Super Bowl XLI & The US Air Force

US Air Force Thunderbirds

to Kick Off Super Bowl XLI

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2007 - The U.S. Air Force's elite demonstration squadron, the "Thunderbirds," will help kick off Super Bowl XLI in Miami with a flyover of Dolphin Stadium on Feb. 4.

The team's six red, white and blue F-16 fighter jets will roar over in their signature six-ship Delta formation at the conclusion of the national anthem. The aircraft will fly over at about 500 feet and 450 miles per hour.

"We are honored to participate in the Super Bowl, especially this year, as the United States Air Force commemorates our 60th anniversary," said Lt. Col. Kevin Robbins, Thunderbird commander.

The flyover is just one of many events the Thunderbirds will participate in during 2007 to commemorate the Air Force's six decades of air and space power.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron is an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots (including six demonstration pilots), four support officers, four civilians and about 120 enlisted airmen performing in more than 25 career specialties. "Our job is to represent the thousands of airmen who serve their country on a daily basis, including the more than 25,000 fighting on the front lines in the global war on terror," Robbins said.

The Super Bowl is the nation's highest-rated TV program annually. According to the National Football League, more than 141 million viewers in the United States tuned in to the last Super Bowl game. Super Bowl XLI will be broadcast to a potential worldwide audience of 1 billion in more than 230 countries and territories.

NORAD Fighters

to patrol

Super Bowl XLI

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --

The Continental U.S. NORAD Region is stepping up its air patrols in the Miami-Dade area to increase security during Super Bowl XLI activities.

Spectators will see Air Force fighter jets over flying Dolphin Stadium during pre-game events, and in the local area during the game.

According to 1st Air Force commander Maj. Gen. Hank Morrow, the patrols are a smart, efficient way to protect American lives and resources in the region.

"NORAD protects a variety of national assets across the nation on any given day," said General Morrow. "In this instance we are increasing our sorties in the Miami-Dade area as part of our continuing resolve to protect our homeland and citizens during these major events."

In preparation for Super Bowl XLI NORAD fighters will make low approaches at several local airports Feb. 2, including Boca Raton, Pompano Beach Airpark, Fort Lauderdale Executive, Opa Locka, and Kendall-Tamiami Executive.

Air patrols are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure public safety while demonstrating NORAD's rapid response capability. NORAD has conducted air patrols throughout the U.S. and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle -- the command's response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The flights will have minimal impact on aircraft in the area and are not in response to any specific threat. "We want citizens to know that we remain dedicated to protecting their freedoms as we project our determination to preserve peace and our way of life," General Morrow said.