The world-famous U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds flew over Las Vegas to honor health care workers and other Covid-19 responders on April 11.
Based at Nellis Air Force Base in the northern Las Vegas valley, five F-16 Fighting Falcons flew in close formation (with an additional jet flanking) on a path that took them over area hospitals and the Las Vegas Strip during the 30-minute display.
"It is an honor to fly for the Americans at the forefront of our nation's fight against the coronavirus," said Lt. Col. John Caldwell, Thunderbirds commander and leader. "They are true heroes."
Those taking photos and videos were encouraged to post their images on social media with the hashtags #AFThunderbirds and #VegasGoesBlue.
"We've done lots of flyovers," Capt. Michael Brewer told KSNV Channel 3 News. "But this one is very, very special, given the circumstances. What's really heartwarming is that we are truly coming together as one team, one fight, both in the Air Force and in the civilian population."
The Air Force's official air demonstration team was activated at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., in 1953, just six years after the U.S. Air Force was created. The unit adopted the nickname "Thunderbirds" out of respect for Native American culture and the folklore of the southwestern U.S. The Thunderbirds moved to Nellis in 1956.
Nellis, closed to tours until the fall because of the pandemic, houses a museum dedicated to the Thunderbirds.