Blue Angels and Thunderbirds to Participate in Independence Day Celebrations

The United States Navy Blue Angels and the United States Air Force Thunderbirds are set to take part in Independence Day celebrations on July 3 & 4. Last year, the Blue Angels participated in President Trump’s Salute to America with a flyover of the National Mall in Washington D.C. This year, flyovers will take place across the United States.

Friday, June 26, the Department of Defense announced they would be supporting the 2020 Salute to America, including a flyover of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial as well as an aerial salute to several cities that played roles in the American Revolution.

President Donald Trump plans to visit Mount Rushmore on Friday, July 3 to kickoff the Independence Day celebrations with fireworks and a flyover conducted by the Blue Angels. He’ll then head back to Washington D.C. for his second annual “Salute to America” on Saturday, July 4. Saturday’s flyovers will begin in Boston and proceed to New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. From there they will join other military and warbird aircraft in the Salute to America over our nation’s capital.

The United States Air Force Thunderbirds are in Hampton, Virginia this week for re-certification by Air Combat Command’s General Mike Holmes. They’ll plan to stay in Virginia through the week and then take part in Saturday’s flyovers. Other military aircraft expected to join the Thunderbirds include the F-35 Lightning II, the F-22 Raptor, a B-2 stealth bomber, the MV-22 Osprey, the CH-47 Chinook, and the AH-64 Apache. Coast Guard aircraft as well as a presidential aircraft, either Air Force One or Marine One, plan to participate as well along with historic warbirds such as the P-51 Mustang and the B-29 Superfortress.

Unlike last year, there will be no static displays on the ground at the National Mall. This is likely an effort to reduce crowds, and the White House has stated this year’s event will look different than last year’s to ensure the health and safety of those attending. However, there will be plenty of airpower to compensate in the skies.

This weekend’s flyovers will mark both the Thunderbirds’ and the Blue Angels’ first public appearances since Operation America Strong. Both teams have yet to appear at an air show in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with hopes dwindling of any future air show appearances this season. The Thunderbirds are next scheduled to appear July 22 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Blue Angels just cancelled their appearances at next week’s Pensacola Beach Air Show, and their next scheduled appearance is now August 29-30 at Thunder Over Michigan.

For the latest updates regarding this year’s Independence Day celebrations and flyovers, stay tuned to our website, social media, and mobile app.