UPDATE: The iconic B-2 Spirit bomber executed a breathtaking flyover at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, at exactly 8 a.m. on January 1, 2025. This meticulously timed event required split-second precision and extensive coordination, thrilling thousands in attendance and millions watching nationwide.
The mission, conducted by airmen from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, marks a significant moment for the U.S. Air Force’s 509th Bomb Wing, showcasing their capabilities after a year of intense operations, including the historic strike on nuclear facilities in Iran. “It has been a very busy and very consequential year for the 509th Bomb Wing,” said Col. Joshua D. Wiitala, the new wing commander.
This year’s flyover not only highlights the technical prowess of the B-2 fleet but also serves as an emotional connection between the Air Force and the community, particularly as this is the first Rose Parade under Wiitala’s command. “Being able to just connect the broader public to their airmen is the best part of it for me,” he added.
The preparation for this flyover is no small feat. Pilots began their day at 2 a.m. Central Time, embarking on a three to three-and-a-half-hour flight covering more than 1,600 miles to reach Pasadena. Timing was critical, as the B-2 was scheduled to arrive over Colorado Boulevard with pinpoint accuracy, aligning perfectly with the start of the parade.
“We actually time national anthem singers,” Wiitala shared, emphasizing the importance of synchronization. Each year brings new singers with different rhythms, requiring the team to adapt and ensure the bomber’s arrival is perfectly timed with the end of the anthem.
The B-2 fleet executed two flyovers this year—one for the Rose Parade and another during the Rose Bowl. This dual mission involves deploying two B-2 bombers, with one serving as a backup. After the parade, the aircraft continued on a meticulously planned route, integrating additional training before returning for the Rose Bowl kickoff.
The flyover tradition has become a staple of the Rose Parade since the mid-1990s, though it faced interruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and operational pauses for safety reviews. “We love that connection with the local community,” Wiitala expressed, reflecting on the B-2’s origins in Southern California and the pride the team feels.
As the parade unfolded and the B-2 soared overhead, it was a moment of shared pride and celebration for the airmen and the community alike. With 4,000 airmen involved in making this mission possible, the B-2 flyover is more than just a spectacle; it underscores the vital role of the Air Force in national security while connecting with the American public.
With the successful execution of this year’s flyover, the 509th Bomb Wing continues to solidify its legacy, ready to take on future challenges while showcasing the capabilities of the U.S. Air Force.
