CV-22 Osprey aircraft flyover Lambeau Field

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joseph Pick
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
On Sunday, game day for the majority of the NFL, the crowd of green and yellow, and blue and white in Lambeau Field, here, drew silent as John Vincent, the national anthem singer, began to sing.

Four CV-22 Osprey aircraft assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing's 8th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., powered the audience of 78,481 with the chopping sound of the aircraft rotors as fireworks showcased the closing notes of the Star Spangled Banner. The flyover marked the first time that the 8th SOS performed a flyover for an NFL game.

The 8th SOS showcased their assets as a way for the city of Green Bay to see firsthand one of the many capabilities of Air Force Special Operations Command and the 1st SOW.

"When I flew over, I saw a stadium full of freedom-loving Americans enjoying and seeing what their military is capable of," said Lt. Col. Christian Helms, commander of the 8th SOS. "The flyover showed those who typically are not exposed to the CV-22, what the aircraft can do."

During the third quarter of the game, aircrew with the 8th SOS were introduced to and applauded by the Green Bay Packer organization and fans.

"As a lifelong Packer fan and having grown up in Wisconsin, being able to go onto Lambeau Field was a surreal experience and a childhood dream come true," said Master Sgt. Kirk Everhard, a flight engineer with the 8th SOS.

Days before the game, Air Commandos with the 8th SOS were greeted by members of the Green Bay Packers organization and their families. Air Commandos showed the capabilities of the CV-22 Osprey by giving members of the organization a walkthrough of the aircraft and answering questions.

"I hope the people of Green Bay learned that regardless of what they read in the news or see on television, America is strong," Helms said. "Air Commandos of the 1st SOW are exceptional men and women that every American has a right to be proud of and can put their faith and trust in."