As the excitement for Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara, California, ramps up, it’s not just the athletes on the field who are set to make history. This year’s pregame festivities will feature a dazzling military flyover, and for two small-town natives, the event marks the culmination of years of dedication and service. Braxton Smithson, a 29-year-old Morristown native, and Lieutenant Darren Sanchez, hailing from Weston, Wisconsin, are among the select few chosen to participate in the eight-aircraft display that will thunder over Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Smithson, a U.S. Navy petty officer first class, is no stranger to responsibility. With eight years of service under his belt, he’s accustomed to the pressure that comes with ensuring everything runs smoothly—literally. His role in the flyover involves serving as a mechanic and monitoring pressure levels aboard the aircraft, a job that demands precision and nerves of steel. “I never thought I’d be going to the Super Bowl at any point in my life,” Smithson admitted, reflecting on his journey from Morristown-Hamblen High School West, where he graduated in 2015, to the national spotlight. “And now I’m actually a huge part of the flyover, working on the aircraft to make sure they’re ready for it.”
For Smithson, the Super Bowl isn’t just another assignment—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and he’s determined to make every second count. The anticipation in his voice is unmistakable, and it’s easy to see why. After all, how many people can say they played a crucial role in one of America’s biggest sporting spectacles?
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Darren Sanchez is preparing for his own moment in the spotlight. A proud graduate of DC Everest Senior High School in Weston, where he was a quarterback for the football team and a pole vaulter in track and field, Sanchez’s journey has been anything but ordinary. After earning a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2019, he joined the Navy six years ago and now serves as a pilot assigned to the “Warhawks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97.
For Sanchez, the Super Bowl flyover is a career first—both as a pilot and as a sports fan. “We fly on a regular basis, so you kind of have the stick and rudder skills already kind of built up throughout, but we’ll go through a lot of briefings talking about site pictures and then discuss a ton about safety and how we’re going to execute this properly,” he explained to NewsChannel 7. The preparation is intense, involving not just practice flights but meticulous planning and coordination. The pilots and crew run through every detail, from formation patterns to safety protocols, ensuring that the spectacle above Levi’s Stadium goes off without a hitch.
“I’m just excited for the opportunity to just set no expectations, just take it all in as it comes. So I’m very, I’m very excited just to watch the game and see all of it,” Sanchez said. “I’m just very excited, very thankful to get the opportunity to do this.” His enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s clear that, despite the high stakes, he’s savoring every moment.
The flyover itself promises to be a showstopper. The eight-aircraft 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, and B-1B Lancers from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. It’s a logistical marvel, bringing together different branches and aircraft types for a unified display of precision and power. The roar of engines will mark the start of the game, setting the tone for a day of high-octane action both in the sky and on the field.
For the pilots and crew involved, the flyover is more than just a job—it’s a symbol of teamwork, discipline, and national pride. The preparation stretches back weeks, with countless hours spent in briefings, rehearsals, and safety checks. Every detail is scrutinized, from the timing of the formation to the condition of each aircraft. For Smithson, that means working tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that every system is functioning flawlessly. For Sanchez, it’s about executing the perfect flight plan, coordinating with fellow pilots, and representing the Navy with honor.
Once the flyover is complete, the pilots won’t simply head home. Instead, they’ll land their aircraft at the Air Force base, then board a bus to Levi’s Stadium, where they’ll join the crowd to watch the rest of the Super Bowl—marking Sanchez’s first-ever NFL game. It’s a fitting reward for their hard work, and one that both men are sure to remember for years to come.
The stories of Smithson and Sanchez are a testament to the power of perseverance and the value of service. Both men have traveled far from their hometowns, forging careers that have taken them to the skies and now, to the heart of one of the world’s most-watched sporting events. Their participation in the Super Bowl 60 flyover is a point of pride not just for their families and communities, but for everyone who values dedication and excellence.
As millions tune in to watch Super Bowl 60 on WBIR, few will realize the level of preparation and commitment that goes into the pregame flyover. For Smithson, Sanchez, and their fellow service members, it’s a moment to shine—a brief but unforgettable chance to showcase their skills on a global stage. And while the outcome of the game itself remains to be seen, one thing is certain: the flyover will be a highlight, a reminder of the men and women who serve with distinction both in the air and on the ground.
So as the jets roar overhead and the crowd erupts in anticipation, spare a thought for the small-town heroes making it all possible. For Smithson and Sanchez, Super Bowl 60 is more than just a game—it’s the realization of a dream, and a tribute to the spirit of service that defines America’s armed forces.
With the final preparations underway and excitement building, all eyes will be on Levi’s Stadium this Sunday. Whether you’re tuning in for the football, the halftime show, or the spectacular flyover, one thing’s for sure: this Super Bowl will be one to remember.