Redstone Test Center to Honor AAMU with First-Ever Game Day Aerial Salute
Army Apache Helicopters to Soar Over Louis Crews Classic in Historic Flyover
Alabama A&M University will open its 2025 home football season with history in the skies. For the first time, the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center (RTC) will conduct a game day flyover at Louis Crews Stadium, marking a powerful start to the Bulldogs’ home opener against Alcorn State University on Saturday, September 6, at 6 p.m.
As the national anthem reaches its final notes, two AH-64 Apache helicopters will sweep across the stadium, piloted by Army Experimental Test Pilots from Redstone Arsenal. The moment represents not only a thrilling display of aviation skill, but also a symbol of the deep and enduring ties between Alabama A&M University and the U.S. Army.
“This will be RTC’s first flyover in support of the home opener game at Alabama A&M, and we hope this engagement inspires an appreciation of the military in the community and all the ROTC cadets at AAMU who will soon be joining the military,” said an RTC spokesperson. “Our aviators spend countless hours testing aircraft, but they love the opportunity to share their skills in a flyover event.”
The Redstone Test Center, a subordinate command of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command headquartered in Aberdeen, Maryland, plays a vital role in testing aviation and missile systems for the Army. While its primary mission is technical and operational testing, RTC also supports select community events, including static displays of aircraft and outreach to inspire future military leaders. Alabama A&M’s ROTC Bulldog Battalion has benefitted from this partnership, with many AAMU graduates now serving as Army civilian engineers or officers.
The connection to this year’s game began when Kristol Williams, Executive Assistant to the Athletic Director and Director of Marketing & Fan Engagement, reached out to RTC following a previous flyover during Armed Forces Celebration Week in Huntsville. Williams worked with RTC leadership to help secure the necessary approvals for this milestone moment.
The four-member flyover crew includes Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ryan Reaves, Major Vincent Franchino, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Eric Echeverria, and Major Jaryd Bailey. Reaves will serve as lead pilot in command and air mission commander, with Franchino as copilot. Echeverria and copilot Bailey will crew the wingman Apache.
The flyover is part of the 15th Annual Louis Crews Classic, a celebrated tradition honoring the legendary AAMU coach. The weekend’s events include the Louis Crews Coach’s Breakfast on Friday, September 5, followed by a full day of activities on Saturday. Highlights include “On The Hill Live” on Fox54 WZDX at 8:30 a.m., an Alabama A&M volleyball match against Miles College at 10 a.m., an Art and Literary exhibition from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Event Center, the Bulldog Walk at 4:30 p.m., and the much-anticipated football matchup against Alcorn State at 6 p.m.
With the roar of Apache helicopters overhead and the excitement of Bulldog football on the field, the 2025 Louis Crews Classic promises to be a weekend of pride, tradition, and unforgettable moments for the Alabama A&M community.