The flight demonstration squads, the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds, will fly over two of New Jersey’s largest cities next week to honor frontline coronavirus responders and essential workers, the U.S. Air Force announced Saturday.
After a week of uncertainty about when and if the shows would come, the joint flights were set for Newark and Trenton as well as New York City and Philadelphia on April 28.
“We are truly excited to take to the skies with our Navy counterparts for a nationwide tribute to the men and women keeping our communities safe.” U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Caldwell, Thunderbird 1 and mission commander for the flyover said in a statement. “We hope to give Americans a touching display of American resolve that honors those serving on the frontline of our fight with COVID-19.”
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The Newark and New York City flyovers will begin at noon and last about 32 minutes, and the Trenton flyover will begin at 1:45 p.m. and go on for about 10 minutes, the Air Force said. The Philadelphia flyover start at 2 p.m. and will last about 20 minutes.
Residents along the flight path can expect a few seconds of jet noise as the aircraft pass overhead, along with the sight of 12 high-performance aircraft flying close in precise formation, officials said.
The Air Force said people will be able to see jets from their homes and were encouraged to not gather in large numbers to watch the aerial shows.
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Chris Sheldon may be reached at [email protected].
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