BOCA RATON, Fla. — The Blue Angels have been busy the last few weeks flying over U.S. cities to salute frontline COVID-19 workers and first responders.
On Friday, it was South Florida's turn!
The Navy's flight demonstration squadron was in South Florida Friday afternoon for a 25-minute flyover from 1 p.m. to 1:25 p.m., covering several hospitals.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Inspiring South Florida
The Blue Angels started at the Boca Raton Medical Center and headed south, flying over Fort Lauderdale and Miami before reaching the Homestead area around 1:13 p.m.
The pilots then headed back north and completed their flight near West Boca Medical Center at 1:25 p.m.
Navy mom Ada Martinez stood outside West Boca Medical Center to watch Friday's flyover. She was joined by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and hospital staff.
"We are honored, and what we do as doctors and nurses is a tough job on a daily basis. COVID-19 has put undue stress on all of us," said Martinez.
The flyover was only a few seconds, but chief nursing officer Ricky Ramirez said it's amazing to see.
"Seeing them show love like this is amazing and brings cheers to our day," said Ramirez.
The event is a special way to honor and show support for those on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic and salute health care and essential workers.
The Blue Angels also flew over Jacksonville on Friday to thank first responders in north Florida.
The squadron has already flown over Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Houston in what is being called "Operation America Strong."
The Department of Defense said the flyovers come at no added cost to taxpayers. Officials said the flights fulfill critical training requirements for pilots.
#Jacksonville and #Miami - your #BlueAngels are heading your way this Friday! Check back tomorrow for routes and overhead times. Stay home and stay safe!#AmericaStrong #InThisTogether #HealthcareHeroes pic.twitter.com/jUKTLP236R
— Blue Angels (@BlueAngels) May 6, 2020
