US Air Force Thunderbirds: Fighter jets fly over LA, Orange County saluting front line workers

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Friday, May 15, 2020
Thunderbirds fly over SoCal saluting front line workers
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds conducted flyovers over Southern California today to honor local frontline workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

LOS ANGELES -- The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds conducted flyovers in Los Angeles, Orange County and other areas of Southern California today to honor local front line workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Get all the details on the flight path and schedule below.

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A formation of six F-16-C/D Fighting Falcons will conduct the flyovers as a salute to health care workers, first responders, military and other essential personnel while standing in solidarity with all Americans.

The flight path begins around 1:35 p.m. in the Laguna Beach area in Orange County and makes it way to the southern portion of Los Angeles County. It will then loop around and reach the Corona area around 2 p.m before heading to the Moreno Valley area in Riverside County around 2:10 p.m. The Thunderbirds will reach the Ventura County area around 3:05 p.m. The flyover will conclude in the Santa Clarita area.

Southern California residents were advised to watch the flyover from the safety of their home-quarantine and refrain from traveling to watch the event. They were also advised to maintain physical distancing and avoid large gatherings.

The Thunderbirds and Blue Angels, the Navy's aerobatics team, are crisscrossing the country with their flyovers, soaring over medical facilities and honoring workers.

The Blue Angels and Thunderbirds saluted the coronavirus heroes with a flyover

The military says it's their way of thanking those fighting the potentially deadly virus.

"We start with a map of the hospitals that have been most affected in our target cities," said Capt. Kyle Oliver of the Thunderbirds.

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The flyover times are subject to change.

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