The Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration and 388th Fighter Wing will perform a formation flyover throughout the state of Utah this week to salute to everyone on the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19, as well as those staying at home to “flatten the curve” of the virus. (Photo credit: Capt. Kippun Sumner)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Air Force has found a way to salute Utah healthcare workers and all Utahns following the government’s guidelines intended to flatten the curve of COVID-19 coronavirus.
And all you’ll need to do is look toward the sky to see and feel it.
On Thursday, April 30, beginning around 1 p.m., the Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration and 388th Fighter Wing will perform a formation flyover throughout the state.
“This flyover is our way of saluting those that are keeping our home-front safe during these unique times,” said Capt. Kristin “BEO” Wolfe, who will lead the formation along with three combat-ready F-35 pilots from the 388th Fighter Wing.
“To provide just a small showcase of our appreciation to everyone that is doing their part to combat the virus,” Wolfe said in a statement, “and to say ‘thank you for your sacrifice and service.'”
Not many in the state will miss out. According to the statement, the flyover is scheduled to begin at Hill Air Force Base and travel to Ogden, then Salt Lake City, then St. George, and return north over Park City and Logan.
The Air Force asks that you watch the flyover from the safety of your backyard.
They also ask that residents avoid large gatherings while participating as observers.
The Utah flyover is part of a national show of solidarity by the U.S. Airforce, as denoted by the hashtag #AmericaStrong. Over the next several weeks, the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, and the Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, will conduct a series of multi-city flyovers.
