The New Year’s Day Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, featured a meticulously timed flyover by a B-2 Spirit bomber, an event that combines military precision with public celebration. This year’s flyover was executed by airmen from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, showcasing their capabilities as they navigated one of the busiest airspaces in the United States.
The flyover, which coincides with the final note of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” requires extensive coordination and split-second timing. Col. Joshua D. Wiitala, the newly appointed commander of the 509th Bomb Wing, expressed pride in the mission, stating that it is a chance to connect with the American public and highlight the achievements of the Air Force over the past year.
In 2023, the 509th Bomb Wing had a notably active year, marked by frequent deployments and significant missions, including a major strike on nuclear facilities in Iran. “It has been a very busy and very consequential year for the 509th Bomb Wing,” Wiitala noted. “We’re really looking forward to this flyover as a chance to just connect with the American public.”
The Rose Parade has become a tradition for the B-2 Spirit, which represents the only stealth bomber unit in the U.S. Air Force. The connection to the local community is particularly meaningful, as the aircraft were built and are maintained at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Palmdale, California. “We love that connection with the local community here in the B-2 community,” Wiitala said. “Having been able to do this for over 30 years just makes it a great event.”
Achieving the flyover’s precision is no small feat. Coordination involves multiple agencies, including the Tournament of Roses and the Federal Aviation Administration. The flyover takes place in an intricate airspace that is particularly busy during the parade. Wiitala emphasized the importance of planning, which includes extensive briefings and maintenance checks to ensure every detail is addressed.
On New Year’s Day, the pilots begin their day early, awakening around 2 a.m. Central Time for their three- to three-and-a-half-hour flight from Whiteman Air Force Base, covering over 1,600 miles. The goal is to arrive over Colorado Boulevard within seconds of 8 a.m., in sync with the start of the parade.
The 2025 flyover included two B-2 bombers, with one designated as the primary aircraft and the other as a backup. This arrangement allows for two synchronized flyovers: one for the parade and another for the Rose Bowl. The timing of these events is meticulously calculated, including synchronization with the national anthem sung before the football game.
“Being able to just connect the broader public to their airmen is the best part of it for me,” Wiitala added, reflecting on the importance of the event in connecting the Air Force with the community. Since the mid-1990s, the B-2 flyover has become a highlight of the Rose Parade, showcasing one of the military’s most advanced aircraft to millions of spectators.
For Wiitala, this year’s flyover held personal significance as it marked his first as the wing commander. Having attended college in Washington, he recalled visiting Pasadena but had never experienced the Rose Parade firsthand. “I have not been (to the parade), I’m really looking forward to it,” he shared.
The B-2 flyover not only serves as a ceremonial display but also acts as a valuable training exercise for pilots, reinforcing their skills in a real-world context. The mission encapsulates a broader narrative of military service, community connection, and national pride, making it a significant event in the New Year celebrations.
