MILLINGTON, Tenn. – During the 2026 Super Bowl national anthem performance, members of four U.S. Navy tactical squadrons will conduct a unified flyover with members of the Air Force.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Trace Gorsuch, Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego |
Petty Officer 1st Class Justin Martin, a native of Lyndhurst, Ohio, is among those supporting the Feb. 8 flyover above Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The eight-aircraft flyover formation will include F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets and F-35C Lightning IIs from Naval Air Station Lemoore in California, F-15C Eagles from Fresno Air National Guard Base in California and B-1B Lancers from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.
The “Stingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113, the “Bounty Hunters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2 and the “Golden Dragons” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192 will represent the Navy in the F/A-18, and the “Warhawks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97 will represent the Navy in the F-35C.
Martin, who serves as an aviation electronics technician, is one of the sailors tasked with maintaining the aircraft for VFA-113. The driving force behind keeping naval aviators safely in the air is the maintainers on the ground making repairs and ensuring the aircraft are mission-ready.
“Participating in this event means turning dedication into action,” Martin said. “It reflects my passion, commitment and pride in being involved with an effort that matters.”
Martin attended Brush High School and graduated in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lyndhurst.
“Growing up, I learned to leave it better than you found it,” Martin said. “Be and do the best you can.”
Martin joined the Navy 12 years ago.
“I joined the Navy for the opportunities that it offered,” Martin said. “For example, not many organizations let you retire at 38 years old with life experience and 20 years of service. The Navy broadens horizons and enables you to gain experience with life in a ‘controlled’ environment. In the Navy, we are one unit that won’t let each other fail, and being part of it and the support we get is something that I wouldn’t pass up.”
Naval aviation provides the Navy and our nation with a flexible, adaptable and lethal force to preserve peace, respond in crises and win decisively in combat. The U.S. Navy maintains and operates more than 2,000 aircraft to fulfill various mission sets in order to preserve the American way of life and ensure freedom, security and prosperity.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. The aircraft take off from and land aboard Navy aircraft carriers at sea and are capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land.
Martin serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
Martin serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/