Thunderbirds To Fly Over Southland In Salute To Frontline Workers

LOS ANGELES, CA — The frontline workers fighting the pandemic across Southern California will get a thunderous thank you Friday afternoon as the Air Force's celebrated Thunderbirds fly formation flights over Los Angeles and San Diego.

The show of gratitude, featuring a formation of six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons saulutes health care workers, first responders, military and other essential personnel while also serving to boost the spirits of Americans hunkering at home to slow the spread of COVID-19. Residents can expect the show to begin starting at 1:35 in Orange County before heading to Los Angeles. The jets will continue to crisscross the Southland until 3 p.m. when they will fly over over northern Los Angeles County near Santa Clarita.

"It is an honor for our team to salute the countless Californians who have committed to keeping the communities safe during this difficult time in our nation," said Lt. Col. John Caldwell, commander of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron. "We hope to give onlookers a touching display of American resolve that honors those serving on the frontline of our fight against COVID-19."

The squadron will begin its Southland flyover at 1:35 p.m. passing over Orange County, cruising north over Irvine, Santa Ana, Garden Grove and Fullerton, before advancing into Los Angeles County. The Thunderbirds will head north past the City of Industry, then circle over East Los Angeles and move west, roughly over the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, then fly south along the coast and pass over Long Beach and then south to Newport Beach and east over Santa Ana, before moving toward Riverside County at about 2 p.m. The Thunderbirds will make a secondary pass over northern Los Angeles County near Santa Clarita shortly after 3 p.m.

Residents along the flight path can expect a few moments of jet noise as the aircraft pass overhead, along with the sight of a half-dozen high- performance aircraft flying in precise formation.

Residents will be able to see the flyover from their homes and were urged to maintain all social distancing guidelines during the event. Air Force officials also advised people not to travel to landmarks or hospitals and avoid gathering in large groups to view the flyover, officials said.

The Air Force encouraged people who take photos to tag them on social media as #AmericaStrong and #Thunderbirds.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.