Luke Air Force Base Flyover To Honor Frontline COVID-19 Workers

Arizona’s COVID-19 responders on the front lines will be honored on Friday, May 1, with a special flyover from Luke Air Force Base.

Around 3:10 p.m. MST, Luke Air Force Base, including the 56th Fighter Wing, 944th Fighter Wing, and Arizona National Guard 161st Air Refueling Wing, will conduct a 50-minute flight across the Valley.

Fifteen aircraft will take part in the event. Seven F-35A Lightning IIs and seven F-16 Fighting Falcons will be flying out of Luke Air Force Base, and one KC-135 will be from the 161st ARW.

They’ll fly over major Valley areas like Buckeye, Litchfield Park, Surprise, Waddell, Goodyear, Tolleson, Phoenix Metro, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Deer Valley, Glendale, Peoria, Sun City West, and El Mirage.

Residents along the flight path can expect a few seconds of jet noise as the aircraft pass overhead.

“We are honored to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the healthcare workers, first responders, military members and other essential personnel who are working on the front lines to combat the coronavirus,” said Brig. Gen. Todd Canterbury, 56th Fighter Wing commander, in a press release.

If you plan to watch, be sure to maintain social distance, and stay home. Do not go to landmarks, hospitals, or gather in large groups to watch the flyover.

Residents will be able to see the flyover from the safety of their homes and should maintain all social distancing guidelines during this event, Luke AFB stated in a release.

Luke AFB welcomes and encourages viewers to tag them on social media in photos and videos of the formation with the hashtags, #LukeSalutes, #AirForceSalutes, and #FlyoverFriday.

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