B-2 Stealth Bomber Flyover Pilots: It’s a Phenomenal Experience

A B-2 Spirit Stealth bomber, a symbol of American strength and power, is set to make a dramatic return to the New Year’s Day festivities in Pasadena, thrilling spectators at both the Rose Parade and The Rose Bowl Game on Monday after a year’s absence due to a B-2 fleet grounding in 2023.

The B-2’s thrilling flyover continues a tradition that has captivated audiences since 2005.

Pilots from the 393rd Bomb Squadron, Maj. “Thunder” Beck, Capt. “Hot” Dang, and Capt. “Nitro” Tencati will be at the helm of the B-2 as it soars over the celebrations. The crew’s meticulous planning and coordination with numerous support agencies ensure the flyover’s precision and safety.

Pasadena Now interviewed the trio.

Maj. Beck emphasized the extensive teamwork behind the scenes, highlighting the many “unsung heroes” who contribute to the success of such missions. 

“Getting to fly a B-2 is a phenomenal experience but requires the support of a lot of people who are the real unsung heroes of events like this,” Beck to Pasadena Now.

Capt. Tencati echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the essential support from mission planning teams, maintenance personnel, communications experts, and medical teams at Whiteman Air Force Base.

While specific details regarding safety measures and special considerations for the event were not disclosed due to operational concerns, the team said they are committed to showcasing the B-2’s capabilities. 

The ideal weather for the flyover would be clear blue skies, Maj. Beck said, though the crew is prepared to handle challenges such as icing, rain, and low ceilings. The National Weather Service said Sunday, Dec. 31, the weather should be cloudy but rain-free.

Interestingly, the B-2 will be supported by Air Force pilots on the ground along the Parade route and at the Rose Bowl, Maj. Beck said.

The timing of the flyover, synchronized with the start of the Rose Parade at 8 a.m., will be facilitated by real-time communication between the air and ground crews. This coordination also serves as valuable training for the pilots, demonstrating their ability to execute missions with global precision.

“During events, we have pilots positioned on the ground alongside Rose Parade and Rose Bowl personnel. They can relay real-time updates to the flying crews. Timing updates are passed by our ground crew via telephone to our flying supervisor at Whiteman Air Force Base who can communicate to the pilots flying via satellite communications. This way we can get updates quickly and regardless of where we are. If we are in the vicinity of Pasadena, we can also communicate with the pilots on the ground by using radio communications.”

Capt. Dang shared his personal connection to the event, having grown up watching the B-2 flyovers during the Rose Parade. 

Now, as a pilot, he hopes to inspire future aviators. Maj. Beck, an alumnus of the University of Alabama, expressed his pride in supporting the Rose Bowl from the air, reflecting on his journey from college freshman to B-2 pilot.

The B-2’s long-distance capabilities will be on full display, with the mission spanning 13-15 hours and involving aerial refueling from KC-10 tankers. This showcases the bomber’s unique global strike ability, a testament to the skill and endurance of its crews.

The B-2’s participation in the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game is not only a demonstration of military prowess but also a tribute to a century-old tradition. For the pilots and the community, the flyover symbolizes the event’s spirit, connecting generations and inspiring a sense of awe and national pride.

“The timing aspect of this event provides an excellent training opportunity for our crews. We pride ourselves in our ability to be anywhere in the world at any time and this is a great opportunity to show this skill on a large scale,” Maj. Beck said.