Military units around the country have begun posting times and routes for health care and essential worker tribute flyovers. It’s a lot of information to process, so we’re putting together this list as a one stop shop to see what has been announced. We’ll keep it updated as we learn more.
The main events are flyovers by the US Air Force Thunderbirds and US Navy Blue Angels as part of what they’re calling Operation America Strong. They will be hitting most of the largest cities in the country, either as a special joint formation or separately. The Thunderbirds have already flown over Las Vegas and Colorado, and the teams will make their first joint appearance tomorrow (April 28th) in the skies over New York City, Newark, Trenton, and Philadelphia. Other units are covering smaller cities and more local areas.
This entire program of flyovers is designed as a boost of morale and a salute to those working to contain the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic. It’s also a great method of public outreach for the military after dozens of airshows have been canceled or postponed. The flight hours do not incur any additional cost to the taxpayers; they come from normal training mission allotments needed to maintain pilot proficiency.
Civilians are also showing their appreciation with flyovers in privately-owned aircraft, including airshow teams like the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team. While these are not really part of “Operation America Strong”, we’ve begun adding them to the list below to help raise awareness.
You can find more details, including photos and videos of the flyovers, on our forums. We hope you’ll contribute there as well to keep all of us updated! Remember to not travel too far from home and to always keep a safe distance when viewing the flyovers.
The flyovers are expected to continue until mid-May, with more being announced just about every day. Specific routes and times are not being posted until generally the day before, so keep checking back for the latest info!
Operation America Strong Military Flyover Schedule
Friday, April 24th, 2020
Shreveport, Bossier City – B-52 Stratofortress from Barksdale AFB
Monday, April 27th, 2020
South Carolina – F-16s from the South Carolina ANG
Tuesday, April 28th, 2020
New York City, Newark, Trenton, Philadelphia – US Navy Blue Angels and USAF Thunderbirds
Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Shores – C-130 Hercules from Keesler AFB
Reno, Lake Tahoe – C-130 Hercules from Reno, NV
Kansas City – B-2 Spirit, T-38 Talons, and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from Whiteman AFB
Fort Wayne – A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from Fort Wayne, IN
Thursday, April 30th, 2020
Utah – F-35 Lightning IIs from Hill AFB
Oklahoma – F-16s from Tulsa, OK
Friday, May 1st, 2020
Oklahoma City – C-17 Globemaster IIIs, KC-135 Stratotankers, KC-46 Pegasus, T-38 Talons, T-1 Jayhawks, and T-6 Texan IIs from Altus AFB and Vance AFB
Phoenix – F-35 Lightning IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, KC-135 Stratotanker from Luke AFB and Phoenix
New Orleans, Baton Rouge – B-52s from Barksdale AFB
Kentucky – C-130 Hercules from Kentucky ANG
North Carolina – F-15E Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson AFB
Texas, Oklahoma – T-6 Texan IIs and T-38 Talons from Sheppard AFB
South Dakota – B-1B Lancer from Ellsworth AFB
Saturday, May 2nd, 2020
Baltimore, Washington DC, Atlanta – US Navy Blue Angels and USAF Thunderbirds
Indiana – A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from Fort Wayne, IN
Monday, May 4th, 2020
Ohio and Pennsylvania – C-130 Hercules form Youngstown ARB
Tuesday, May 5th, 2020
Georgia – F-15 Eagle from Robins AFB
Alabama – KC-135 Stratotanker from Birmingham
Alabama – F-16 Fighting Falcons from Montgomery
Indiana – A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from Fort Wayne
Wednesday, May 6th, 2020
Dallas, Fort Worth, New Orleans, Houston – US Navy Blue Angels
Boston/Massachusetts – F-15 Eagles from Massachusetts ANG
Kansas – KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-46 Pegasus from McConnell AFB, B-29 Superfortress “Doc”
Minnesota – F-16 Fighting Falcons and C-130 Hercules
Arkansas – C-130 Hercules from the Missouri ANG
Montana – C-130 Hercules from the Montana ANG
Delaware – C-17 Globemaster IIIs from Dover AFB
Ohio – F-16 Fighting Falcons from Toledo
Colorado – F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Colorado ANG
Colorado – C-130 Hercules
Thursday, May 7th, 2020
Ohio – F-16 Fighting Falcons from Toledo
Ohio and Pennsylvania – C-130 Hercules form Youngstown ARB
North Carolina – C-17 Globemaster IIIs from the North Carolina ANG
North Carolina – Aircraft from MCAS Cherry Point
