Navy Super Hornets Pay Tribute to President Carter with Historic ‘Missing Man’ Formation Flyover

In a significant tribute to a former commander-in-chief, eight squadrons from the Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic conducted a ceremonial flyover over Plains, Georgia, honoring President Jimmy Carter. This display of aerial prowess involved the “Fighting Swordsmen” of VFA-32, the “Blue Blasters” of VFA-34, and several other notable squadrons based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Pilots prepared at NAS Jacksonville before executing the commemorative event. The flyover featured a solemn missing man formation, a symbolic act where an aircraft ascends skyward to signify a departed soul.

Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, commander of Naval Air Force Atlantic, highlighted the profound respect embedded in this tribute. “The men and women of Naval Air Forces are privileged to celebrate the legacy of a leader whose entire life exemplified service to our nation,” Verissimo remarked.

Participating in this poignant moment was Lt. Cmdr. Brandon Allgood of the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, a Georgia-native whose connection to Carter extends through family. “Being part of this historic flyover has been an extraordinary honor,” Allgood expressed, reflecting on the personal significance tied to his grandfather’s political service during Carter’s presidency.

President Carter, an alumnus of the U.S. Naval Academy and a distinguished naval officer, was known for his roles on USS Wyoming and USS Barracuda. His naval career is fondly remembered and celebrated through such tributes.

Highlighting the historical weight of the event, Capt. Chris Dentzer, commodore of Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic, stated, “It is our honor to salute a remarkable naval officer whose legacy in and out of uniform inspires us. President Carter truly embodies the Navy’s core principles of honor, courage, and commitment.”

This flyover, which included a 21-plane formation, is one of many orchestrated by AIRLANT each year as part of its efforts to engage with communities and honor distinguished figures. Previous recognitions include a similar tribute featuring F/A-18E/F Super Hornets during President Carter’s milestone 100th birthday.

AIRLANT’s oversight extends to six nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and numerous squadrons, all operating under a mission of excellence and readiness. Through flyovers and other outreach efforts, they continue to project naval power and demonstrate a broad scope of capabilities and respect for past and present leaders.