The world-famous Red Arrows are currently touring North America — and one of Newark’s own is helping ensure they put on a perfect show.
As the United States celebrated the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4, jets from the Red Arrows joined more than 150 other aircraft in a massive flypast along the Hudson River in New York City.
As part of the show, the iconic Hawk T1s used their trademark red, white and blue smoke trails to transform the Manhattan skies into a giant American flag, much to the enjoyment of crowds below.
Steve Smith, of Newark, is an aircraft engineer with the world-famous RAF Red Arrows. Photo: Steve Smith/submitted.
Back at base was Steve Smith, of Newark, who is a serving RAF aircraft engineer and plays an important role in ensuring the famous jets are performing at their best.
Over the last few years, he has toured the UK and the world with the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team — and said being in the USA during such a historic milestone for the country was incredible.
Months of preparation went into planning the American tour, and getting there was not quite as simple as hopping across the pond.
The Red Arrows used vapour trails to create an American flag during the America 250 Independence Day flypast in New York City. Photo: Seth Wenig/AP.
“Just getting here was such a monumental mission — it took four days to get across,” Steve said.
“We had to fly from Lincolnshire up to Scotland, then to Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and then down to America.
“We also have a whole team of engineers working on maintaining these aircraft, getting them ready for events like this, and that work started months ago.”
As part of Steve’s job, he also helps to prepare the dye canisters which produce the Red Arrows’ iconic coloured smoke trails.
“We strive for excellence, that is our motto,” he said.
“We’ve been practicing the American flag for months and it’s one of those little tricks that we wanted to do to share our pride and appreciation of being here.
“I have seen the reactions online, and my colleague who was on the ground in New York when it was happening said we received the biggest cheers.
“The American people were not expecting us to go from red, white and blue into their flag, and it was really well received.”
The United States may have won independence from the British 250 years ago, but today, the two country’s enjoy a close relationship as allies and supporters.
“It has been a great privilege to be able to speak to people here and they absolutely love us,” Steve added.
“As soon as they hear our accent they’re asking what we’re doing and why we’re here — they want to know everything.
“There is a bit of a joke about them gaining independence from us, but there’s a real love and so much positivity.
“Our countries are the closest of allies and as serving military personnel we have worked very closely with the US Air Force throughout our careers.”
The team is currently based in Baltimore, but will soon be heading up to Maine then over to Michigan, before closing out its American adventure by performing at Oshkosh — which is the world’s largest air show..