Arizona – KC-135 Stratotanker from Arizona ANG
Alabama – KC-135 Stratotanker from Birmingham
Friday, May 8th, 2020
Miami, Jacksonville – US Navy Blue Angels
Washington – C-17 Globemaster IIIs from McChord AFB
Arkansas – C-130 Hercules from Little Rock AFB
Missouri – B-2 Spirit from Whiteman AFB
Oregon – F-15 Eagles from Portland
Maryland – A-10 Thunderbolt IIs
Washington – KC-135 Stratotanker from Fairchild AFB
Saturday, May 9th, 2020
California – T-38 Talons from Beale AFB
Tuesday, May 12th, 2020
Detroit, Chicago, Indianapolis – US Navy Blue Angels
New York – KC-135 Stratotankers and F-35 Lightning IIs
Virginia – F-22 Raptor with two P-51 Mustangs (Heritage Flight)
New Jersey – F-16 Fighting Falcons from Atlantic City
Wisconsin – F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Wisconsin ANG
Michigan – A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and KC-135 Stratotanker from Selfridge ANGB
Alabama – C-130 Hercules from the 908 Airlift Wing
Ohio – F-16 Fighting Falcons from Toledo
Tennessee – KC-135 Stratotanker from the 134th Air Refueling Wing
New York – LC-130 from the 109th Airlift Wing
Alaska – C-130 Hercules from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
Wednesday, May 13th, 2020
Austin, San Antonio – US Air Force Thunderbirds
Michigan – A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and KC-135 Stratotanker from Selfridge ANGB
West Virginia – C-17s from the West Virginia National Guard
Indiana – A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from Fort Wayne
South Carolina – F-16 Fighting Falcons from Shaw AFB
California – F-15 Eagles from Fresno
Minnesota – F-16 Fighting Falcons from Duluth
New Jersey – KC-10 Extenders from the 514th Air Mobility Wing
Ohio – KC-135 and F-16 Fighting Falcons
Florida – F-15 Eagles from the 125th Fighter Wing
Alaska – C-130 Hercules from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
Nebraska – KC-135 Stratotanker from the Nebraska Air National Guard
Thursday, May 14th, 2020
Nashville, Little Rock – US Navy Blue Angels
California – KC-135 Stratotanker and C-17 Globemaster III from March ARB
Georgia – C-130 Hercules from Dobbins ARB
Hawaii – C-17, KC-135, and F-22 Raptors from Hickam AFB
Arizona – A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons
Connecticut – C-130 Hercules
Ohio – F-16 Fighting Falcons from Toledo
California – B-52 Stratofortress from Edwards AFB
Friday, May 15th, 2020
Los Angeles, San Diego – US Air Force Thunderbirds
New Mexico – F-16 Fighting Falcons from Holloman AFB
Michigan – MH-60T helicopters from USCG Station Traverse City
Alaska – F-22 Raptors from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
Alaska – C-17 Globemaster IIIs from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
New York – HC-130 Hercules and HH-60 Pave Hawks
California – T-38 Talons from Beale AFB
Colorado – F-16 Fighting Falcons
Florida – KC-135 Stratotankers from MacDill AFB
Idaho – F-15E Strike Eagles and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from Mountain Home AFB
Alaska – F-35 Lightning IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons from Eielson AFB
Texas – B-1B Lancers and C-130 Hercules from Dyess AFB
Oregon – F-15 Eagles
Ohio – C-130 Hercules from Mansfield
Florida – F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, T-38 Talons from Tyndall AFB
Saturday, May 16th, 2020
South Dakota – F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 114th Fighter Wing
New York – C-47 from the National Warplane Museum
Monday, May 18th, 2020
North Dakota – B-52 Stratofortress from Minot AFB
Nebraska – KC-135 Stratotanker
Tuesday, May 19th, 2020
Pennsylvania – KC-135 Stratotanker and C-130 Hercules from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard
Friday, May 22nd, 2020
Oregon – F-15 Eagles
Saturday, May 23rd, 2020
Florida – F-16 Fighting Falcons from Homestead ARB, Coast Guard HC-144 and MH-65, Goodyear Blimp
Monday, May 25, 2020
Pennsylvania – C-17 Globemaster III
Missouri/Illinois – C-40 from Scott AFB
California – HH-130 Hercules and HH-60 helicopters
Michelle White
Was wondering if the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds can make a flyover Knoxville and Maryville, and Sevierville TN thank you very much. Would make my day
Ron
Very interested. Air Force Vet.
Amanda
PLEASE FLY OVER TO MUSKEGON AFTER DETROIT
Theresa Gendren
Would like to see thembfly over some smaller towns like Princeton, Indiana
Marie Tarallo
I don’t see Chicago anymore. Are they flying over Chicago in May?
Marie Tarallo
When are they flying over Chicago?
John Osbourn
What about the Nebraska/Iowa region? Will the 55th Wing conduct some flyovers, as well?
Janice
What about Dallas/Fort Worth? I really need to see my Blues!
