The Air Force confirmed Friday that F-22 Raptor stealth fighters originally scheduled to participate in Sunday’s Super Bowl LX flyover have been reassigned to operational missions, a decision that underscores the continuing demands placed on America’s military assets even during the nation’s most-watched sporting event.
The flyover will proceed as planned over Levi’s Stadium, but with a modified formation. B-1 Lancer bombers and F-15C Eagle fighters from the Air Force will join Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets and F-35C Lightning II jets in the display. The absence of the F-22s, however, serves as a reminder that the aircraft participating in such ceremonies remain on active standby, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
The change became apparent when observers noted that commemorative flight suit patches released ahead of the event still featured the F-22’s distinctive silhouette. Air Force officials explained that the patch reflected earlier planning stages, not an oversight.
Katie Spencer, manager of the Air Force’s Sports Outreach Program, said the original plan called for showcasing fifth-generation fighters from both services by pairing the Air Force’s F-22 with the Navy’s F-35C. That arrangement changed as operational requirements took priority.
“Operational tempo has increased,” Spencer stated, noting that the Raptors were reassigned to active missions before final approval of the flyover configuration.
While officials declined to provide specific details about the reassignment, the decision comes during a period of heightened American military activity across multiple regions. U.S. aircraft have recently conducted strikes against ISIS targets in Syria. Last year, F-22s played a significant role in Operation Midnight Hammer, supporting the B-2 bomber-led campaign against Iranian nuclear facilities. The advanced fighters also participated in Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela, where they established American air superiority over Caracas.
The modified flyover maintains its symbolic weight. The B-1 Lancer, a long-range bomber capable of delivering substantial conventional firepower, will lead the formation. F-15C Eagles from California’s Fresno Air National Guard Base were added late in the planning process to fill the gap left by the reassigned F-22s.
Military planners emphasized that the display serves multiple purposes beyond public spectacle. The event is designed to commemorate the nation’s approaching 250th anniversary while demonstrating both military heritage and current readiness.
Officials also noted that Super Bowl flyovers require no additional taxpayer funding. The flights are conducted as part of regularly scheduled training operations, allowing aircrews to practice precise timing, coordination, and maintenance procedures under real-world conditions.
“These flyovers serve as time-over-target training,” Spencer explained, adding that the same level of proficiency required during combat operations is developed through exercises like Sunday’s formation flight.
The decision to reassign the F-22s demonstrates the military’s commitment to operational readiness over ceremonial appearances. While the American public will witness an impressive display of airpower on Sunday, the most advanced fighters in the arsenal will be performing their primary mission: defending American interests wherever they may be threatened.
And that is the way it is.
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