NAS PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, and the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, will honor frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers with formation flights over Baltimore, Washington D.C. and Atlanta May 2. "America Strong is a way for both teams to show appreciation to the thousands of doctors, nurses, first responders and essential workers out there serving on the frontline day-in and day-out," said Cmdr. Brian Kesselring, U.S. Navy Blue Angels commanding officer and flight leader for the flyover. "This is an extraordinary and unprecedented time but we will get through this. We are all in this together." A formation of 6 F-16C/D Fighting Falcon and 6 F/A-18C/D Hornet aircraft will conduct these flyovers as a collaborative salute to healthcare workers, first responders, military, and other essential personnel while standing in solidarity with all Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. "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." said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Caldwell, Thunderbird commander and lead pilot. "These flyovers are a gesture of goodwill on behalf of the entire Department of Defense to the heroes of the COIVD-19 pandemic." This mission, the second of several planned over the coming weeks, is the culmination of more than a month of planning and coordination between the two teams and numerous city and government offices. Residents along the flight path can expect a few moments of jet noise as the aircraft pass overhead, along with the sight of 12 high-performance aircraft flying close in precise formation. Flyovers in Baltimore will start at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) and last approximately 15 minutes. Flyovers in Washington D.C. and surrounding communities will start at 11:45 a.m. (EDT) and last approximately 20 minutes. Flyovers in Atlanta will start at 1:35 p.m. (EDT) and last approximately 25 minutes. • • #FilmedBySMC #WashingtonDC #Baltimore #Atlanta #BlueAngels #Thunderbirds #Flyover #AmericaStrong #FlightPath #Aircraft #ShootMoveCommunicate (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_pzp4cHZxC/?igshid=vgyse6o0n0zs
