A low-flying Boeing 747 that resembled Air Force One, flew over New York City, trailed by fighter jets, on the morning of April 27, 2009. The event, reminiscent of the events of September 11, 2001, caused New York City and New Jersey residents to panic and several buildings were evacuated.NY Daily News: Mayor Bloomberg Outraged over Military Photo-op Involving... (April 28, 2009)

On May 11, 2009, the FAA canceled the plans of a retiring navy pilot who planned to fly his P-3 airplane 3,000 feet above the Hudson River. Although the flight was to be at a higher level over the city than the earlier 747 flyover, the FAA still vetoed the flight, saying it was a "poor idea".The Blotter: Another Planned NYC Military Fly Over Cancelled (May 11, 2009)

The U.S. Air Force later confirmed that the scene was an "aerial photo mission" and part of a training mission. On May 8, 2009, Director of the White House Military Office Louis Caldera, who approved the mission, resigned. On the same day, a photograph of 747 flying over the Statue of Liberty was released by the White House.FOXNews.com: White House Military Office Chief Resigns Over Plane Flyover Flap (May 8, 2009)

The White House official responsible for the mission, Louis Caldera, later apologized. Mayor Michael Bloomberg expressed outrage because the New York Police Department never informed him that the "photo op" would take place. The City Hall deputy was reportedly reprimanded. On May 8, 2009, Caldera resigned.FOXNews.com: White House Military Office Chief Resigns Over Plane Flyover Flap (May 8, 2009)NY Daily News: Mayor Bloomberg Outraged over Military Photo-op Involving... (April 28, 2009)