WASHINGTON, D.C. — In what is tracking to be the largest and most complex air review in modern American history, the official Freedom 250 committee has released the complete timeline for the United States’ 250th anniversary aviation showcase.
More than 30 distinct military formations, tactical demonstrations, and parachute drops will sweep across the skies of the nation’s capital on Saturday, July 4. Ground operations have confirmed that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will completely ground commercial operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) from noon until midnight to clear the airspace entirely for the sprawling military and civil review.
July 4 Freedom 250 Flyover Schedule
The aerial display kicks off just after midday with high-altitude NASA assets; including the newly unveiled star-spangled F-15D and F/A-18B platforms from the Armstrong Flight Research Center; before cycling through structured waves from every branch of the Armed Forces.
1:14 PM – NASA F-5 Tiger II Flyover
1:24 PM – NASA Fleet Review (Featuring Armstrong F-15D & F/A-18B)
1:44 PM – U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter Review
1:54 PM – U.S. Coast Guard Fixed-Wing Fleet Review
2:09 PM – Elite Joint Jump: Army Golden Knights & Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Teams
2:29 PM – U.S. Army Heavy Helicopter Flyover
2:44 PM – USAF Fleet Review: Wave 1 (Strategic Heavy Airlifters/Tankers)
2:54 PM – USAF Fleet Review: Wave 2 (Air Force Special Operations Command Assets)
3:04 PM – USAF Fleet Review: Wave 3 (Frontline Jet Fighters)
3:29 PM – Executive Rotary Wing Airlift (Presidential Marine One VH-92, VH-60, and Army “Gold Top” Assets)
3:39 PM – USMC Fleet Review: Wave 1 (Rotary Wing Air Groups)
3:49 PM – USMC Fleet Review: Wave 2 (Fixed-Wing Support Assortment)
3:59 PM – USN Fleet Review: Wave 1 (Naval Helicopter Fleet)
4:09 PM – USN Fleet Review: Wave 2 (Carrier Support Fixed-Wing Aircraft)
4:19 PM – USN Fleet Review: Wave 3 (Strike Fighter Air Wings)
4:21 PM – USN F/A-18F Super Hornet Tactical Demonstration Flight
4:59 PM – U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration
5:26 PM – USMC MV-22 Osprey Tilt-Rotor Aerial Demonstration
5:44 PM – USAF Fleet Review: Fighter Elements
6:02 PM – USAF Tri-Bomber Formation (B-52, B-2 Stealth, and B-1B Combined Pass)
6:05 PM – USN F-35C Lightning II Carrier Variant Solo Demonstration
6:25 PM – U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Flight
7:03 PM – Air Force One Solo Pass (Next-Generation VC-25B)
7:07 PM – USAF Thunderbirds Delta Break Finale
7:17 PM – “HUGE 1″ Aerial Review Flight (Led by the new Air Force One)
7:38 PM – U.S. Strategic Stealth Airpower Flyover
7:39 PM – F-22 Raptor Air Dominance Solo Demonstration Flight
7:53 PM – F-22 Raptor High-Speed Full Afterburner Pass
7:59 PM – B-1B Lancer Strategic Bomber Low Pass
8:07 PM – B-1B Lancer Full Four-Engine Afterburner Run
8:11 PM – “HUGE ONE” Final Integrated Flight Review
8:22 PM – Golden Knights Twilight Parachute Jump
10:36 PM – B-1B Lancer Midnight Afterburner Night Pass (Post-Speech Shockwave Encounter)
The New ‘Air Force One’ Takes Center Stage
While the roster features elite military demonstration teams, the centerpiece of the aerial review is the public operational debut of the U.S. Air Force’s brand-new VC-25B “Bridge” aircraft. Fresh off its maiden flight earlier this week carrying President Donald Trump to North Dakota, the heavily upgraded next-generation presidential 747 variant will execute a dual pass over the Mall.
The aircraft is slated to lead a massive, highly classified heavy multi-aircraft formation designated “HUGE 1” down the center flightline corridor.
Additionally, aviation spotters should keep an eye out for a incredibly rare Air Force Tri-Bomber Formation at 6:02 PM, uniting a B-52 Stratofortress, a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, and a B-1B Lancer in a unified low-altitude delta block.
Ground Logistical Briefing: Know Before You Go
For those viewing live from inside the District, security and environmental protocols will be strictly enforced due to a projected mid-Atlantic heat wave.
- Viewing Zones: The primary secure zones featuring synchronized audio are the Great American State Fair main stage grounds and the FIFA Fan Zone along the National Mall (gates open at 10:00 a.m.). Secondary access to the Washington Monument grounds opens at 5:00 p.m.
- Security Screening: All federal entry lanes will enforce a strict Clear Bag Policy (maximum size: 12″ x 6″ x 12″). Small personal clutches are permitted up to 10″ x 6″ x 2″. No luggage storage is available on site.
- Hydration Rules: Extreme summer heat protocols are active. Free water refill stations are placed across the grounds. Visitors are heavily encouraged to bring personal water containers, but metal flasks or bottles are strictly prohibited by Secret Service checkpoints; only clear plastic or soft materials will pass screening.
- The Grand Finale: The air review leads directly into a national address by President Donald Trump at 9:45 p.m. from the main stage, setting up what organizers have billed as the largest single fireworks display in world history, scheduled to detonate at 10:30 p.m.