Tardif: “… wonderful and exciting …”
NEW WINDSOR – The United States has the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds. One of our oldest allies, France, has Patrouille de France, which is launching a spring tour of the United States. The tour commemorates the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War One.
One of the stops will be Stewart International Airport on April 22 and 23.
The eight-member team presented a preview Thursday afternoon, doing a flyover of the greater Newburgh area, then touching down to meet the Air National Guard members and some local officials.
Captaine Bertrand Tardif is a 20-year pilot and has been on the Patrouille team for three years. He is excited about the American tour.
“Next month will be a very wonderful and exciting to fly around New York, to fly around California, San Francisco, etc.” Tardif said.
One of the first ceremonial events will be this Saturday, a flyby at the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France, which was dedicated in 1886.
Next stop on the preview tour will be a flyover of Washington DC on Monday and a reception at the French Embassy.
Reporters get a close look at the French jets
