America strong: Thunderbirds and Blue Angels prepare to soar across the skies of NYC, Philly and NJ

The Thunderbirds and Blue Angels took to the skies Tuesday in a show of national unity with healthcare workers on the COVID-19 frontlines. 

Pilots from the US Navy joined forces with the Air Force for a dazzling display over New York City at noon. They will later head to Philadelphia and New Jersey.   

In a statement the Thunderbirds said the flyover would be ‘a show of national solidarity’ and ‘collaborative salute from the Navy and Air Force to recognize healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential personnel while standing in solidarity with all Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic’.

Tuesday’s flight is part of a a series of multi-city flyovers over the next two weeks, they said. 

Footage posted online shows the pilots – in themed face coverings – making their way to their jets. Under the wings of each planes a sign read: ‘In This Together.’

They will then head to Trenton, New Jersey before heading to Philadelphia for 2pm. Pictures show the 12 jets soaring past the Empire State building in Manhattan. 

Pictures show the 12 jets soaring past the Empire State building in Manhattan. The Thunderbirds and Blue Angels took the skies Tuesday in a show of national unity with healthcare workers on the COVID-19 frontlines

Pictures show the 12 jets above New York City. Pilots from the US Navy joined forces with the Air Force for a dazzling display over New York City at noon. They will then head to Philadelphia and New Jersey

The flyover makes its way over Manhattan on Tuesday in a ‘show of national solidarity’ and ‘collaborative salute’

The flyover makes its way over Manhattan on Tuesday in a ‘show of national solidarity’ and ‘collaborative salute’

The flyover makes its way over Manhattan on Tuesday in a ‘show of national solidarity’ and ‘collaborative salute’

The Thunderbirds and Blue Angels will take to the skies Tuesday in a show of national unity with healthcare workers

Pilots from the US Navy will join forces with the Air Force for a dazzling display over New York, Philadelphia and New Jersey

In a statement the Thunderbirds said the flyover would be ‘a show of national solidarity’ and ‘collaborative salute from the Navy and Air Force to recognize healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential personnel while standing in solidarity with all Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic’

Tuesday’s flight is part of a a series of multi-city flyovers over the next two weeks, they said.

‘We’re excited to fly over cities across America as our way of saying thanks to the healthcare workers, first responders, and all the people who selflessly run into the breach working to keep America strong,’ said Gen. Dave Goldfein, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and Adm. Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. 

‘This is also our way of showing that we are all in this together and that America’s spirit will prevail.’ 

Mission commander U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Caldwell said: ‘We hope to give Americans a touching display of American resolve that honors those serving on the frontline of our fight with COVID-19.

‘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.’ 

Blue Angels commanding officer Cmdr. Brian Kesselring said: ‘We are incredibly honored to have the opportunity to salute those working on the frontline of the COVID-19 response, we are in awe of your strength and resilience.

‘Thank you to all of those in essential industries keeping our nation moving forward. We will get through this. We are all in this together.’ 

The two demonstration teams will fly over areas of the country hardest hit by COVID-19, starting next week as both joint and individual team flights occurring every one-to-two days until mid-May.

In a statement the Air Force and Navy said they have partnered with local governments and media outlets to ‘help ensure spectators follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention social distancing guidelines’. 

The Blue Angels tweeted Monday: ‘ANNOUNCEMENT: Residents should observe the flyover from the safety of their home-quarantine and should refrain from traveling to see the flyover. Social distancing should be practiced at all times. Stay home and stay safe!’ 

They added Tuesday: ‘New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania – The Blue Angels and @AFThunderbirds are headed your way.’ 

It is understood sixF-18C/D Hornets from the Blue Angels and six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons from the Thuderbirds will take to the skies. 

Donald Trump said earlier this month that the two prominent aerobatics teams ‘will be performing air shows over America’s cities,’ and in some places that ‘aren’t major cities,’ he added, in a salute to the country’s frontline workers who have been combating the coronavirus pandemic. 

‘This is a tribute to them, our warriors,’ the president said.    

They add: ‘Both teams are also implementing various measures to maintain personnel and community safety. This includes air-to-air refueling during transit and no scheduled stops en route to reduce potential exposure to the virus.’ 

The Blue Angels are based at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, and Thunderbirds, based at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas.

Pilots typically fly at more than 30 air shows each year to demonstrate American military aviation. 

Both teams have been forced to cancel performance as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak; the flyovers will incur no additional cost to taxpayers. 

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk