By Ensign Han Fiori-Puyu
Navy Office of Community Outreach

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.

Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Bradley, a native of Plymouth, Massachusetts, 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.

Bradley, who serves as an aviation structural mechanic, 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.

“This flyover gives military aviation the chance to show everyone a little bit of what we do and the difference we make to the country’s national defense,” Bradley said. “Being a part of celebrating 250 years of this country’s independence is an immense honor.”

Bradley attended Plymouth North High School and graduated in 2006.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Plymouth.

“Growing up in Plymouth taught me that hard work is good work, because it builds character, and I have applied that to my military career every day,” Bradley said.

Bradley joined the Navy 17 years ago.

“The opportunity to make a big change to my life in a positive way inspired me to join the Navy,” Bradley 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.

Bradley 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/