The Pentagon is reportedly planning a flyover mission called “Operation America Strong” with military aircraft flying over various US cities in order to show gratitude for first responders, military personnel, and healthcare workers who have been fighting against the coronavirus.
I also think it is an effort to raise the spirits of Americans and give them something to rally around and look forward to during these crazy times.
The idea has not been officially announced or confirmed so it’s possible that this still may not happen but it sounds like something that will.
The two aircraft that will be involved are the US Navy Blue Angels and the US Air Force Thunderbirds.
The US Navy Blue Angels and the US Air Force Thunderbirds would fly joint operations over Washington, Baltimore, New York, New York, Trenton, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Austin.
The Blue Angels would fly a separate mission over Miami, Tampa, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Detroit, Chicago, Indianapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, and Kingsville and Corpus Christi.
The Thunderbirds are also considering additional flights over San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Oregon, and Seattle.
It’s also possible that other cities will be added to the list.
These flights would take place sometime next week.
As a fan of aviation, I would look forward to such an air display and I think it’s great that it is meant to show gratitude for those working on the front lines during these challenging times.
According to senior military officials, the display will not feature air-show stunts and also the jets will not fly over areas where big crowds would congregate since public officials have warned about the risks of group gatherings.
It seems kind of difficult to not fly over areas where groups would gather given how many cities are on this list and how concentrated some of those are but I guess they will not be flying directly over certain spots like major parks or beaches where people like to visit.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.
US Air Force should be flying over China.
Ha ha, talk about sending a message.
The blue angels make me feel as God has a big plane to show case is heavenly kingdom. I say look at SpaceX then I say wait for the Lord Army…
Why waste the money on these fly overs. You know people will conjugate in large numbers. Spend the money on finding a cure for the virus. Waste, waste more money.