The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels performed a flyover above Washington, D.C., on Saturday to honor health care workers and first responders.
βWe are all in this together. As the name of the mission states, we are βAmerica Strong,β so itβs incredible to be a part of being a point of light in an otherwise dark time,β said Capt. Kyle Oliver, the newest member of the Thunderbirds.
The flyover in D.C. started just before noon and lasted about 20 minutes.
βWe are honored to fly over these cities in a display of national unity and support for the men and women keeping our communities safe.β Air Force Lt. Col. John Caldwell, Thunderbird commander and lead pilot, said in a statement. βThese flyovers are a gesture of goodwill on behalf of the entire Department of Defense to the heroes of the COIVD-19 pandemic.β
It began near UM Prince George's Hospital Center and then looped along the Potomac River and over Bethesda, Silver Spring and D.C. before heading to Virginia.
βWe salute and thank all healthcare workers, first responders and other essential personnel on the front lines against COVID-19,β the Blue Angels said.
The squadrons flew over Philadelphia and New York City earlier this week. Video shows health care workers applauding.