MOUNTAIN AREA — Madera County residents will be treated to an aerial show of appreciation and gratitude this morning aimed at all of those involved in the front line battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Four F-15C Eagle fighter jets attached to the 144th Fighter Wing out of Fresno will be performing a formation flyover throughout California beginning at 10 a.m. today (May 13). The pilots will be flying in an aerial salute to health care workers, first responders — “and everyone on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19.”
According to a Cal Guard news release, the jets will take off at 10 a.m. from Fresno and head north toward Madera.
The flyover is scheduled to pass over medical facilities in the San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento Area, Bay Area, and Southern California, covering the towns of Reedley, Selma, Madera, Sacramento, Richmond/Oakland, San Jose, Monterey, Los Angeles, and Clovis before returning to base in Fresno.
The four jets are part of a nationwide salute from the Air Force to health care workers and those on the front lines. The pilots plan to do a low pass at several locations including the Capitol, California Office of Emergency services, CHP and Cal Fire headquarters locations.
Residents will be able to see the flyover from the safety of their homes and are encouraged to 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. They can also expect to hear jet noise as the aircraft fly overhead.
Cal Guard encourages viewers to tag them in photos and videos of the formation on social media using the hashtags #144FW, #AmericaStrong, and #CaliforniaNationalGuard.
*Please note, times are subject to change based on weather and environmental considerations.
