If you hear screeching from jets overhead today, don’t be alarmed.
In celebrate of 100 years of air refueling, the U.S. Air Force will conduct two large flyovers over the East Coast on Tuesday afternoon.
The flyover will begin with one KC-135, eight KC-46s and six C-17s departing from the 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Burlington County, New Jersey, according to a release from the Joint Base.
There will be two separate routes, including one through New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania and another across New York, according to the release. There will be two formations flying the route, approximately 20 minutes apart.
After departing from the Joint Base, the formation will head down the Jersey Shore before heading northwest toward Delaware and Pennsylvania. It then will travel along the Delaware River toward Trenton before returning to the base.
Where to view the flyover
The 305th Air Mobility Wing says these are the best spots to view the flyover:
Asbury Park at 1:03 p.m.
Barnegat Light, Long Beach Island at 1:10 p.m.
Atlantic City at 1:17 p.m.
Cape May at 1:25 p.m.
Philadelphia International Airport at 1:42 p.m.
Why is the U.S. Airforce celebrating?
In a statement, the U.S. Air Force said that “aerial refueling serves as a force multiplier, increasing the speed, range, lethality, flexibility and versatility of combat aircraft. Tankers also carry cargo and passengers, perform aeromedical evacuations, and enable strategic deterrence for the United States.”
“Air refueling propels our Nation’s air power across the skies, unleashing its full potential,” said Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander. “It connects our strategic vision with operational reality, ensuring we can reach any corner of the globe with unwavering speed and precision. Air refueling embodies our resolve to defend freedom and project power, leaving an indelible mark on aviation history.”
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