The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds air demonstration squadrons are performing flyovers for several U.S. cities in support of healthcare workers in the city, currently combatting the coronavirus pandemic.
The Blue Angels announced the first of their planned flyovers on Monday, revealing that of New York City would be the first city, along with Newark and Trenton, N.J., and Philadelphia, Pa. on Tuesday.
The squadrons took off from Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. on Tuesday. In total, 12 aircraft, including six F-16s from the Air Force Thunderbirds and 6 F-18s from the Navy Blue Angels took part in the flyovers. Video of the first flyover, over New York City, was shared on Tuesday by NBC News.
The Blue Angel and Thunderbird squadrons could be seen flying in formations side by side one another, and at times with the Blue Angel formation flying just above the Thunderbird formation.
The New York City flyover was shared by the New York Police Department (NYPD)
NYC salute to healthcare workers complete!
The jets are refueling with a KC-10 from @jointbasemdl and heading to Trenton & Philadelphia next.
Stay tuned for updates! #InThisTogether https://t.co/QBLtx5Vcd7
— Thunderbirds (@AFThunderbirds) April 28, 2020
The flyover also earned a tweet of support from actor Hugh Jackman.
“This is absolutely awesome! A (well deserved) tribute to ALL the heroes on the front lines,” Jackman tweeted.
This is absolutely awesome! A (well deserved) tribute to the ALL the heroes on the front lines. Thank you @usairforce and @USNavy #Thunderbirds #blueangels pic.twitter.com/IRHPBQequH
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) April 28, 2020
Following the New York City flyover, the official Blue Angel Twitter account tweeted support for the NYC healthcare system and announced their next flyovers for New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Thank you @NYCHealthSystem for all you do! We salute you! Next stop @NJGov and @PhiladelphiaGov
— Blue Angels (@BlueAngels) April 28, 2020
One video showed hospital workers at a Newark University Hospital in New Jersey waiting for the flyover.
@AFThunderbirds @BlueAngels @usairforce @USNavy view of flyover from Newark University Hospital #AmericaStrong #InThisTogether pic.twitter.com/Izfe4PoFLP
— Jeremy Crisp (@paojeremy) April 28, 2020
ABC 6 News in Philadelphia also shared video of the flyover for Philadelphia. The video features footage of close passes by the formations.
The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron also shared video of the jets taking off from Naval Air Station Pensacola.
