Four F-16s from the 482nd Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Reserve Base will honor frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers with a formation flight over many South Florida hospitals May 23.
The flyover is part of America Strong, an initiative to conduct a series of flyovers in major cities 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. This flyover is not associated with any airshow or special event as it is planned and approved with regular training missions and is at no additional cost to the taxpayer.
“This flyover is a way for the Air Force, and more locally, the men and women of the 482nd Fighter Wing, to show appreciation to the thousands of doctors, nurses, first responders and essential workers serving South Florida during this pandemic,” said Brig. Gen. David Piffarerio, 482nd Fighter Wing commander. “It is a privilege to be able to fly over these medical facilities in a display of national unity and support for those keeping our communities safe.”
The aircraft will take off from the base at 11:20 a.m., on route to the Florida Keys Intensive Outpatient Center in Key West. After reaching the center at approximately 11:35 a.m., the planes will then head north ultimately to the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center in West Palm Beach. Flying over more than 30 hospital and medical centers along its flight path, the planes will then head back south for a pass over Homestead Hospital at 12:40 p.m.
Residents along the flight path can expect jet noise as the aircraft pass overhead but will be able to see the flyover from the safety of their home-quarantine and should maintain all social distancing guidelines during this event. They should also refrain from traveling to landmarks, hospitals, and gathering in large groups to view the flyover.