A sight to behold, the 48th annual Boilermaker Road Race is expecting a flyover from the United States Air Force.
According to Boilermaker officials, weather permitting, on July 13, the 134th Fighter Squadron, known as the Green Mountain Boys from the Vermont Air National Guard, is scheduled to fly two F-35 Lightning II and one F/A-18 aircraft over the Boilermaker Race at approximately 10:01:30 am.
The 158th Fighter Wing was the first Air National Guard unit selected to receive the F-35s.
“As the most lethal, survivable, and connected fighter aircraft in the world, the F-35 strengthens national security, enhances global partnerships, and powers economic growth,” Boilermaker officials said in a statement. “This flyover may be impacted by weather, mission, or other conditions.”
Mark Donovan, Boilermaker president, said it was an honor to have these unique aircraft fly over Utica to help celebrate over 15,000 participants in this year’s race.
In addition, Donovan said in a statement that he was grateful for the work done by Senator Joseph Griffo and his staff for securing this “…exciting aerial display for the benefit of Boilermaker Nation.”
In a statement from Griffo’s office, Griffo said the flyover is always a special and memorable experience for those attending the race.
“I appreciate the efforts of all those involved with making this exciting event a reality and am grateful for all their hard work,” Griffo said in a statement.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Air Force flyover scheduled for 48th Boilermaker Road Race
Reporting by Casey Pritchard, Utica Observer Dispatch / Observer-Dispatch
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