eogden@minotdailynews.com
A B-52 bomber from Minot AFB, like the one shown here, along with a B-2 and a B-1 to conduct a flyover during the national anthem performance at Super Bowl on Sunday.
Eloise Ogden/MDN
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – A B-52 bomber aircrew from Minot Air Force Base will have the opportunity of a lifetime when they are part of a first-of-its-kind flyover during the national anthem performance at Sunday’s 55th Super Bowl over Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
The trifecta bomber flyover will include the B-52 bomber “War Eagle” (Tail No. 55) from Minot AFB, a B-2 Spirit from Whiteman AFB, Missouri, and a B-1 Lancer from Ellsworth AFB, South Dakotal.
Trifecta of Air Force bombers to fly over Super Bowl
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(Compiled from Air Force Mag, Dakota News Now and Fox4 Kansas City) – The Air Force will mount a first-of-its-kind flyover of Super Bowl LV with all three types of strategic bombers, the service announced Jan. 25. The event will take place over Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 7.
The flyover, timed to coincide with the National Anthem, will include the 3 types of bombers:
B-1B Lancer from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
B-2A Spirit from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri
B-52H Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota
Patty-Jane is the policy analyst for nuclear deterrence and missile defense at The Heritage Foundation. President-elect Joe Biden is briefed by expert members of his national security and foreign policy agency review teams on December 28, 2020 in Wilmington, Delaware. Mark Makela / Stringer / Getty Images
Key Takeaways
Since our adversaries’ nuclear arsenals pose an existential threat to the United States, it is critical to ensure all elements of the triad remain viable.
Without LRSO missiles to threaten inaccessible targets, the Air Force could not perform its air-based nuclear mission.
When adversaries realize that the United States can so effectively hold their targets at risk, the threat of U.S. nuclear retaliation becomes more convincing.