Air Force salutes Tri-Cities frontline medical workers with flyover

Medical professionals and other hospital staff took a brief break Friday to watch two KC-135 Stratotankers honor the work they’ve done during the coronavirus pandemic with a flyover.

The two large aircraft that circled over Eastern Washington and Northwest Idaho were part of the “America Strong” flyover.

Tributes to healthcare workers and first responders, who have risked their lives on the front lines during the outbreak, took place Friday over other cities across the country.

President Donald Trump announced two weeks ago that the Air Force’s Thunderbirds, the Navy’s Blue Angels and other military aircraft would conduct air shows in America as a show of support.

At Kadlec Regional Medical Center, people gathered on the top floor of the parking garage to get an up-close view of the large aircraft as they circled Eastern Washington and Northwest Idaho.

Many mask-wearing workers and Tri-Cities residents used their cellphones to get footage of the flyover.

The Stratotankers, used for aerial refueling, came from Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane.

They passed over hospitals in Moses Lake, Yakima, Kadlec in Richland, Trios Southridge Hospital in Kennewick, Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.

“We are so thankful for the healthcare workers, first responders, military members and other essential personnel on frontline of the COVID-19 threat,” said Colonel Derek Salmi, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander.

“This flyover is one small thing that we can do to say thank you for all of your hard work and remind everyone that we, as a community, are all in this together.”