URGENT UPDATE: The highly anticipated B-2 Spirit bomber flyover at Pasadena’s Rose Parade is scheduled for January 1, 2025, precisely timed to coincide with the national anthem. As millions gather, airmen from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri are preparing for this meticulously coordinated event that showcases the capabilities of the U.S. Air Force.
The flyover is not just a ceremonial display; it involves split-second timing and extensive collaboration with the Tournament of Roses and the FAA. The B-2 bombers will cover over 1,600 miles from Missouri, with pilots waking up around 2 a.m. Central Time to ensure they arrive over Colorado Boulevard within seconds of 8 a.m.
U.S. Air Force Col. Joshua D. Wiitala, the new commander of the 509th Bomb Wing, emphasized the significance of this year’s event. “It has been a very busy and very consequential year for the 509th Bomb Wing,” he stated. “We’re really looking forward to this flyover as a chance to connect with the American public.”
This year marks the first Rose Parade flyover under Col. Wiitala’s leadership, following a year filled with global deterrence missions, including the largest B-2 operational strike in U.S. history against nuclear facilities in Iran.
The flyover’s precision is vital, with two B-2s deployed to execute the mission—one as the primary aircraft and another as a backup. After the parade, the bombers will conduct additional training before returning for the Rose Bowl, aligning again with the national anthem for kickoff.
Timing is critical for the mission’s success. Crews meticulously calculate how long each singer holds the final word “brave” during the anthem, ensuring the bombers appear at the perfect moment. “We actually time national anthem singers,” Col. Wiitala explained. “That timing is really critical.”
The B-2 flyover has been a tradition at the Rose Parade since the mid-1990s, offering a rare opportunity for the Air Force to connect with the Southern California community, where the bombers were developed and maintained. Col. Wiitala expressed pride in the entire team that supports this mission, highlighting the involvement of 4,000 airmen across various specialties.
As excitement builds for the upcoming parade, this event is not just about showcasing military might; it serves as a vital training exercise for bomber pilots and a chance to celebrate the achievements of the 509th Bomb Wing.
Stay tuned for real-time updates as the flyover approaches, and prepare to witness this breathtaking display of precision and patriotism on New Year’s Day.
