Frontline workers fighting the coronavirus are getting a shout-out from angels up above.
The US Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force Thunderbirds will roar above the New York Metropolitan area on Tuesday in tribute to workers fighting to stem the spread of the deadly COVID-19 bug, according to news reports.
Dubbed “Operation American Strong,” the demonstration will take the world-renowned stunt jet teams on a nationwide tour that will start over the Big Apple and wrap up in Texas, Air Force Magazine reported Sunday.
“We’re excited to fly over cities across America as our way of saying thanks to the healthcare workers, first responders, and all the people who selflessly run into the breach working to keep American strong,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein and Navy Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday said in a joint statement, the magazine reported.
“This is also our way of showing that we are all in this together and that America’s spirit will prevail,” the statement said.
The flyovers will kick off over New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania on Tuesday, WOBM Radio reported.
The jets will be over the Big Apple and Newark around noon, over Trenton at 1:45 p.m., and over Philadelphia around 2 p.m., the station said.
The Pentagon announced the airborne tribute last week, calling it “a sincere thank you” to those on the front line of the pandemic.
The Thunderbirds have already flown at least two tribute flights this month — over Colorado and Las Vegas.
The Air Force demonstration squad was formed in 1953, the Thunderbirds website said. The Blue Angels were formed 74 years ago by Navy Adm. Chester Nimitz in the wake of World War II, according to the team’s website.