Pilots from Beale Air Force Base were part of an addition to the American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard was on the tee at hole 17 Saturday with the playing of an abbreviated version of Jimi Hendrix’s National Anthem as two USAF-T-38 aircraft flew overhead.
Everybody was chanting, “USA! USA!” This was a part of the tournament’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday.
The pilots, who are part of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, visited the tournament on Sunday with a stop by the media tent for interviews.
The two pilots, call sign Jester and call sign Nova, have known each other for 20 years since their days at the Air Force Academy. They said it takes practice and precision to be able to be in formation so close together (three feet wingtip to wingtip). They will be joined by two other T-38 planes in formation at Beale’s annual Open House -April 17-18, 2027.
Flying over a golf tournament isn’t part of their normal workday.
“We usually fly places that, for mission requirements, aren’t necessarily going through the best experiences at the time,” said Jester. “We’re trying to help people out in need. This was a great experience because we were practicing for that, but we were doing it in an environment where everyone was having fun, everyone was feeling good. And we really love the camaraderie and the sportsmanship at this event. And it was great, absolutely top.”
