WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Missouri -- Whiteman Air Force Base will not be participating in the 2023 Rose Parade or Rose Bowl Game flyovers. Instead, B-1B Lancer bombers from Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, will carry on the tradition.
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.
“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 U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Diehl, 509th Bomb Wing commander. “Although we are not participating in this flyover, we remain steadfast in our commitment to answer our nation’s call.”
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.
For up-to-date information, please visit www.whiteman.af.mil or contact 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs at 660-687-5727 or by email via 509bw.PublicAffairs@us.af.mil.