Luke AFB salutes Arizonans battling coronavirus with 15-plane flyover

PHOENIX — The metro Phoenix skies were graced with more than a dozen high-powered military aircraft Friday afternoon for a tribute to health care workers, first responders and other personnel on the front lines of the battle against coronavirus in Arizona.

The formation of 15 military aircraft – 14 jets and one refueling plane — from Luke Air Force Base began its Valley tour at about 3:10 p.m.

The flight path crossed Buckeye, Litchfield Park, Surprise, Waddell, Goodyear, Tolleson, Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Deer Valley, Glendale, Peoria, Sun City West and El Mirage, according to a press release.

Residents from across metro Phoenix shared their pictures and videos of the event, which was slated to last about 50 minutes.

And … that quickly it was over!!! And worth the wait. Thanks for thanking our healthcare workers @LukeAFB pic.twitter.com/x8jiVECcSu

— Jim Sharpe (@JimSharpe) May 1, 2020

Checking in from Tempe! 🇺🇸Thanks, ⁦@LukeAFB⁩! pic.twitter.com/BcxSKSprmc

— Joey Artigue (@Joey_Artigue) May 1, 2020

Here’s what it looked like @KTAR923 @AZMorningNews https://t.co/6kxsLLFdf7 pic.twitter.com/kPj869kqN4

— Jeremy Foster (@Houston923FM) May 1, 2020

Flyover Honoring Frontline Workers fighting Covid 19 flew right over my front yard! 🇺🇲 pic.twitter.com/ADQ5z4Kcyu

— Larry Lewis (@LarryLewisKTAR) May 1, 2020

Thank you to Team Luke! The Phoenix Police Department stands with @LukeAFB in saluting all Arizona Healthcare workers, first responders, military members and other essential personnel on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19. #LukeSalutes #AirForceSalutes #FlyoverFriday pic.twitter.com/mdhPuGR4SH

— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) May 1, 2020

The flyover happened amid continued social distancing restrictions in place across the state.

Gov. Doug Ducey extended the state’s “stay-at-home” order Wednesday an additional two weeks with some modifications.

Arizona had seen almost 8,000 cases and 330 deaths from coronavirus as of Friday morning.

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