MACON, Ga. — An F-15 flyover in Central Georgia to salute healthcare workers, first responders and essential workers is scheduled for Tuesday.
According to a news release from Robins AFB, the 339th Flight Test Squadron and 561st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron will conduct the flyover on May 5 at 2 p.m.
The F-15 will travel over Macon (Coliseum Medical Centers and The Medical Center), Perry (Perry Hospital) and Warner Robins (Houston Medical Center).
According to the flight plan below, the Eagle will fly over Macon around 2:05 p.m., Perry around 2:15 p.m. and then over Warner Robins around 2:20 p.m.
Faye Banks with public affairs says they’ll fly over the Carl Vinson VA in Dublin and Fairview Park Hospital at 2:30 p.m.
“The program’s purpose is to demonstrate the Department of the Air Force’s continued readiness during the national COVID-19 response, while saluting the American heroes at the forefront in our fight against COVID-19,” the release says. “The flyovers are a way for the U.S. Air Force to show appreciation to healthcare workers, first responders, military, and other essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
People living in those areas will be able to see the flyover, but are asked to refrain from traveling to landmarks, hospitals or gathering in large groups to see it.
Remember to practice social distancing if you do leave your house.
Christopher Swars, a registered nurse at Coliseum Medical Centers and a former marine, says he feels honored that healthcare workers are getting recognized.
"It's neat that the commander in chief has thought, you know, thinks enough about us to just do something like that for us just to show us that, or possibly remind us, that you know, this is affecting everybody," Swars said.
Swars says he might not be able to get outside to see the jet, but he'll be able to hear that sonic boom from inside the hospital.
"There is nothing, no other symbol, that I can think of other than something like a flyover that can get everybody -- show the workers that we're appreciated," he said.
Swars also wants to thank the community for all of their support during the pandemic.
"The community has been great. There has been so many times where our lunch has been paid for, people have been making us masks," he said. "They’re doing so much for us."
The safest place to be to watch the flyover is from your home or front yard.
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