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

Last updated: April 29, 2020 | 19:49

AFP and compiled by Balaram Menon, Digital Content Editor

2 MIN READ

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The US Navy Blue Angels and US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration teams participate in the flyover.

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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.

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

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Healthcare workers from the NYU Langone Medical Center walk away after watching the flyover demonstration.

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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.

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People watch the demonstration.

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Crowds arrive at the Brooklyn Promenade to watch the flyover.

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