https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iyk8zw0yxhE
On Tuesday, April 28, the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds flew over New York City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Trenton, New Jersey to honor the health care workers, first responders, and other essential workers who are on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.
In the above video by Chief Petty Officer Chad Pritt and Petty Officer 2nd Class Cody Hendrix, you can see an inside-the-cockpit look from one of the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets on the Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron. You can't get much closer to the action than this!
Blue Angels, Thunderbirds Flyover to Salute Coronavirus Workers
New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania - The Blue Angels and @AFThunderbirds are headed your way.
The flyover will start at 12 pm (EDT).
Stay tuned here for updates and schedule changes ! #AmericaStrong #InThisTogether pic.twitter.com/cmFXGugyZ7
— Blue Angels (@BlueAngels) April 28, 2020
Tuesday's flight demonstration is part of President Donald Trump's "Operation America Strong" salute, which he announced on Wednesday, April 22. The cross-country flyover tour is expected to hit more than a dozen cities.
The Florida-based Blue Angels are set to fly over the following cities:
- Detroit, MI
- Chicago, IL
- Indianapolis, IN
- Nashville, TN
- Miami, Tampa, Tallahassee, and Jacksonville FL
- Norfolk and Virginia Beach, VA
- Kingsville and Corpus Christi, TX
The Air Force Thunderbirds, which are based in Nevada, are slated to fly over these cities:
- San Antonio, TX
- Oklahoma City, OK
- San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, CA
- Portland, OR
- Seattle, WA
We salute the healthcare workers and first responders who are at the forefront of our nation?s fight against COVID-19. They are an inspiration for the entire country during these challenging times and it was an honor to fly for them today. #AmericaStrong #InThisTogether pic.twitter.com/rirX3BayTI
— Thunderbirds (@AFThunderbirds) April 28, 2020
Read More: U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flyover Sends Things Flying on Florida Beach
"We are incredibly honored to have the opportunity to salute those working on the frontline of the [coronavirus] response, and we are in awe of your strength and resilience," the Blue Angels' commanding officer and flight leader, Cmdr. Brian Kesselring told The Associated Press. "Thank you to all of those essential industries keeping our nation moving forward. We will get through this. We are all in this together."
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Caldwell, Thunderbird 1 and mission commander of the flyover, added in a press release, "We are truly excited to take to the skies with our Navy counterparts for a nationwide tribute to the men and women keeping our communities safe."
"We hope to give Americans a touching display of American resolve that honors those serving on the frontline of our fight with COVID-19."