Rescheduled Military Flyover Planned for Saturday

The Thunderbirds and Blue Angels are expected to fly over Suburban Hospital in Bethesda Saturday in honor of frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers.

The U.N. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will fly the skies between Baltimore and Atlanta that day.

Baltimore, D.C. and Atlanta – we are heading your way this Saturday! Check back Friday for routes and overhead times. Stay home and stay safe!@StateMaryland @washingtondc @georgiagov#AmericaStrong #InThisTogether #HealthcareHeroes pic.twitter.com/FXOJMQ1PO5

— Blue Angels (@BlueAngels) April 29, 2020

Flyovers in Washington D.C. and surrounding communities will start at 11:45 a.m. and last approximately 20 minutes, the Thunderbirds announced.

The actual route will be announced 24 hours in advance.

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, according to the Thunderbirds.

The military urges onlookers to view the flyover at their own homes and not to gather at the hospital or other landmarks due to the pandemic.

The flyover originally was scheduled for April 19 but the event was postponed due to bad weather.

“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,” he said.

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.”

About Suzanne Pollak

Suzanne is a freelance reporter with Montgomery Community Media. She has over 35 years professional experience writing for newspapers, magazines, non-profit newsletters and the web.

View all posts by Suzanne Pollak