American airpower opener Published April 23, 2012 By Senior Airman Jessica McConnell Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- The aroma of stadium hot dogs, salted popcorn and fresh-cut grass filled the air. Thousands of fans poured into the stadium on April 9, eager to start the next season of baseball off with a bang. Die-hard Minnesota Twins fans were lined up in the local restaurant several hours before the game even began, all ready to engage in this all-American tradition of a sport we call Baseball. Perhaps it was the sheer excitement of opening day that made it so much more enjoyable to attend, or even the food and entertainment - yet one thing is certain, when the national anthem played and the stands fell silent, nothing could have closed the anthem better than the rumble of a B-52H Stratofortress. Moments after the national anthem came to a close, the roaring engines so many Airmen are all too familiar with, flew over the stadium from just above the scoreboard - the timing was spot on. Everyone cheered and felt a sense of pride while they watched this symbol of peace soar across the sky. Not only did the B-52 fly over at the most precise moment at the conclusion of the national anthem, but that flight also took place during the time in which the B-52 celebrates 60 years of flight, with the first flight of the B-52 Stratofortress taking place on April 15, 1952. "We specifically chose Minot Air Force Base for the flyover because we wanted to keep it local," said Kevin Smith, Minnesota Twins executive director of public affairs. "This is only the third time we've done a flyover on opening day, and the first time the B-52 has done it." The B-52 is requested for many events throughout the year ranging from Officer Training School, Basic Military Training, Air Force Academy and Reserve Officer Training Corps graduations, to sporting events, memorial flyovers, funeral flyovers, Airshow support, military ceremonies and veteran ceremonies. "It would be great to support many more flyovers, but mission and training requirements often preclude our ability to participate as often as we would like," said Maj. Darrin Morgan, 5th Operations Support Squadron director of scheduling. Morgan said the preparation for a flyover typically takes a couple of weeks, with the planning taking place about four to six weeks out from the event. "Planning involves determining the time, route of flight and type of flyover profile flown for the event itself," said Morgan. "Additionally, coordination with local airports, Air Traffic Controllers and the Federal Aviation Administration will be required for the flyby to take place in high traffic areas." Morgan said the most difficult part of the flyover is planning for contingencies. He said one must research other flyovers and ask questions to determine if every critical component and action is discussed in detail enough so that the mission can be a success even if things do not go as originally planned. "Changes in weather, changes in event timing and communication challenges must be fully understood by all participants from the event coordinators and the ground party to the aviators," Morgan continued. "A pre-mission brief between all of these parties is essential to reinforce the actions taken when contingencies and unexpected changes arise." While many might believe the sole purpose of a flyover is to increase morale and engage surrounding communities, another very important aspect of a flyover is the training opportunity it presents. "The flyover itself presents a valid, realistic training opportunity to meet critical timing and ground track objectives," he said. "The planning not only encompasses the flyover, but strategic mission requirements and training objectives must also be met, therefore making flyover missions challenging endeavors." Morgan also recognized the impact a flyover has on others not directly associated to the military. "For the community, the flyover provides a magical moment for many as the words 'home of the brave' come to an end at the conclusion of the National Anthem," said Morgan. "Many feel a sense of great pride in their nation as a jet roars overhead reminding them that the military is a critical element in securing and maintaining the freedoms we experience." For Airmen, Morgan said flyovers can generate pride, honor and fulfillment unlike many other experiences in the military. "For the crewmembers themselves, an immense feeling of military and national pride is experienced as the event takes place," he continued. "The crew senses the public's dedicated military support through cheers or other admiration. For the service members watching the event, a sense of organizational unity and pride is felt from knowing that they contribute to national security and maintaining the freedom of our great nation."