Tribute from the sky: US Fighter jets fly over New York to honour health workers battling coronavirus

US military flight squadrons pay tribute to health care staff with a ceremonial flyover

Published: April 29, 2020 18:05 AFP and compiled by Balaram Menon, Digital Content Editor

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US military flight squadrons paid tribute to coronavirus health care staff, first responders and other essential workers with a ceremonial flyover of COVID-19 epicenter New York City on Tuesday. Image Credit: via REUTERS

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Twelve fighter jets of the air force's Thunderbirds and the navy's Blue Angels streaked across piercing blue skies above the Big Apple in "a collaborative salute" just after noon. Image Credit: via REUTERS

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Dozens of residents gathered by the city's harbor, squinting into the midday sun to catch a glimpse of the aircraft in what appeared a breach of social distancing guidelines. Image Credit: AP

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The planes circled New York and Newark in New Jersey for 40 minutes, then headed to Trenton, also in New Jersey, before flying to Philadelphia for a flyover there. Image Credit: AFP

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"We are incredibly honoured to have the opportunity to salute those working on the frontline of the COVID-19 response, we are in awe of your strength and resilience," Blue Angels Commander Brian Kesselring said ahead of the show. Image Credit: AFP

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The flypast took more than a month to plan and was the first of several planned around the country over the coming weeks, the squadrons said in a statement. Image Credit: REUTERS

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"An amazing display of gratitude and patriotism from the best pilots on earth. Thank you," tweeted Shereef Elnahal, president and CEO of University Hospital in Newark. Image Credit: AFP

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Healthcare workers from the NYU Langone Medical Center watch as the US Navy Blue Angels and US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration teams participate in the flyover. Image Credit: REUTERS

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The US Navy Blue Angels and US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration teams participate in the flyover. Image Credit: via REUTERS

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People gather to watch the US Navy Blue Angels and US Air Force Thunderbirds jets fly over New York to salute coronavirus healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers. Image Credit: AFP

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The Blue Angels (L) and Thunderbirds flyover New York in a salute to health care workers. Image Credit: AFP

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Healthcare workers from the NYU Langone Medical Center walk away after watching the flyover demonstration. Image Credit: REUTERS

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The US Navy Blue Angels and US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration teams participate in the flyover past the Statue of Liberty. Image Credit: via REUTERS

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People watch the demonstration. Image Credit: REUTERS

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Crowds arrive at the Brooklyn Promenade to watch the flyover. Image Credit: AFP

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Tribute from the sky: US Fighter jets fly over New York to honour health workers battling coronavirus

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