Sandra
I really hope that The Blue Angels can somehow make it over Las Vegas, PLEASE. Thank You
Ben
Grand Rapids…Muskegon….then north to Traverse city
Bill Kalkman
What happened to Baltimore & D.C.? I thought they were included in the schedule.
John
Oregon? Any plans for Southern Oregon???
Jean MacDonald
Would love a flyover in New England…..PORTLAND, ME, BOSTON, MA & HARTFORD, CT!!
Mark Ondishin
Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton….luzerne county , Pennsylvania hit second hardest in the state..
Marion A Weber
Hold on – back up and notice Jacksonville is missing from the list. I’m 84 so won’t have many more chances to see these fellas fly. It is on my bucket list and someone knocked it over ??
Weather you do JAX or not just stay safe boys.
Lisa Lajoie
This is such an amazing thing you are doing to lift the spirits of our country while paying tribute to those working the front lines during this emotionally and physically exhausting time.!
Stay Safe Will there be a RI Fly over?
Lyn moulton
I was in the US Air Force and also worked for the FAA in ATC. I have seen your flight teams throughout the years and you bring such hope and beauty and wonder to those who watch you!!! Please consider scheduling Southern California for the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels.. as we have hosted and have had the privilege of watching you so many times at Airshow‘s here! Looking forward to better days, better health in our country, and many more airshows! Stay safe and healthy…Keep them flying!!!!
bruce meligan
We were told that Jax, Miami, Tallahassee and Tampa were scheduled for Blue Angels on Monday 4/27, then Saturday May 2 and now I don’t see Florida listed at all. I guess they will come sometime or another.
Victor ladd
What about los angeles
Victor ladd
What about long beach, ca
Laurie
I thought San Antonio/Austin was on the schedule?!?
John
Would to see them fly over military town USA – San Antonio, TX
BL Blash
Hi,
Hopefully Southern California is on your list!
Would be great to support all the biotech , R and D companies as well as health care and essential workers from San Diego to LA area.
Thanking you in advance for the consideration!
Elaine Hunt
Really hope you’ll have Boston MA part of your flyover schedule. PLEASE!
Deb
What happened to Chicago????
sean
Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot happened to Chicago…
Jacob a
Will there be a flyover seattle Washington?
Greg Rullman
Don’t forget to take that left turn over Albuquerque. Plus, we’re out in the middle, so it’s a great fuel stop.
Brandon Remson
Wow no love for California? Bayarea has led the World in Tech innovation, medical research and has brought a lot of taxes to the Feds for decades now. Leaders in liberty, pioneers in social reform and love our Military despite not supporting Trump or using a flag to justify Nationalism. We’re progressive… but come on, we also feel this is badass!!!
Ann
We have one of the biggestAir Force bases in CA. Mojave’s a stone throw from my home. Blue Angels have been here more than a couple of times. My husband was a Navy vet. Really wanted to see the Air Force.
Junior McKee
Hopefully the Blue Angels and/or the Thunderbirds flyover the Greater STL Metro area too.
SB
Please fly over Harlingen,Tx…. we had the Air Show back in the late 70s early 80s… was awesome to these two jet teams fly over my house…SUPER LOUD…LOVED IT !!
Brian Gibson
why none for california
Chris Christensen
Please swing by Corpus Christi, Texas. Ya Navy boyz know the way to CCNAS.
Chris Christensen
Please swing by Corpus Christi, Texas. Ya Navy boyz know the way to CCNAS.
Izzy
They were supposed to flyover Detroit this past week and cancelled. Don’t see us on the schedule now – sure hoping we are added back on! We could really use a boost of support here! Having them come here would be amazing! My son in-law was a Navy pilot, so we have great respect for all these pilots and what they do as well! Please don’t forget about us!
Barbara Dixon
I hope they reschedule a flyover for Detroit. There aren’t many places in the United States that were hit harder than Detroit, including my next door neighbor that died 2 weeks ago of the virus. We look forward to seeing you guys please give us a show.
Joyce Clifton
Are they going to come to Virginia Beach/Norfolk?
Phillip
Every story that I have read about the flyover has San Antonio and Corpus Christi listed. Yet they are not on this list.
Paulette Yocum
Are the Angels and Thunderbirds flying over Lake County Mon May 4th
Jose Hernandez
Are they going to flyover Orlando FL?
Joe Lyons
When are they flying over Ashland Ohio?
Michele Lowinger
Will there be a file over in Southern California?
Kathy Hart R.N.
I see all the places the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds fly over, everyone but Cleveland and Pennsylvania we get the Hercules.Whats up with that?.Like ten but would rather see thunderbird blue angles fly over.
