B-1 to replace B-2 for Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game flyovers due to Spirit fleet stand-down after recent incident in which a B-2 was damaged at Whiteman AFB

B-1 to replace B-2 for Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game flyovers due to Spirit fleet stand-down after recent incident in which a B-2 was damaged at Whiteman AFB

By Dario Leone
Dec 19 2022
Share this article

Whiteman AFB B-2 aircraft will not be participating in the 2023 Rose Parade or Rose Bowl Game flyovers. Instead, B-1 Lancer bombers from Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, will carry on the tradition.

Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB) will not be participating in the 2023 Rose Parade or Rose Bowl Game flyovers. Instead, B-1 Lancer bombers from Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, will carry on the tradition.

At the direction of the Air Force Global Strike Commander, Whiteman AFB will have a safety pause of B-2 flights in order to inspect the fleet following an incident Dec. 10, 2022, in which a B-2 Spirit was damaged on the runway at Whiteman AFB after successfully completing an emergency landing.

As already reported the emergency landing took place while the bomber was involved in routine operations.

An in-flight malfunction prompted the landing, which caused damage to the runway.

Following the landing, a fire broke out. A base spokesperson confirmed it was extinguished by Whiteman’s fire department.

No injuries were reported, per the spokesperson.

Investigation into the incident is ongoing.

B-1B print
This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. B-1B Lancer 28th FW, 34th BS Thunderbirds, EL/86-129 / 2005

According to a NOTAM, or “Notice to Airmen,” published on Dec. 10 at 2300 hrs, the base’s sole runway 01/19 was closed from that time the NOTAM was published till Dec. 16, 2359 hrs.

“Our number one concern is the safety and security of our personnel and fleet. We deeply regret having to make this decision so close to the event, but we are committed to returning to Pasadena in 2024,” said US Air Force Col. Daniel Diehl, 509th Bomb Wing commander, said in a 509th Bomb Wing news release. “Although we are not participating in this flyover, we remain steadfast in our commitment to answer our nation’s call.”

According to Alert 5, the Rose Parade, also known as the Tournament of Roses Parade, is an annual parade held in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day. The parade features floats decorated with flowers, marching bands, and equestrian units, and is televised nationally. It is followed by the Rose Bowl, a college football game played at the Rose Bowl Stadium.

The Rose Bowl is one of the oldest bowl games in American college football and is often referred to as “The Granddaddy of Them All.” It is the oldest bowl game that is still played on its original site and is a tradition that dates back to 1902. The Rose Bowl is a major college football event and is typically one of the most highly anticipated and watched games of the season.

The B-1B Lancer is a critical component of our Air Force’s strategic bomber fleet. Like the B-2, the B-1 has a rich history and will represent Striker nation well, carrying on the bomber tradition at the Tournament of Roses.

Photo credit: U.S. Space Force image by Van Ha

B-2 print
This model is available from AirModels – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS.

Share this article

Dario Leone

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share this article


Share this article
Share this article

Always up to date! News and offers delivered directly to you!

Get the best aviation news, stories and features from The Aviation Geek Club in our newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.

Error: Contact form not found.


Share this article
Back to top
My Agile Privacy
This website uses technical and profiling cookies. Clicking on "Accept" authorises all profiling cookies. Clicking on "Refuse" or the X will refuse all profiling cookies. By clicking on "Customise" you can select which profiling cookies to activate. We and our selected ad partners can store and/or access information on your device, such as cookies, unique identifiers, browsing data. You can always choose the specific purposes related to profiling by accessing the advertising preferences panel, and you can always withdraw your consent at any time by clicking on "Manage consent" at the bottom of the page.

List of some possible advertising permissions:

You can consult: our list of advertising partners, the Cookie Policy and the Privacy Policy.
Warning: some page functionalities could not work due to your privacy choices