Fly-over planned for Eastern Washington medical facilities

SPOKANE, Wash.-- The U.S. Air Force plans to perform a military flyover Friday to honor medical workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.

Two KC-135 Stratotankers take off from Fairchild Airforce Base at noon, and will fly over medical facilities in Moses Lake, Yakima, the Tri-Cities, Coeur d'Alene and Spokane.

Residents along the flight path can expect to hear jet noise as the aircraft fly over.

“We are so thankful for the healthcare workers, first responders, military members and other essential personnel on frontline of the COVID-19 threat,” said Col. 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.”

Residents in the areas of the flight path will be able to see the flyover from the safety of their homes and should maintain social distancing guidelines when watching the event. People are asked to avoid going to landmarks, hospitals or gathering in large groups to watch the flyover.

Here is the schedule:

Moses Lake:
Moses Lake Samaritan Hospital – 12:22 PM

Yakima:
Virginia Mason Memorial Hospital – 12:39 PM

Tri-Cities:
Richland Hospital – 12:57 PM
Kennewick/Pasco – 12:59 PM

Walla Walla:
Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center – 1:10

Spokane:
Shriners/Deaconess Hospital – 1:29 PM
Sacred Heart Medical Center – 1:29 PM
Holy Family Hospital – 1:44 PM
VA Hospital – 1:45 PM

Coeur d'Alene:
Kootenai Medical Center – 1:38 PM