Blue Angels and Thunderbirds are flying over Annandale and Bailey’s Crossroads May 2

The Blue Angels and Thunderbirds salute first responders in New York City April 28. [Kenneth Wilsey/FEMA]

The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds will fly over the Washington, D.C., area Saturday, May 2, as part of the military’s “America Strong” initiative honoring frontline COVID-19 responders.

The Annandale area is in the direct flight path. The flyover will last approximately 20 minutes. It will start at 11:45 a.m. at Prince George’s Hospital in Maryland, circle around suburban Maryland, head into Northern Virginia, turn around south of Manassas, then head north directly over Annandale and Bailey’s Crossroads, ending up at the National Mall at 12:05 p.m.

Residents along the flight path can expect a few moments of jet noise as the aircraft pass overhead, along with the sight of 12 high-performance aircraft flying close in precise formation.

A formation of six F-16C/D Fighting Falcon and six F/A-18C/D Hornet aircraft will conduct these flyovers as a collaborative salute to healthcare workers, first responders, military, and other essential personnel while standing in solidarity with all Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There will also be flyovers in Baltimore and Atlanta on May 2.

Related story: First responders salute healthcare workers treating COVID patients at Fairfax Hospital

“America Strong is a way for both teams to show appreciation to the thousands of doctors, nurses, first responders, and essential workers out there serving on the frontline day-in and day-out,” says Cmdr. Brian Kesselring, U.S. Navy Blue Angels commanding officer and flight leader for the flyover. “This is an extraordinary and unprecedented time but we will get through this. We are all in this together.”

“We are honored to fly over these cities in a display of national unity and support for the men and women keeping our communities safe,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Caldwell, Thunderbird commander and lead pilot. “These flyovers are a gesture of goodwill on behalf of the entire Department of Defense to the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Residents in these areas will be able to see the flyover from the safety of their home quarantine and should maintain all social distancing guidelines during this event.