Luke AFB salutes Arizonans battling coronavirus with 15-plane flyover
May 1, 2020, 3:56 PM | Updated: 6:45 pm
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.
