2025 B-2 Stealth Bomber Flyovers

The B-2 Stealth Bomber is a highlight of both the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game each and every New Year's Day.

The Rose Parade Flyover Tradition

The B-2 Spirit's flyover at the Rose Parade has been a tradition since the mid-1990s. Each year, the U.S. Air Force stealth bomber streaks across the skies above Pasadena, California, marking the beginning of a day steeped in tradition and celebration.

Despite interruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic and safety concerns in 2023, the stealth bomber flyover has been a consistent occurrence above the Rose Parade. The complexity of the mission, involving a 15-hour journey from Whiteman Air Force Base, the B-2 pilots beginning their New Year's Day mission at 2 a.m. Central Time (midnight on the West Coast), and the collective work of countless military personnel, speaks volumes about the dedication and coordination required for such a flyover.

At the Rose Bowl Game later in the day, the second B-2 flyover coincides with the conclusion of the National Anthem, creating a moment of sheer spectacle for the fans inside and outside of the Rose Bowl Stadium. For the pilots, many of whom have dreamed of this since childhood, it’s a career-defining moment.

B-2 Spirit, the U.S. Air Force's Stealth Bomber

The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, with its sleek design and formidable capabilities, is a marvel of military technology, even after being in service for several decades. Featuring a wingspan of 172 feet and the ability to operate over a distance of 6,000 nautical miles without needing to refuel, the B-2 is a formidable aircraft in the U.S. Air Force's arsenal.

The B-2 itself has been a long-standing participant at the Rose Bowl since 1997, although it was temporarily replaced by B-1B Lancers in 2023 due to a safety incident, which caused a temporary grounding of the entire B-2 fleet. Even though the B-2 Spirit will eventually be permanently succeeded by the B-21 Raider in the 2030s, it will forever have left its mark in the hearts and minds of fans who have attended the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Games over its decades of service.

The 111th Rose Bowl Game

The Rose Bowl Game, known as “The Granddaddy of Them All,” is held every year at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. Since its inception in 1902, the Rose Bowl Game has been a mainstay in college football. The 2025 Rose Bowl Game was no exception, serving as a College Football Playoff Quarterfinal. The stadium, adorned with roses and filled with the roaring cheers of fans, provided the perfect backdrop for this epic showdown.

This year’s tournament game featured the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Oregon Ducks, both powerhouses from the Big Ten Conference. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as the teams battled it out on the field. While the Oregon Ducks put forth a valiant effort, scoring late-game touchdowns to narrow the margin, the Buckeyes delivered a decisive performance, ultimately advancing to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. The final score of 41-21 was a testament to the Buckeyes' dominance and skill.

The 136th Rose Parade

The Rose Parade, established in 1890, draws thousands of visitors to Pasadena every year. This year marked the 136th anniversary of the parade, which features an array of flower-covered floats, high-stepping equestrian units, and spirited marching bands. Each float is a masterpiece of floral artistry, capturing the imagination and hearts of spectators along the 5 1/2 mile route down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California. The parade is a celebration of creativity and community, sharing the stage with the festivities of the Rose Bowl Game later in the day.

Behind the Scenes: Preparation and Coordination by Team Whiteman

The success of the B-2 flyovers at the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game is a testament to the dedication and expertise of Team Whiteman at Whiteman Air Force Base. This complex mission involves extensive preparation and taps a number of highly skilled individuals from throughout the 5,600 military personnel and 2,000 civilians at Whiteman Air Force Base.. Every detail is meticulously planned and executed to ensure the flyover’s flawless performance.

Planning begins a month prior, with crews mapping out every second of the operation, involving extensive briefings and maintenance checks, and covering every operational detail and potential variable. Two B-2 bombers are dispatched from Whiteman AFB for the flyovers, with one designated as a backup for each flyover to handle any potential operational issues. This level of preparation underscores the importance of the flyover and Team Whiteman's commitment to its success.

Timing is everything in this operation. Pilots must time their takeoff precisely to arrive at the corner of Orange Grove and Colorado Blvd in Pasadena within one to two seconds of the Rose Parade’s 8 a.m. start. Later in the day, after multiple training missions and air-to-air refueling, the second team of pilots must time their arrival over the Rose Bowl Game at the conclusion of the National Anthem. This level of precision requires not only technical skill from the pilots but also seamless coordination among multiple teams, highlighting the incredible effort behind the scenes to make the flyover a reality.

The 2025 Rose Bowl Game Marching Bands

Marching bands play a crucial role in both the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game, adding to the festive atmosphere and honoring both events long histories. This year, the talents of the Ohio State University Marching Band and the University of Oregon Marching Band were highlighted, each bringing their own unique flair and energy to both events.

Ohio State University Marching Band

The Ohio State University Marching Band, nicknamed “The Best Damn Band in the Land” or “TBDBITL,” is renowned for its intricate field formations, including the iconic “Script Ohio.” This year marked the band’s 16th appearance at the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game.

University of Oregon Marching Band

The University of Oregon Marching Band, commonly referred to as “OMB,” is known for its vibrant performances and spirited energy. This year, the OMB wore vibrant Nike-designed uniforms and were on the field during the National Anthem, unfurling a large American flag underneath the B-2 as it flew overhead.

Visual Spectacle: Photos and Videos

The B-2 Stealth Bomber flyover was captured in stunning detail by Los Angeles aerial photographer Mark Holtzman. Coordinating with ground authorities, Mark took aerial photographs of the B-2 flying over both the Rose Parade and later Rose Bowl Game from a Cessna, showing the stealth bomber against both the stadium and parade. The striking photos were widely circulated on social media, generating countless comments and leaving a lasting impression on viewers around the world.