Air Force Jets Perform World First Formation Over Miami Beach
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Jets with the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) flew its "first-ever tri-bomber/fighter dissimilar formation" over Miami Beach in a Memorial Day celebration on Saturday for a "freedom flyover" to commemorate those who lost their lives serving in the U.S. military.
Why It Matters
AFGSC is a major command within the Air Force responsible for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations.
Memorial Day is observed each year on the last Monday of May. While many view it as the unofficial start to summer, the day is meant to be a way to honor those who sacrificed their lives while serving in the U.S. military.
What To Know
For Memorial Day this year, the U.S. Air Force unveiled its first ever "seven-ship" tri-bomber formation during the Hyundai Air and Sea Show that took place over the weekend.
The show was led by the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and included the B-1B Lancer, B-52H Stratofortress, F-22 Raptor, F-15C Eagle, F-16C Fighting Falcon, and A-10 Thunderbolt.
"This wasn't just an air show - it was a powerful tribute to those who gave everything and a celebration of the strength that defends our nation every single day," the AFGSC wrote on its Facebook reel with a video of the formation fly over.
A Lockheed-Martin F-22A Raptor of the US Air Force flies over the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 4.
A Lockheed-Martin F-22A Raptor of the US Air Force flies over the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 4.What People Are Saying
U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command wrote on Facebook on Saturday: "The Active duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard pilots united as one unstoppable force while thousands witnessed aviation history."
Veteran Affairs Secretary Doug Collins said last week: "Every day throughout the year, VA plays a vital role in remembering and honoring the brave service members who gave their lives in defense of the freedoms America holds dear. This Memorial Day weekend, we invite Americans to visit VA cemeteries and join us in reflecting upon the important legacies of these fallen heroes."
John Raughter, a Marine Corps veteran and spokesperson for the American Legion National Headquarters, previously told Newsweek about the holiday: "It is to unify and celebrate that America over the past 250 years has been blessed with more than 1 million heroic men and women who believed through their actions that this was a country worth dying for. There is nothing wrong with attending a barbecue, visiting a beach and enjoying other activities with family and friends. Many of our fallen heroes engaged in such activities. But it is important to take a few moments during the weekend to reflect on why the last Monday in May is a holiday and who has made it possible for us to enjoy such freedoms."
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