MISSOULA — The Montana Air National Guard 120th Airlift Wing saluted first responders around the state on Wednesday with a statewide, C-130 flyover.
Medical staff at Providence St Patrick Hospital in Missoula gathered outside just after the noon hour to watch the C-130 flyover.
In all, the Montana National Guard conducted flyovers in 21 cities as part of their tribute to those on the front lines supporting the fight against COVID-19.
The C-130 started its trek through western Montana in Whitefish, and passed through Kalispell, Polson, and Ronan before reaching Missoula.
Watch the Kalispell flyover below.
The purpose of the flyovers is 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 the fight against COVID-19, according to the Guard.
The flyovers are also intended to lift morale in towns, cities and states across America due to the severe health and economic impacts that have resulted from COVID-19.
The event began in Great Falls Wednesday morning with a two-ship flyover of Benefis Hospital. The aircraft then split off with one taking an eastern route and the other covering the western part of Montana.
Olson, ErikTogether they were scheduled to fly over more than 20 cities and towns Wednesday, focusing on health care facilities in the regions they visit. Flyovers such as these are conducted at no additional cost to the taxpayer and serve as training for aircrews.
The Guard is asking all observers to avoid gathering in large groups to watch the flight and to observe social distancing. For more information, visit the flight's Facebook page.
