NEWBURGH – Ten Alpha Jets, a precision demonstration unit assigned to the French Air Force’s Patrouille de France, stopped at Stewart Air National Guard Base on Sunday as part of Liberté 250.
Liberté 250 is a month-long mission celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence and the alliance between France and America. The flying team refueled at Stewart and conducted a flyover of the base.
Gen. Pierre Gandilliere, who is overseeing the demonstration mission, said the team will have a busy schedule over the next month, performing at air shows in places such as Ocean City, Maryland, and other locations. On July 4, the team will perform a demonstration over New York City.
“We’re doing air shows every weekend,” Gandilliere said. “We’re very proud of this and grateful for what Stewart and the base are offering us.”
Patrouille de France is the official aerobatic demonstration team of the French Air and Space Force. Founded in 1953, the elite unit performs precision formation flying and aerial maneuvers at air shows around the world, serving as an ambassador for France and showcasing the skill and professionalism of French military aviators. The team is considered the French equivalent of the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds.
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