Davis-Monthan Air Force Base’s 355th Wing, alongside the Arizona Air National Guard’s 162nd Wing, are taking off from Tucson International Airport May 14 for a salutatory flyover across the Greater Tucson Metro, the airbase announced. The event will honor local first responders and medical professionals on the front lines of handling the COVID-19 pandemic.
A formation of two A-10 Thunderbolts IIs and two F-16 Fighting Falcons will begin the flyover at 2 p.m. The flight will last approximately 40 minutes.
“Morris Air National Guard Base and Davis–Monthan Air Force Base recognize the healthcare personnel and first responders who are serving beyond measure during this trying time of the COVID pandemic,” said Col. Jeffrey Bulter, 162nd Wing commander, in a press release. “We are extremely grateful for your service to the people of Tucson and the great state of Arizona.”
The flight will overfly a variety of healthcare facilities in Tucson, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Oro Valley, and Marana.
“We are honored to salute all the healthcare workers, first responders and civic leaders who are working tirelessly to flatten the curve in our community,” said Col. Michael Drowley, 355th Wing commander, in a statement. “They are true heroes. We want everyone who sees us in the sky Thursday to know that our Airmen are flying with them in mind.”
The airbase asks that residents practice social distancing procedures and enjoy the flyover from the safety of their homes.
This article appears in May 7-13, 2020.
If the federal government wants to honor health care workers, they should have taken the money used for these flyovers and used it to provide them proper PPE so they don’t die on the job.
It isn’t always about the money.
This is about one group of professionals who have devoted their lives to defending and protecting this nation from military threats saluting another group of professionals that are defending and protecting us from a very real biological threat that has claimed too many innocent lives.
It is about demonstrating solidarity in the face of dangers, changes and challenges that are impacting us all, to build us up, despite those who would use this opportunity to tear us down.
As said in past conflicts delivered to this nation’s shores — we may not have started this war, but together we will win it.
I’d be far more impressed with PPE for healthcare and retail employees and more testing, something we’re woefully short of.
I had no idea that the ANG base was named Morris. Is it named after Morris K Udall?
FYI regarding Morris ANG Base
https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/162n…
Have not seen them and the time has passed.