Carlo Shields
What is happening here is great for America and this is great!?! I just can’t believe Dallas/Fort Worth area and Houston the third largest city in America doesn’t rank. Dallas /Fort Worth are technically 2 city’s yes but, they are so close it’s like one. If it were it would be the third and Houston would be fourth. Houston was hit hard Dallas was hit hard Denton was hit with a surprise from the State School being hit. Just because we (Texans) did better than others with Covid-19 doesn’t mean we should be over looked. Texas has been hit like this before! When NASA and Obama over looked us with the Shuttle retirement. Biggest and one of the best (the best, just trying to be modest) over looked again!
Jocelynn Sendelbach
Any chance that a flyover would be happening near the Patterson AFB here in Dayton, Ohio?
Benda
Isn’t there a Flyover scheduled for SOUTH FLORIDA?
Brenda Brown
It was posted that there was to be a flyover (in Nextdoor) on May 5th, then changed to May 8th but said subject to change. I do really hope they do one down her in South Florida. I love you guys! God Bless America!
Gwen
Just had the Blue Angels flyover en route to Dallas and then Fort Worth from McKinney. Beautiful but oh such a short view. There were a lot of us out on my street to see them. My son was Navy, my husband had thirty years in the Air Force. I love to see this military salute to those who have been on the front lines.
Jeanette Stinson
Sure hope Central Fla makes it in a fly over it be great being a daughter of a retired Master Chief I give anything to see those jets flying over the Orlando.area.
Stella Bobrowski
Looks like Nashville, Tennessee went missing. Thought it was to be scheduled for this week.
RyanS
Lots of misinformation out there. Nashville was never on any list released by the teams, or on this post. They are only announcing flyovers 24-48 hours in advance so there’s still plenty of chance for them to get there.
Dianne Weber
I hope I am not sounding selfish, but when are they flying over Virginia?
Anita J
Can they fly over Paducah, Ky
Brooke Bennett
Do they plan on flying over Idaho? Did not see them on the list.
Jene Hickman
In the early stages of planning Chicago was included in tge schedule. Is that no longer and option for the Blue Angels? Thank you.
Dee Heath
Please fly over Asheville NC and come East. Asheville/Hendersonville have many good hospitals where front line people have been working around the clock, going the extra mile, sacrificing for our safety. And east of us are several small hospitals in Polk/Rutherfordton county NC that are small considered rural but are fighting with all they have to keep us well and safe! Please please consider a flyover. Everyone would love to see you!
JANYCE BYNES
Why are they not flying over Orlando. Due to my son is going in the airforce that would of been nice. I love you guys and thank you for what you are doing. We have our central Florida hospital. We would love to see you. And my husband is miltary and first responder. And hospital worker. Love this man
Sandy Daniels
Would love to see Blue Angels fly over Wilmington, NC. I used to live in Annapolis and could see them every Memorial Day. They are the greatest!
zatara
far and away the best show these two groups ever put on…and the most important;
Ruth Forsyth
Yesterday (May 8th) two C-17 Globemasters from the 62nd Airlift Wing at JBLM flew over the Puget Sound area of western Washington State, making flyovers of hospitals in numerous cities.
I’m in Seattle, where they flew over about 9 area hospitals, including one ~1/2 mile away from my home…I got a great view of them. Pretty awesome!
Before the Flyover, I’d checked the JBLM site where they’d listed the estimated times they’d be over every hospital. When they got to Seattle they’d been in the air for about an hour and they were exactly on time! WTG
The C-17s were amazing. I’m just wondering if they replaced the Thunderbird Flyover (which had mentioned Seattle in it’s list of cities) or if they (the Thunderbirds) are still coming to Seattle at a later date? Is it possible someone could answer?
At any rate THANK YOU for all you do…and the flyover WAS AWESOME – as are the men and women in uniform who serve and protect. Thank you again
Brenda Carney
Iowa/Nebraska area?
JOSEPH ODUM
wat is the explanation for the flight configuration. sometimes one plane drops out is this symbolic?
Lisa Bell
Yes, please Knoxville a
100, 000,000,000,000
At Least!
Dale Sears
Don’t get roo excited about flyovers. Unless they fly right over you, you won’t see much. I went to the roof of a 5 story parking structure in anticipation of So. Calif. flyover. While I had a great view and could see for miles all around, and they were scheduled to fly close by, all I saw was a small group of specks and some distant smoke. Better to wait for airshows to return. The Great Huntington Beach Air Show is excellent, hope it returns in October again this year.
TracyLynn
Please do Flyovers in Idaho Falls & over Chickasha, Oklahoma. My 90 yr old Mom is a recent widow of an almost 90yr old Vetran, I think a flyover there would lift her spirits since we can’t go visit her due to Covid-19 & boost the spirits of all first responders & essential workers too. Tysvm
Sara A. Ketner
I’m not sure what day I saw them but I did and it was savagely awesome!! I used to watch them fly over the desert in California as a little girl with my family and friends. Thank You for your service!!