The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels will perform a flyover above Washington, D.C., on Saturday to honor health care workers and first responders.
“We are all in this together. As the name of the mission states, we are ‘America Strong,’ so it’s incredible to be a part of being a point of light in an otherwise dark time,” said Capt. Kyle Oliver, the newest member of the Thunderbirds.
The flyover in D.C. will start at 11:45 a.m. and last about 20 minutes, the Thunderbirds said in a statement Thursday. Baltimore and Atlanta also can expect flyovers.
“We are honored to fly over these cities in a display of national unity and support for the men and women keeping our communities safe.” Air Force Lt. Col. John Caldwell, Thunderbird commander and lead pilot, said in the statement. “These flyovers are a gesture of goodwill on behalf of the entire Department of Defense to the heroes of the COIVD-19 pandemic.”
A map shows the flyover beginning near UM Prince George's Hospital Center at 11:45 a.m. and heading southeast. It will loop along the Potomac River and over Bethesda, Silver Spring and D.C. and then head to Virginia.
Residents of Fairfax can expect to see the flyover at about 11:55 a.m. It will head south toward Manassas and then loop back to the northeast. It will make its way over the National Mall at 12:05 p.m.
All times are approximate. Residents are asked to watch from home and not to travel elsewhere to see the flyover.
“We salute and thank all healthcare workers, first responders and other essential personnel on the front lines against COVID-19,” the Blue Angels said.
The squadrons flew over Philadelphia and New York City earlier this week. Video shows health care workers applauding.
