Air Force Thunderbirds plan San Antonio flyover next week

The Thunderbirds precision aerial demonstration team will perform over San Antonio and Austin on Tuesday as part of a nationwide series of tributes to frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers.

The San Antonio flyover will start at 1:20 p.m. and run around a half hour. The flyover in Austin will start at 2:30 p.m. and last 25 minutes. A route map of the flight will be released Monday.

Residents will be able to see the formation of six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons from homes and businesses. They should refrain from traveling to landmarks to gather in large groups to view the flyover. The Thunderbirds welcome viewers to tag the flyover on social media with the hashtag #AmericaStrong and #Thunderbirds. Those along the flight path can expect a few moments of jet engine noise.

“We are honored to extend our gratitude to Texans in San Antonio and Austin who have been working hard to keep their communities safe,” Lt. Col. John Caldwell, Thunderbirds commander and leader, said in a prepared statement. “We want Texans to look up to see the display of American resolve and know that the American spirit will prevail beyond this difficult time in our nation.”

On Monday in Corpus Christi, Laredo and Lubbock, the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing will fly over hospitals and medical support facilities as part of Operation American Resolve, intended to lift morale in cities across the country.

One team of four F-16s will fly over Lubbock between 9:40 to 9:50 a.m., while another four-ship formation will fly over Laredo between 1:10 to 1:20 p.m., then continue to Corpus Christi, arriving between 1:40 and 1:50 p.m.

“As guardsmen, who live and work in many of these local areas, we value the dedication of those who tirelessly serve our communities to help make what we do to defend the nation possible,” said Col. Raul Rosario, 149th Fighter Wing commander. “This flyover is just one way to recognize those serving in locations who may not get the opportunity to watch the demo team flyovers planned for some of the bigger cities.”

The Air Force’s primary military contributions have been involved sending doctors into city hospitals and airlifting medical supplies, but the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels, their Navy counterparts, have made formation flights over U.S. cities to honor health care professionals, first responders, military, and other essential personnel.

The Blue Angels flew over Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and New Orleans earlier this week as part of that salute.

The Thunderbirds will return to San Antonio for the Nov. 14-15 Air & Space Show & Open House.at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

“This is simply an effort to say thanks to the COVID heroes,” said Brig. Ed. Thomas, who until last week headed Air Force public affairs.