Seven women in Super Bowl flyover
U.S. Navy aviators to conduct four-aircraft formation before Sunday’s big game.
For the first time in Super Bowl history, a team of women from the U.S. Navy will conduct the pregame flyover, commemorating 50 years of female pilots in the military branch.
They will fly the four-aircraft formation Sunday over State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., at the conclusion of the national anthem, according to the Navy.
Seven women will operate the fighter aircraft, and a majority female crew is maintaining the planes.
“It’s not a feeling I can even put into words,” Lt. Katie Martinez, a flight officer working on an aircraft to be used in the flyover, said in a statement. “It doesn’t get bigger than the Super Bowl, and I am humbled and honored to be able to participate with my friends and fellow naval aviators as part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The formation will include two F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jets, one F-35C Lightning II stealth combat aircraft and one EA-18G Growler electronic attack jet, which will depart from nearby Luke Air Force Base, officials said.
Palmdale native and USC graduate Lt. Lyndsay Evans, who joined the Navy eight years ago, will be electronic warfare officer in the two-person Growler.
“I joined the Navy to serve my country,” she said. “Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than yourself.”
Eight women in 1973 were the first to enter U.S. Navy f light school, and a year later six earned their wings, becoming known as “The First Six.”
Here are the women who will make history Sunday:
Flying the two F/A-18F Super Hornets:
■ Lt. Arielle Ash, pilot, of Abilene, Texas
■ Lt. Saree Moreno, weapon systems officer, of Tampa, Fla.
■ Lt. Naomi Ngalle, weapon systems officer, of Springfield, Va.
■ Lt. Caitie Perkowski, pilot, of Albuquerque
Flying the EA-18G Growler:
■ Lt. Margaret Dente, pilot, of North Salem, N.Y.
■ Lt. Lyndsay Evans, electronic warfare officer, of Palmdale
Flying the F-35C Lightning II:
■ Lt. Suzelle Thomas, pilot, of Birmingham, Ala.