MIAMI, Fla. — A pair of Air National Guard units will work with NORAD and Homeland Security on Sunday as they keep a watchful eye on the sky during Super Bowl LIV.
Two Florida Air National Guard 125th Fighter Wing F-15C Eagles based at Tyndall AFB will patrol the region during Super Sunday. Meanwhile, it will be the job of a KC-135R Stratotanker from McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Tennessee to keep the two jets fueled.
A pair of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to the Customs and Border Protection are already on patrol. The Black Hawks are patrolling the area around Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens and the nearby coastline, including Bayfront Park.
“While there is no specific or credible threat to the Super Bowl, it is an extremely high risk and iconic American event,” Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf said on Wednesday. “Not only does an event of this nature lend itself as a possible target for violent actors and potential terrorists, but it’s also an attractive destination for human trafficking activity and the sell of counterfeit goods.”
Homeland Security also reminded the public of the no-drone policy around the Super Bowl region. The FAA has issued several NOTAM‘s for the region effective January 31 to February 2, for aircraft pilots.
“We ask the public respect the no-drone zone and temporary flight restrictions this weekend,” Wolf added. “Those who knowingly use drones unlawfully will be prosecuted.”
The Navy and Marines will be well represented during the traditional pregame flyover as the National Anthem concludes. Four jets are scheduled to fly in close formation above Hard Rock Stadium.
MCAS Beaufort pilot Maj. Adam Wellington will fly a F-35B Lightning II in the fourth position. He will join a Navy F-35C, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet; and Navy pilot Lt. Taylor Burgart Jr of Washington’s VAQ-129 will fly a EA-18G Growler during the Super Bowl flyover at about 6:26 p.m. EST.
Super Bowl LIV is set to kick-off on Sunday at 6:33 p.m. EST. The San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs will play for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)
