Published February 13, 2023
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U.S. Navy Lt. Calli Zimmerman piloting an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the “Fighting Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122, makes the 100,000th arrested landing on arresting cable number three, on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) on Sept. 26, 2020. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dylan Lavin).
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – During the 2023 Super Bowl National Anthem performance three Navy tactical squadrons will conduct a unified flyover. Lt. Cmdr. Calli Zimmerman, a native of San Jose, California, is one of the aircrew supporting the flyover.
The flyover formation includes two F/A-18F Super Hornets from “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122, a F-35C Lightning II from "Argonauts" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, and a EA-18G Growler from “Vikings” Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129.
Growing up in San Jose, Zimmerman graduated from Leigh High School in 2007 and later graduated from University of Nevada, Reno in 2011.
Skills and values similar to those found in San Jose are important to succeed in the military.
"Growing up, my family instilled in me a strong work ethic and determination in one's dreams," said Zimmerman. "The importance of this has carried me through the dedicated road of becoming a naval officer and aviator."
Zimmerman joined the Navy over 10 years ago.
"My father served in the Air National Guard as a C-130 pilot and opened my eyes to the world of aviation," said Zimmerman. "I joined the Navy to follow my dream of taking flight in the most superior fighter aircraft."
Today, Zimmerman serves as a naval aviator attached to Carrier Air Wing Two.
"My favorite part about being a naval aviator, is refining my skills in the aircraft and the continuous exploration of the edge of the envelope," said Zimmerman.
According to Navy officials, naval aviation is the best in the world because of its ability to harness the entire ocean as a runway.
As Zimmerman continues to train and perform missions, there’s a great deal of pride serving in the United States Navy.
"Serving in the Navy is a life fulfilling goal of mine," added Zimmerman. "Everyday I am continuing to evolve into the officer and pilot I want to be while serving my country and keeping those I love safe."
For additional content, please visit the Navy’s Super Bowl LVII feature page -https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/superbowllvii.
Zimmerman's parents both reside in Truckee, California.