Community Corner

San Diego Map Released For Thunderbirds Flyover Salute

The U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds air demonstration squadron is scheduled to fly over San Diego on Friday.

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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds”, fly in formation over San Antonio as part of Operation America Strong May 13, 2020. The elite flying unit visited cities across the nation to thank frontline workers.
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds”, fly in formation over San Antonio as part of Operation America Strong May 13, 2020. The elite flying unit visited cities across the nation to thank frontline workers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James R. Crow)

SAN DIEGO, CA — A formation of six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons is scheduled to perform flyovers Friday above San Diego in a salute to health care workers, first responders and other essential workers on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic.

The U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds air demonstration squadron is expected to fly over San Diego at noon. The squadron is also slated to fly over Los Angeles around 1:35 p.m. the same day.

"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 Thunderbirds commander and leader Lt. Col John Caldwell. "We hope to give onlookers a touching display of American resolve that honors those serving on the frontline our fight against COVID-19."

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Residents were advised to watch the squadron from home, refrain from traveling to landmarks and avoid gathering in groups. People along the flight path can expect a few moments of jet noise as the aircraft pass overhead, along with the sight of six high-performance aircraft flying in precise formation, according to the Thunderbirds.

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A map detailing the flight route was released Thursday. According to the map below, the squadron will start the flight over San Diego's South Bay and then fly over the cities of San Diego and Coronado, then cities in East County, then north over the coastal cities, and finally inland to Escondido.

The Thunderbirds, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the California Air National Guard jets have performed similar salute flyovers in cities across the country during the pandemic.

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