Content provided by Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125 conducted a unified flyover during the national anthem prior to the 2024 NFC Championship Game, where the San Francisco 49ers hosted the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Jan. 28.
Lt. Mark Danielson, a native of Plymouth, Indiana, was one of the pilots who flew in the flyover.
According to Navy officials, the flyover formation included both the F35-C Lightning II, a combat-ready fifth-generation fighter, and the FC-16, a supersonic multirole fighter aircraft.
Danielson, a 2009 graduate of Plymouth High School and 2013 Purdue University graduate, joined the Navy nine years ago.
“I joined the Navy because of a long-held desire to serve and defend our great Nation, along with having a deep respect and admiration for those that have served before me in the challenging pursuit of carrier aviation,” said Danielson.
Today, Danielson serves as a naval aviator assigned to VFA 125 operating out of Lemoore, California.
“When I got the call to do the NFC Championship flyover, I felt honored and extremely fortunate to be given this unique opportunity, especially since I grew up a San Francisco 49ers fan looking up to Jerry Rice as a role model due to his legendary work ethic,” said Danielson.
As Danielson continues to train and perform missions, there is a great deal of pride serving in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means contributing to a higher calling and purpose in life,” added Danielson. “I am blessed to serve alongside some of our Nation’s best people and take great responsibility in honoring the heroic warfighters of the past while forging forward to uphold the Navy’s highest standards and traditions into the future.”
