The U.S. Air Force Kicks Off 75th Anniversary in Pasadena

The annual January 1 B-2 Stealth bomber fly over Colorado Boulevard and the Rose Bowl Stadium and a 75-man Air Force Band marching in the Rose Parade carried additional significance this year.

That pair of events marked the start of the 75th anniversary celebration of the U.S. Air Force.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. was in Pasadena for the New Year’s Day appearances.

Brown serves as the Air Force’s highest-ranking military officer.

Photos released by the Air Force showed Gen. Brown with Bob Miller, Tournament of Roses president, as they presented a cake in honor of the Air Force’s 75th birthday, and with an officer conducting the Air Force Band as they walked through a portion of the Rose Parade route before the parade.

Air Force anniversary celebrations will continue year-round with a series of activities among Air Force units and air bases throughout the globe, according to ABC news.

The Air Force was born on September 18, 1947, spinning off from the U.S. Army Air Corps to become a fully independent and capable branch of the U.S. armed services.

“Our commemoration of this important anniversary provides a chance to reflect on the amazing accomplishments of our service and those who have served among its ranks since 1947, while also celebrating the boundless future that lies ahead,” Brown said in a speech in Pasadena. “As the Air Force approaches its 75th anniversary, we have a responsibility to our nation and our international allies and partners. I am confident that our Airmen will continue to innovate, accelerate and thrive so that we can execute our mission to Fly, Fight, and Win… Airpower Anytime, Anywhere.”

The B2 Spirit that flew over the parade and the Rose Bowl Game later in the day was assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri and one of the pilots already had a connection to storied parade.

Captain Kyle Cassady’s father, Craig Cassady, played on the 1974 Rose Bowl-winning Ohio State team. Kyle is the grandson of Buckeye legend and running back Howard “Hopalong” Cassady, who won the Heisman trophy in 1955.

Cassady previously did a flyover over the stadium in Ohio, but never flew over Pasadena. “I have always dreamed of doing the Rose Bowl flyover,” Captain Cassady told a television station in Ohio. “I just remember when I was growing up hearing the fun and cool stories from my dad and my grandfather…and I know I am not playing in the game, but even having just a touch of something to bring to the Rose Bowl weekend, I think it is really cool for myself and for my family to celebrate.”

The Air Force Total Force Band that kicked off the Air Force’s 75th Birthday celebrations was composed of 75 active-duty and Air National Guard Airmen-musicians from 14 bands from

The U.S. Air Force Band in the 75th spot in the Tournament of Roses Parade lineup.

This 75th anniversary focuses on the theme “Innovate, Accelerate, Thrive – The Air Force at 75.” The Air Force said the theme captures a range of activities that will take place throughout the year and highlight the anniversary’s significance.