Air Force showcases military prowess in historic seven-plane flyover

In the United States, specifically in Florida, a significant military event took place during Memorial Day weekend. On May 24, 2025, a spectacular seven-ship formation was demonstrated at the Hyundai Air and Sea Show in Miami. This formation featured a remarkable collection of the majority of the Air Force's bomber and fighter/attack inventory, providing a rare opportunity for attendees to witness such an impressive display of air power. The flyover marked the first time all three strategic bombers in the US military inventory—the B-2, B-1, and B-52—along with four different fighter/attack planes flew together in what was referred to as the "Freedom Formation." The aircraft that participated in the formation came from diverse locations across the nation, showcasing the cooperative efforts of various military branches. The B-2 bomber originated from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, while the B-1 and B-52 bombers were stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. Fighter/attack planes included the F-15 from the Louisiana Air National Guard, the A-10 from Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, the F-16 from Homestead Air Force Base in Florida, and the F-22 from the US Air Force’s touring F-22 Demonstration Team. This unprecedented formation showcased the breadth and quality of the US's military capabilities to both the public and potential adversaries. The Freedom Formation highlighted not only the advanced technologies employed by the US Air Force but also served a dual purpose of recruiting new members to the military. This use of flyovers has become a tradition, allowing the military to engage with the public while honoring the sacrifices of fallen service members. The operational costs of maintaining and flying these aircraft are significant, with the total hourly operating cost of the involved planes estimated to be nearly $600,000. This figure indicates not only the financial investment but also the high stakes associated with maintaining such a formidable air presence. In summary, the event serves as a vivid reminder of the capabilities of the US military and their ongoing efforts to engage with the community and honor those who have served. The remarkable display, featuring a near-complete assembly of America’s offensive and defensive airborne capabilities, left a lasting impression on attendees and showcased the commitment of military units across the nation to readiness and excellence.