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Video by Master Sgt. Mindy Bloem

Texas Air National Guard F-16 unit performs flyovers in show of support to frontline workers during COVID-19

149th Fighter Wing (Texas Air National Guard)

May 11, 2020 | 12:19

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – The Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing flew over hospitals and medical support facilities in parts of Corpus Christi, Laredo and Lubbock May 11 as a way to honor the selfless sacrifice of all the health care workers, first responders, military and other personnel at the forefront of this crisis.
“We wanted to show our appreciation to all the frontline responders who are out there every day combating this virus,” said Col. Raul Rosario, 149th Fighter Wing commander. “As Guardsmen, who live and work in many of these local areas, we value the dedication of those who tirelessly serve our communities to help make what we do to defend the nation possible. This flyover is just one way to recognize those serving in locations who may not get the opportunity to watch the demo team flyovers planned for some of the bigger cities.”

One team of four F-16s flew over Covenant Health Center and Texas Tech Health Center. Another team of four flew over Laredo Medical Center then continued to CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital.

They flew southwest to northeast over Covenant Health Center then southwest to northeast over UMC (Texas Tech Health Center)before returning to base. The second team of four F-16s flew over Laredo Medical Center, flying north to south over Laredo Medical Center. The four jets then continued flying to CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi and west to east over CHRISTUS Spohn.

“We know most people love to watch flyovers, and people could probably use a boost right now,” said Col. Matt Jensen, commander of the 149th Operations Group. “Fortunately for us, these flyovers also provide important proficiency training to our pilots, so it is a way to do something nice for the community through already-allotted flight hours at no extra cost to the taxpayer.”

These flyovers are part of Operation American Resolve, intended to lift morale in cities across America as our nation undergoes this challenging time. People in areas where these flyovers occur are encouraged to look up from their homes or establishments and enjoy the display of gratitude and solidarity while keeping in mind social distancing and personal protective measures.

*Note: This particular footage is of the F-16s flying over Lubbock.