands the pressure of performing on such a grand stage. Despite his personal allegiance to the Cardinals, the Super Bowl opportunity excites him, embracing the chance to showcase the disciplined precision of military aviation to an audience of millions. Meanwhile, Lt. Cmdr. Grier will be soaring with a symbolic cargo of American flags, handed to him by Navy retirees as tokens of honor to fly over the event. As a first-time Super Bowl attendee, Grier cherishes this experience, fueled by his passion for football and the camaraderie of his squadron. Reflecting on the sentiments shared by friends and family from his hometown, the pride in their voice resonates deeply with him as he prepares for this monumental occasion. Post-flyover, the aviation team will quickly shift gears to become spectators of the game, fully enjoying the fruits of their labor. Recognized by the stadium lights during halftime, their participation in the Super Bowl flyover not only highlights their skills and dedication but also fosters a sense of pride, joy, and community among the service members taking part.