Washington’s skies featured a rare military aviation display as part of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, the first IndyCar race held in the U.S. capital.
The U.S. Air Force flew all three of its strategic bombers—the B-2 Spirit, B-1B Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress—together in a formation over the city. The event also featured the new Boeing 747-8 Air Force One, which flew over the Capitol with an F-35 fighter escort.
The large-scale operation temporarily halted flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, while airlines adjusted schedules ahead of the planned airspace restrictions.
The flyover also marked a significant anniversary. On August 23, 1990, the first Boeing 747 used as Air Force One was delivered to the U.S. Air Force. Exactly 36 years later, its successor flew over the U.S. Capitol.