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Air Force Thunderbirds to Join Royal Air Force Red Arrows, F-35s & F-22s in Historic Aerial Parade over the Hudson River

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NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. – Six F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, will join the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, a formation of F-35A Lightning IIs and a formation of F-22 Raptors during an aerial parade over the Hudson River at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2019. Viewers can expect to see multiple iconic aircraft formations flying by the Manhattan skyline in a sequenced display of teamwork and airmanship.

WHAT: A 6-ship Thunderbird Delta Formation will fly over the Hudson River along the Manhattan skyline in sequence with a 9-ship Red Arrow formation, a 2-ship F-35A Lightning II formation and a 2-ship F-22 Raptor formation. Fans are encouraged to come out and post their best photos on social media tagged with #hudsonflight.

WHEN: The mission will occur at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2019.

WHERE: All aircraft will follow the Hudson River down to Liberty Island, then proceed back up the river. The Thunderbirds will return to Rochester International Airport, while the remaining aircraft will recover at Stewart Airport.

WHY: The Thunderbirds and the Red Arrows are performing demonstrations in the vicinity of New York on August 24-25, which offered the historic opportunity to showcase these elite flying teams together over the Manhattan skyline in a sequenced display of teamwork and airmanship.

For questions about the flight please contact the Thunderbirds Public Affairs office at (702) 652-7200 or email usaf.thunderbirds@us.af.mil.

Due to operational requirements, the U.S. Blue Angels will not be able to participate in the Hudson aerial parade on August 22nd. However, we are excited to announce that the F-22 Raptor Demo Team will be joining us, the Red Arrows and the F-35 Demo Team for this epic aerial display of teamwork and airmanship. See you soon, New York!