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 |
Chief Petty Officer Justin Neathawk, a native of North Port, Florida, 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.
Neathawk, 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.
“When you put good and positive energy into the world, and you’re a good human being, good things return to you,” Neathawk said. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity and to be here.”
Neathawk attended North Port High School and graduated in 2009.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in North Port.
“Growing up in North Port has made me very resilient, which has made me successful in the Navy,” Neathawk said.
Neathawk joined the Navy more than 16 years ago.
“My decision to join the Navy was based solely on the fact of providing a better life for my future family,” Neathawk said.
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.
Neathawk 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/
Neathawk 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/