What Was a B-2 Stealth Bomber Doing Over Hudson Valley Skies?

There's no denying the longstanding Army vs Air Force rivalry, especially when it comes to the battle for the Commander-in Chef's trophy for college football. The annual Army vs. Air Force game is held on the first Saturday of November yearly, coming a month or so after the Navy vs. Air Force game in the beginning of October, and preceding the Army vs. Navy game on the second Saturday in December.

As with years past, the Hudson Valley was treated to a traditional flyover ahead of this weekend's big game in Colorado, but the rumbling in the sky on Thursday November 2nd definitely had some locals confused.

'Not So Stealth' Flyover Concerns Hudson Valley Residents

'Anyone know what this thing is?? It just flew over the SUNY campus' was one of the first posts that circulated social media on Thursday November 2nd when the  'B-2 Spirit - a multi-role bomber' glided through Hudson Valley skies.

Shortly after, photos began popping up in several Hudson Valley Facebook groups, filling the feeds of curious residents. The comments following the post below from the New Paltz Community grew to more than 130 in no time.

While some automatically assumed UFO presence (not surprising with our local connections and speculations on that topic), others were dead on in identifying the large aircraft that traveled across our area. Posts shifted from questioning what it was, to pointing out where it was seen flying next.

READ MORE: Reported UFO Sighting in New York State 'Turned Night Into Day'

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Why Did A B-2 Stealth Bomber Fly Over The Hudson Valley This Week?

So just why did this incredible flyover happen over the Hudson Valley on Thursday? According to West Point:

In conjunction with the annual Army vs Air Force rivalry, the academy expects U.S. Air Force aircraft to being their traditional flyovers above the skies of West Point next week in preparation for the football game.

Though the game is being played on 11/4 at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium in Colorado, the flights have become a part of the West Point traditions for quite some time.

In their statement warning area residents that they 'may see low-flying aircraft and additional noise during the flights,' the academy also shared some additional information about the aircraft and the training missions.

Flights are coordinated as part of routine training missions and are conducted in strict accordance with all government flight and safety regulations.

The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. A dramatic leap forward in technology, the bomber represents a major milestone in the U.S. bomber modernization program.

Take a look at the incredible flyover coverage below.

Were you one of the lucky ones to spot the B-2 Spirit gracing the Hudson Valley skies on Thursday? If so, please share your photos with us!

Remember when West Point hosted the first Army Navy game since 1943 back in 2021?