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May 6, 2022

 

 

  • Salute Utah Flyover honors frontline responders, veterans and lifts spirits across Utah

In a show of solidarity, the U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration and 388th Fighter Wing conducted a formation flyover across the state of Utah on Thursday, April 30, beginning at 1 p.m.

The Salute Utah flyover honored healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential personnel while standing in solidarity with all Utahns during the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of Utah’s Veterans, the flight route proceded over the William E. Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home, George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, the Mervyn Sharp Bennion Central Utah Veterans Home, Southern Utah Veterans Home and the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home.

“I’m tremendously grateful to all Utahns who have taken steps to flatten the curve and slow the spread of coronavirus,” said Gov. Gary. R. Herbert. “The Salute Utah Flyover is an excellent way to pay tribute to those at the frontlines combating the outbreak. Like our pilots and crews, our essential workers are our warriors. This is a tribute to them and to every Utahn fighting coronavirus.”

The flyover was led by the F-35A Demo Team pilot, Capt. Kristin “BEO” Wolfe, with three combat-ready F-35 pilots from the 388th Fighter Wing. Wolfe is the first female commander of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter demonstration team. The formation took off from Hill Air Force Base at 1 p.m. on Thursday, and proceded south through Salt Lake City down to St. George, before looping up to Park City and Logan, before proceeding south through Ogden and back to the base.

“We are an operational wing, and we’re taking every precaution to ensure our personnel safety while maintaining our combat-readiness,” said Col. Steven Behmer, 388th Fighter Wing commander. “This flyover is just one way for us to enhance our training while providing a small service to our community.” The flight path was coordinated with Utah State officials as well as members of the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Salute Utah Flyover was part of the U.S. Air Force’s Operation: American Resolve, which salutes those at the forefront of the COVID-19 response. The flyover also provided essential training to the pilots, and demonstrated the readiness of the Air Force.