Stealth bomber visits valley

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A B-2 stealth bomber paid a visit to the SGV and Pasadena areas Sunday.

I spotted the massive plane flying low directly above the newsroom shortly before 2 p.m.

Around the same time, residents in Arcadia and Monrovia reported they also saw the stealth warplane.

According to Edward’s Air Force Base spokesman Mike Strickler, the B-2 was in the area to fly over the funeral for former Secretary of the Air Force Vern Orr, who passed away lat month at age 92 at his Pasadena home and was buried Sunday in Pasadena.

The plane was part of the 509th Bomb Wing out of Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.

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24 thoughts on “Stealth bomber visits valley

  1. This such a rare occasion, like the planes on Veterans Day, why can’t the Air Force put out a Press Release prior, I thought it was for a Pearl Harbor tribute.

  2. I’m sure Mr. Orr was a great man, but a B-2 flyover… not once but twice?? How much do you think that cost? I’m thinking 15 or 20 million. I can also think of 15 or 20 million better causes for that kind of money.

  3. You only saw him fly over twice? We watched him fly over Foothill Blvd. in Monrovia at least 7 times. I would think that once he takes off, the number of passes doesn’t really run up the bill that much. Citizens were thrilled. On the 605 & 210 freeways people pulled over to the shoulder so they could get out and see it pass over.

    The planes need to fly every so often…why not do it to honor someone who meant so much to the Air Force.

  4. I was at my mother’s house in North El Monte putting up Christmas lights when it passed directly over me about 7 times. I was thrilled to see it pass over once and jumping up and down on the picnic table by the second fly-over. I thought it was a rare treat and from my mom’s place it was like an air show!

  5. I was at my mother’s house in North El Monte putting up Christmas lights when it passed directly over me about 7 times. I was thrilled to see it pass over once and jumping up and down on the picnic table by the second fly-over. I thought it was a rare treat and from my mom’s place it was like an air show!

  6. It flew directly over my home in Covina. We stood on our back patio and watched it about 7 times. So impressive to see up close like that!!

  7. Simply Awesome!! If my tax dollars are going to be misused, I prefer the Air Show. We dont (literally) get to see our vast amount of money being used overseas… At least we got to see 6 FULL wingspan turns of the B-2 bomber over Azusa. George Vernon Orr definitely worked hard to accomplish a distinguished and impressive career. What a great representation for SGV. The flyover was the icing on the cake, which still treated us with a feast for our eyes at the end.

  8. My husband and I had just arrived at the parking lot of Home Depot in Temple City when the ominous rumbling made us look up. It was amazing to see the Bomber fly directly over us. People were rushing from the store, and everyone in the parking lot was staring up to the sky and cheering for it. Just made you feel proud. We stayed outside and watched it make several more passes…a total thrill!! All I can say is, “Thanks guys, you made our day!!!”

  9. My husband and I had just arrived at the parking lot of Home Depot in Temple City when the ominous rumbling made us look up. It was amazing to see the Bomber fly directly over us. People were rushing from the store, and everyone in the parking lot was staring up to the sky and cheering for it. Just made you feel proud. We stayed outside and watched it make several more passes…a total thrill!! All I can say is, “Thanks guys, you made our day!!!”

  10. I don’t think they were necessarily wasting money for these guys train quite often anyway.They most likely went on a mission after or before the flyover plus a great man or women of the military who has sacrificed so much for us should be honored anyway.I mean after all you aren’t speaking German or Russian are you.

  11. Me and my kids were in Sierra Madre picking up our Christmas tree and saw it flying overhead. We were so excited and the kids were sticking their heads out of the car window.

    My favorite time of seeing the flyer was the Rose Parade right after 9/11. When it flew down Colorado Blvd. everyone was jumping up and down and crying.

    I know I was crying. God bless the man who passed away and let all of us be part of his celebration.

  12. I was hanging X-Mas lights and Santa USA Claus came early! That was just awesome the whole upper block of Madeline Drive (Upper Monrovia) came outside to see that beautiful site.God Bless Our Troops and RIP G.V.O.

  13. I remember seeing an SR-71 Blackbird fly over the valley in the early mid-60s, before its existence was publicly acknowledged. Though it did not have the true delta shape of the B-2, seeing that black wedge streak across the sky was bone chilling. With the shape of a viper’s head and the color of a Black Widow spider, these planes display their purpose and essential quality: lethal weapon. Although the lethality of the SR-71 was mostly confined to its crews, it was an awesome and terrifying sight, and a portent of things to come.

  14. Well actually, the flight crews have to have time in the air every month to keep flight status. Also, the aircraft costs far far less than “millions” to operate. probably less per hour than a commercial aircraft as the crew is paid a lot less and the fuel is cheaper.

  15. That was great! What a nice surprise. I love airplanes, my father was a fighter pilot trainer in World War II and planes have a special place in my heart. The Stealth Bomber was low, right over my house and circled about 6 times. It has such a surreal appearance. I am glad it was to honor someone who served our country. More should be done for these guys! Now, I will patiently wait and hope to see it on New Years morning over the Rose Parade!

  16. i thought the fly over was GREAT!!! Yes, i to wished it had been advertised, so i could of had my 2yr old son awake to watch. (he loves plans) It was an awesome site to see the bomber fly right over my azusa home. Not to mention the sound. Its nice to see the bomber come out for the public, especially when it only comes once a yr. My regards to the Orr family.

  17. @mwh – so you saw the Blackbird, one of the most secretive and well-kept Air Force projects of all time, flying over the (highly populated) valley in broad daylight when it was still a secret, huh? Really? HAHAHAHAHAHA. Dude what are you smoking, I want some of that.

    Also, BTW – only *one* crewmember, Jim Zwayer, died flying an SR-71, and it’s a reconnaissance plane, i.e. it takes pictures, calling it a lethal weapon is as silly as the rest of your post.

  18. Omg!!! It was amazing… I have seen fly overs quite a few times having grown up in the area but NEVER seen it sooo low.. It was such an honor watching this on my front porch with my american flag flying behind me. God Bless America!

  19. This was such a beauty to watch! I live in Covina, and all my neighbors and I were watching as this low flying beauty circled the area about 6 times.What an awesome tribute to Mr.Vern Orr. Thank you for sharing the moment with the community. The kids loved it! =)

  20. I saw the B-2 flying over Dodger Stadium several years ago. It was an amazing sight then and I’m sure it is now.

  21. I remember seeing footage on TV of the Russians and Germans rolling tank after tank and man after man by in parades to demonstrate their superiority. If one plane flys by to honor one man, it is not a waste of taxpayer money; it is a tribute to a man who gave to and for his country. If it also thrilled that country’s citizens and made them feel safer, alleluia! I would have loved to see that plane; it represents the ability of my country to let me sleep safe at night and the men and women who work to assure that.

  22. My girlfreind and I were driving on the 605 and we were in pure aw… When we first saw it looked like a kite but as it got closer I realized it was the b-2 stealth bomber and was just awstruck! It’s a great reminder of our powerful nation and our advanced technology… Makes me proud to be in American!

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