KANSAS CITY, Mo. — From Arrowhead Stadium to an even bigger stage: a B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber from the Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri will perform a flyover at Super Bowl LV.
“We’re thrilled and excited and so many emotions," U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jessica Gibson said.
The first-of-its-kind trifecta flyover with three bombers will happen over Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, during the national anthem.
“I think the word that comes to mind is just honored and blessed to be a part of it and to put air power on display for the American people," Maj. Anthony Mascaro said.
The Air Force performs nearly 1,000 flyovers each year.
Mascaro said the best part for the pilot is being "on-time and on-target," flying over the stadium in sync with the national anthem singer.
"As you’re coming in and you look out the window, you see the stadium and then your goal is to time it right as the singer hits that last note, 'land of the free, home of the brave,' and you’re right over the top of the stadium pushing the throttle up and the giant engine roars and the crowd is all excited and goes wild," Mascaro said. "It’s just a proud moment for our country and for our base."
The travel from Missouri to Tampa will take the stealth bomber about three hours.
In order to be in the right place at the right time, Gibson said the bomber is constantly being worked on.
“Yeah, we’re still very much working on and keeping and maintaining all the way up until we leave next week," Gibson said.
Team Whiteman will be represented in the air and on the ground at Super Bowl LV.
The B-2 Spirt will fly back to its base following the flyover while those on the ground will get a seat to the game.