What does "they run, we fly" mean?

The phrase "they run, we fly" captures a vivid contrast often found in combat scenarios, specifically highlighting the difference between groups on the ground and airborne support. In a clip from the Jocko Podcast, Vietnam SEAL Gil Espinoza recounts a situation where he and his comrades were on the run under heavy fire, and air support coming in, providing critical assistance from above, created a stark contrast between the chaos on the ground and the coordinated aid from the air 1.

This phrase metaphorically indicates that while one group is engaged intensely in immediate ground-level action ("running"), another group provides elevated assistance ("flying"), showcasing a dynamic interplay between ground troops and aerial support in military operations.