NORFOLK, Va. -- U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 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.
Lt. Tristan Dmitrijev, a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, is one of the pilots who participated in the flyover.
Dmitrijev is a 2012 graduate of Centennial High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Las Vegas.
“I moved around a lot, which taught me how to be flexible, resilient and tough,” Dmitrijev said. “Those traits have allowed me to overcome a lot of challenges.”
Dmitrijev joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Dmitrijev serves as a pilot assigned to VFA-103, known as the “Jolly Rogers,” operating out of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
“My dad, uncles, and cousin all served,” Dmitrijev said. “It’s always been something I wanted to do.”
Dmitrijev 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.
“It’s incredible to be participating in something so iconic and historical,” Dmitrijev said.
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.
Dmitrijev has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of becoming a pilot and earning my 'Wings of Gold,'” Dmitrijev said. “I’m also incredibly proud of becoming a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist and a landing signal officer in addition to being a naval aviator.”
Dmitrijev serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Dmitrijev can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” Dmitrijev said. “It’s an honor to serve my country.”
Dmitrijev is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d particularly like to thank my friends,” Dmitrijev added. “Alex, Ibrahim and Daniel – I wouldn’t be here without your support.”
Lt. Tristan Dmitrijev, a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, is one of the pilots who participated in the flyover.
Dmitrijev is a 2012 graduate of Centennial High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Las Vegas.
“I moved around a lot, which taught me how to be flexible, resilient and tough,” Dmitrijev said. “Those traits have allowed me to overcome a lot of challenges.”
Dmitrijev joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Dmitrijev serves as a pilot assigned to VFA-103, known as the “Jolly Rogers,” operating out of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
“My dad, uncles, and cousin all served,” Dmitrijev said. “It’s always been something I wanted to do.”
Dmitrijev 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.
“It’s incredible to be participating in something so iconic and historical,” Dmitrijev said.
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.
Dmitrijev has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of becoming a pilot and earning my 'Wings of Gold,'” Dmitrijev said. “I’m also incredibly proud of becoming a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist and a landing signal officer in addition to being a naval aviator.”
Dmitrijev serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Dmitrijev can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” Dmitrijev said. “It’s an honor to serve my country.”
Dmitrijev is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d particularly like to thank my friends,” Dmitrijev added. “Alex, Ibrahim and Daniel – I wouldn’t be here without your support.”