The skies were cloudy. The rain was coming down. Bystanders and Pasadena were prepared to hear the thunder, but not from the weather, rather the B-2 bomber flying over to signify the start of the annual Rose Parade.
However because of the first rain in 20 years on the parade, the B-2 bomber was a no go.
Also see: Inside the once-planned B-2 bomber flyover at Pasadena’s Rose ParadeThe B-2 bomber moment is typically just a matter of seconds for those who know it’s coming, and packs a huge punch as it roars echo through the Colorado Boulevard corridor, which is most of the parade route.
The mission, flown by airmen from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, requires split-second timing, extensive coordination and careful navigation through some of the busiest airspace in the country.
This year’s flyover was set to come at a different moment for the Air Force’s 509th Bomb Wing, which operates the B-2 fleet. It caps one of the busiest operational years in recent memory and marks the first Rose Parade flyover under U.S. Air Force Col. Joshua D. Wiitala, the wing’s new commander.
Much of the past year has been marked by frequent deployments as the wing carried out global deterrence missions. In June, B-2 bombers were part of a major U.S. strike on nuclear facilities in Iran — the largest B-2 operational strike in US history.
“It has been a very busy and very consequential year for the 509th Bomb Wing,” Wiitala said in a recent interview. “We’re really looking forward to this flyover as a chance to just connect with the American public, connect with the Tournament of Roses team down there and just showcase what this team is capable of and celebrate what this team has accomplished this year.”
The typical Jan. 1 plan is that the wing is set to execute two tightly-timed flyovers — one for the Rose Parade and another for the Rose Bowl.
To make that possible, two B-2 bombers are deployed for the mission: one serving as the primary aircraft and the other as an airborne spare. Between them, the wing carries out both flyovers.
After the parade route, the aircraft continue on a carefully planned path that includes additional training before returning to Southern California for the Rose Bowl –– this time synced to the national anthem before kickoff.
Related Articles
When is the last time it rained on the Rose Parade? It’s pretty rare For the first time in 20 years, rain is in store for the Rose Parade. But for die-hard fans, no problem Rose Parade 2026 awards announced: Top honor goes to Cal Poly Universities Who are Capital Cities and DEK of Hearts? All about the 2026 Rose Parade’s grand finale Who is John Foster? All about the 2026 Rose Parade performerHence then, the article about unprecedented rain grounds annual b 2 bomber flight over the rose parade was published today ( ) and is available on The Orange County Register ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Unprecedented rain grounds annual B-2 bomber flight over the Rose Parade )
Also on site :