NORFOLK, Va. -- U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81 conducted a flyover during the national anthem prior to the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic, where the Atlanta Braves took on the Cincinnati Reds at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua Lytle, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the warrant officers who supported the flyover.
Lytle is a 2005 graduate of Stratford High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those Lytle found in Charleston.
“My parents were big on instilling a strong work ethic, humility, punctuality, honesty and moral character into my brothers and I,” Lytle said.
Lytle joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Lytle serves as a chief warrant officer assigned to VFA-81, known as the “Sunliners,” operating out of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
“I joined the Navy at the age of 22 to provide a stable life for my family and give my daughter a father to be proud of,” Lytle said. “It’s also about legacy and knowing that I’m a part of three generations of sailors. My grandfather, father and my uncle were all sailors.”
Lytle was part of the historic event, marking the first official National or American League baseball game to be played in the state of Tennessee, according to Major League Baseball officials. The flyover formation included the F/A-18 Super Hornet, a combat-ready strike fighter designed to face the advanced threats of the 21st Century, according to Navy officials.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman John R. Farren |
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua Lytle, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the warrant officers who supported the flyover.
Lytle is a 2005 graduate of Stratford High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those Lytle found in Charleston.
“My parents were big on instilling a strong work ethic, humility, punctuality, honesty and moral character into my brothers and I,” Lytle said.
Lytle joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Lytle serves as a chief warrant officer assigned to VFA-81, known as the “Sunliners,” operating out of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
“I joined the Navy at the age of 22 to provide a stable life for my family and give my daughter a father to be proud of,” Lytle said. “It’s also about legacy and knowing that I’m a part of three generations of sailors. My grandfather, father and my uncle were all sailors.”
Lytle was part of the historic event, marking the first official National or American League baseball game to be played in the state of Tennessee, according to Major League Baseball officials. The flyover formation included the F/A-18 Super Hornet, a combat-ready strike fighter designed to face the advanced threats of the 21st Century, according to Navy officials.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Lytle has achieved several accomplishments during his military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy so far would probably be going through the Chief Petty Officer initiation and having my family pin me as Chief,” Lytle said. “The process was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career.”
Lytle serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Lytle can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy is about committing to a purpose rooted in service, sacrifice and legacy,” Lytle said. “It means showing up every day with the intent to lead by example, support my shipmates and uphold the Navy’s values of honor, courage and commitment.”
Lytle is grateful to others for helping to make his Navy career possible.
“I’d like to give a shout out to both of my families back home, the Scott and Gray families, for believing in me and giving me the tools to succeed,” Lytle said. “I’d also like to give a shout out to friends back in Charleston and Pastor Patrick Earl Houston for keeping me grounded in reality.”