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U.S. Navy Helicopters Make Unplanned "Visit" to Packers Game

Published Aug 20, 2018 6:53 PM by The Maritime Executive

On Monday, the U.S. Navy said that it will investigate an unplanned helicopter flyover during Thursday night's preseason game between the Packers and the Steelers at Lambeau Field.

Two U.S. Navy Seahawk helicopters arrived at the Green Bay Packers' stadium during the first quarter, just after a touchdown. Video posted to social media showed the aircraft circling several hundred feet above the stands for at least 30 seconds, then departing. 

The flyover was not a planned part of the event, and local police and the Packers' management said that they were not given advance warning. Like other NFL football stadiums, Lambeau Field has a temporary flight restriction in place for one hour before and after each game as a safety measure. 

In a statement, a public affairs officer for Naval Air Forces said that the helicopters were in the area on a training mission. He added that the Navy "prides itself on being safe and professional in the air," and said that the service is still investigating the incident.

Planned military flyovers are not unusual before the start of Packers games, and several fans told media that they thought that it was a planned part of the event. "We just figured, 'Oh it's just part of the evening!' Last home game . . . Go Pack!" fan Joanna Minter told Fox News. 

Despite the disturbance in the first quarter, the Packers won, 51-34.