By ASHLEY CRAIG
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.
Lt. Dalton Stewart, a native of Oakdale, 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.
Stewart serves as a pilot assigned to VFA-2.
“Being a huge football fan, getting to fly over the biggest football game of the year is a really cool experience to have,” Stewart said.
Stewart attended high school at Oakdale High School and graduated in 2015. Additionally, Stewart earned a bachelor’s in criminal justice from San Diego State University in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Oakdale.
“Growing up in a small town taught me the importance of having a strong work ethic,” Stewart said.
He joined the Navy seven years ago.
“I began flying while in college, and the Navy provided an opportunity to serve while being able to fly,” Stewart said.
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.
Stewart 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.
