Blue Angels, Thunderbirds Flyover To Honor Health Workers In MoCo

BETHESDA, MD — The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels and the Air Force's Thunderbirds will fly over Suburban Hospital and the surrounding area on Saturday to salute healthcare workers.

The military's top flight demonstration teams will be conducting three flyovers in Baltimore, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia, according to officials, as part of a national unity tour called Operation America Strong.

"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 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."

The formation will consist of six F-16C/D Fighting Falcon and six F/A-18C/D Hornet aircraft.

Flyovers in Washington, D.C. and surrounding communities will start at 11:45 a.m. and last for about 20 minutes, a press release stated.

Military officials say residents along the flight path should expect a few moments of jet noise as the aircraft fly overhead.

"Residents in these areas will be able to see the flyover from the safety of their home-quarantine and should maintain all social distancing guidelines during this event," officials said. "They should also refrain from traveling to landmarks, hospitals and gathering in large groups to view the flyover."

Here's a detailed flight route:

Tomorrow's #AmericaStrong flyover serves as a salute to frontline #COVID responders.#InThisTogether pic.twitter.com/l7dSVDei3H
— Thunderbirds (@AFThunderbirds) May 1, 2020