A flock of F-16 fighter jets will fly above parts of South Carolina on Monday to pay homage to the frontline health care workers combating COVID-19.
The jets usually honor the courage of America’s armed forces. With the monthslong battle to curb the virus, those working in hospitals, such as EMTS, paramedics and more, are in a battle as arduous as the ones fought overseas. As a morale booster, the jets are flying in various parts of the country, including Philadelphia.
Near Georgia, jets from the South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing will join the mission, known as Operation American Resolve, on Monday morning, according to Augusta news station WRDW.
“The Airmen of the 169th Fighter Wing are humbled by the sacrifices made from our first responders and healthcare professionals,” reads a message on the South Carolina Air National Guard’s Facebook page. “As our jets return from a training mission late Monday morning, 27 April, our six-ship formation of Swamp Fox F-16 fighter jets will split off into three groups, with each group flying over different regions of the state in a display of national thanks to all who are fighting the good fight.”
One of the first flyovers will take place at Aiken Regional Medical Centers at 11:05 a.m. The pilots will fly over several hospitals across South Carolina, including ones in the Augusta area in Aiken County.
Here are some of the updated times for the flyovers Monday:
Aiken - Aiken Regional Medical Centers: 11:05 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.
Orangeburg - Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg & Calhoun: 12:00 p.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Irmo - Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge: 12:05 p.m. - 12:20 p.m.
West Columbia - Lexington Medical Center: 12:10 p.m. - 12:25 p.m.
Columbia - Prisma Health Baptist: 12:10 p.m. - 12:25 p.m.
Columbia - Prisma Health Richland: 12:10 p.m. - 12:25 p.m.
Columbia - Providence Health: 12:10 p.m. - 12:25 p.m.
Columbia - Dorn VA Hospital: 12:10 p.m. - 12:25 p.m.
The National Guard posted the full schedule on its Facebook page.
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