UPDATE 5 P.M. APRIL 11: The United States Air Force Thunderbirds performed a 30-minute flyover Saturday afternoon, crisscrossing the Las Vegas valley on a path that took them above 16 area hospitals. The purpose of the special flyover was to thank frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19.
ORIGINAL STORY: The coronavirus pandemic is putting a damper on a lot of fun lately, but the United States Air Force Thunderbirds will be doing its part to change that.
Brig. Gen. Robert Novotny says the team is planning a special air show in Las Vegas that will start at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.
WATCH THE FLYOVER BELOW
"We were looking at how we could continue to fly and also give back to the community with a salute to the real heroes out there on the front lines who are keeping us safe from the virus," Novotny said.
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The Air Force Thunderbirds are planning to take off with 16 American flags and fly by 16 of the major hospitals in the Las Vegas valley.
"We know who the real heroes in the valley are, and it will give the community a chance to look up for a minute and for them to know we are all in this together," Novotny said.
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The Thunderbirds says that there will be no need for people to gather in special areas to view the flyover on Saturday. People will be able to watch from their yards from anywhere in the valley.
Saturday's "A Thunderbird Thank You" on 13 Action News is a collaborative event with the Nellis Air Force Base.
Stay with 13 Action News for full coverage of Saturday's event
