Luke AFB to salute Arizonans battling coronavirus with 15-plane flyover

PHOENIX – Look to the metro Phoenix skies for a high-powered tribute to health care workers, first responders and other personnel on the front lines of the battle against coronavirus in Arizona.

A formation of 15 military aircraft – 14 jets and one refueling plane — from Luke Air Base will deliver a salute Friday with a flyover starting at 3:10 p.m. and lasting about 50 minutes.

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

“We want everyone to be able to look up from their homes and enjoy the display of American airpower, resolve and pride while keeping frontline responders in their hearts.”

(Facebook Graphic/Luke AFB, Arizona-56th Fighter Wing)

The flight path will cross 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 the release.

Residents in those communities can expect to hear a brief burst of jet noise during the event.

People are being asked to view the flyover from their homes while social distancing and to avoid gathering anywhere to watch the spectacle.

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