The skies above Super Bowl LX will roar with military might as eight aircraft from joint U.S. Air Force and Navy forces are set to streak over Levi’s Stadium in a precisely choreographed flyover on February 8, 2026.
The formation — timed to coincide with the final note of Charlie Puth’s national anthem performance — will feature a rare collaboration between branches as the Seattle Seahawks face off against the New England Patriots. Military officials have confirmed the display includes two B-1B Lancers from Ellsworth Air Force Base, two F-15C Eagles from Fresno Air National Guard Base, and four Navy aircraft: two F/A-18E Super Hornets and two F-35C Lightning IIs from Naval Air Station Lemoore.
Last-Minute Aircraft Swap
The impressive aerial showcase wasn’t without its hiccups. Originally planned F-22 Raptors were pulled from the lineup due to operational needs, with F-15s from the California Air National Guard stepping in as replacements. “Our Guard members have stepped in to fill that role, and we’re super grateful for that,” Katie Spencer, Sports Outreach Program manager for the Department of the Air Force, told reporters.
The California Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing, which regularly trains to protect airspace over the Bay Area, will now have a spotlight moment during America’s biggest sporting event. These same pilots are tasked with defending the airspace around Levi’s Stadium during the game, according to military officials.
“It’s a privilege to be here supporting the Super Bowl and flyover,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas Keegan, wing commander, in a statement about the event.
Months of Preparation
What does it take to coordinate eight military aircraft flying in formation over a stadium packed with 70,000 fans while timing the pass to the final note of the national anthem? Months of meticulous planning, it turns out.
The logistics behind the flyover began far in advance, involving intricate coordination between military branches, the NFL, broadcasters, and the FAA. Moffett Air National Guard Base has been serving as the staging area, providing flightline space, security, fuel, and workspaces for crews preparing for the big moment.
“Air Force and Navy have worked very much in stride. They’ve been super accommodating with their facilities, with what we need to do to get our jets ready to man up for this joint flyover we’re doing,” one military official explained.
Historic Significance
Beyond the spectacle itself, this year’s flyover carries special meaning. The event commemorates America’s 250th anniversary and marks the first-ever joint Air Force-Navy Super Bowl flyover, sources indicate.
Spencer believes the audience — both in-stadium and the millions watching worldwide — is in for something extraordinary. “And so I think the fans are really going to see something special, and they’re going to hear something special,” she said. “They’re going to feel the sound of freedom in the pits of their soul when this formation flies over.”
The flyover represents more than just military precision. It’s a carefully orchestrated moment of national pride on America’s biggest stage, with Levi’s Stadium — home of the San Francisco 49ers — serving as the backdrop for an aerial display that will last mere seconds but require hundreds of hours of preparation and coordination.
As the final preparations continue, one thing is certain: when Charlie Puth hits that final note of the Star-Spangled Banner, all eyes — and cameras — will shift skyward for a fleeting moment of thunderous patriotism before the focus returns to the field for kickoff.
