Message from Col. Goodman on Flyover salute to healthcare workers on Friday May 15th

A message from Col. Richard Goodman regarding Friday's planned flyover salute to healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential personnel:

Civic Leaders and Friends,

The service members, civilians, and families of the Idaho military community appreciate the sacrifices made by all the essential workers to fight COVID-19 in the state of Idaho. We are showing that appreciation the best way we know how—with a flyover tribute dedicated to those on the front line during this pandemic.

They are working hard to take care of us putting their own safety at risk and we want to demonstrate our thanks.

I am pleased to announce the 366th Fighter Wing and 124th Fighter Wing will be conducting a special joint flyover over southern Idaho communities on Friday morning, May 15, to honor Idaho’s front line COVID-19 first responders and everyone staying at home to “flatten the curve” of the virus. Our flyover formation will consist of four aircraft including one U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle and one Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15SG Strike Eagle from Mountain Home Air Force Base and two A-10 Thunderbolts from Gowen Field. The entire flight path will include the cities of Caldwell, Nampa, Meridian, Boise, Mountain Home, Ketchum, Sun Valley, Hailey, Idaho Falls, Pocatello and Twin Falls.

Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve personnel are all working together to accomplish this salute, demonstrating the close total force relationships we share.

Flight path maps of the flyover were coordinated with Idaho State officials and members of the Federal Aviation Administration. The flyover is intended to provide a salute to all the healthcare professionals, frontline responders, and essential personnel working to keep everyone safe and healthy during these unique times. The flyover also provides essential training to the aircrew and demonstrates the readiness of the Air Force.

Residents along these flight paths can expect a few seconds of jet noise as the aircraft pass overhead and will be able to see the flyover from the safety of their homes. Residents should follow all social distancing guidelines during this event and refrain gathering in large groups to view the flyover.

We welcome and encourage viewers to tag us on Facebook (facebook.com/366fw) and Instagram (mhafb_gunfighters) in photos and videos of the formation, and to use the hashtags #AimHigh #AirForceSalutes, #GunfighterStrong and #FlyoverFriday. Be sure to also check out our social media accounts for additional photos and video footage of the flyover. Finally, more details are on our Facebook page (facebook.com/366fw) for you to share starting later today and tomorrow.

If you have any questions please call my Community Partnerships Director, Trace Giles (cc’d) at 208-590-3053.

We are honored to have this opportunity to salute our amazing first responders with a flyover in southern Idaho and extend that same salute to our friends in northern Idaho. There are so many people helping other people and putting others first. Their selfless efforts will help us win this fight against COVID-19. The Air Force salutes you and I salute you.

Thank you and Aim High,

RICHARD A. GOODMAN, Colonel, USAF

Commander, 366th Fighter Wing

Mountain Home Air Force Base Gunfighters

Government Organization