Flying high: Thunderbirds grateful to be part of Las Vegas community

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — In the two days since the Thunderbirds’ unprecedented flyover to thank COVID-19 responders in Southern Nevada, members of the world-famous flight demonstration team say they’ve been deeply moved by the reaction on social media.

They also want the community to know it took a massive team effort to work out the flight plan, allowing the Thunderbirds to fly over more than a dozen hospitals from North Las Vegas to Boulder City.

"Once we got McCarran (Airport) involved, they brought everybody throughout the valley," said Air Force Lt. Colonel Kevin DiFalco, the Thunderbirds' director of operations. "North Las Vegas. Henderson. Boulder City. Everyone really came together. It took a lot of detailed planning. A lot of effort, a lot of coordination. And, a lot of different agencies, local government as well, to support the effort."

Lt. Colonel DiFalco says the team is also appreciative of the response they’ve seen on social media, including the many pictures and videos of thousands of people on the ground as the F-16 formation flew over their heads.

"There were stories of backyards, neighbors cheering across the walls or across the fence, and that’s what the city really needed at this time. Bringing everyone together for a common cause, to show their support in the community for our first responders. Our frontline workers, medical workers, and all the central personnel who are keeping our city up and running," DiFalco said.

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"We’ve done lots of flyovers," said Captain Michael Brewer in the Thunderbirds #3 jet, "but this one is very, very, special, given the circumstances. What’s really heartwarming is that we are truly coming together as one team, one fight, both in the Air Force and in the civilian population," he added.

Brewer said, to the best of his recollection, he can’t think of another time when the Thunderbirds have ever done a flyover encompassing an entire city, much less a geographical area that large.

During the flyover, Captain Brewer said he was focusing on his job, so he was unable to see anyone on the ground.

Lt. Colonel DiFalco, on the other hand, was in the grey F-16 flanking the formation for safety reasons.

"I absolutely had the opportunity to look outside quite a few times and take a peek down towards the hospitals and facilities and saw people out there with their arms in the sky. You can just tell that they were cheering and clapping, and happy," DiFalco said. "In fact, I did see on the ground in Boulder City quite a few cars pulled up to the side with people standing out front. Even saw a few flags waving."

Both pilots also stressed how important it is to them for everyone to realize they’re part of the community, too, That’s why they felt the need to find a way to thank everyone on the front lines, battling the pandemic.

"Las Vegas is a special place to us. It’s our home. It’s where we live, where our children go to school, where our families are," DiFalco said. "It was incredible to show our support for the local community and tell them thank you, and allowing us to be a part of this support network as we battle the virus."

"This very small gesture that the Air Force can make, that the Thunderbirds can make for the city. This truly something awesome," said Captain Brewer. "What’s really heartwarming is that we are truly coming together as one team, one fight, both in the Air Force and in the civilian population. It brings great joy to all of us to know that together, we’re in it together, and we know if we fight this, we will beat this together."