NY Air National Guard Flyover Honors Medical & Essential Workers

The Navy's Blue Angels and the Air Force's Thunderbirds did flyovers over some major cities in the United States as a show of support and thanks to our men and women working on the frontlines in the fight against the coronavirus. I saw pictures and videos of some of the flyovers and they were impressive. Unfortunately, the closest they came to the Capital Region was New York City.

Now, That's going to change on Tuesday. No, it's not the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds, but it's out local heroes taking to the sky in an LC-130, coincidentally that aircraft is very similar to the Blue Angels "Fat Albert" support C-130. New York's Air National Guard's LC-130 is equipped with skies as part of its landing gear so it can land on snow in cold weather operations.

Starting at 11 am the New York Air National Guard's LC-130 will take off from Stratton Air National Guard Base on a mission dubbed, "Operational American Resolve".

"This flyover is a way for the men and women of the 109th Airlift Wing, and the New York Air National Guard, to say "thanks" to the essential workers, medical personnel and first responders who are there for all New Yorkers during this time, " said Col. Michele Kilgore, the commander of the 109th Airlift Wing. "We live in the communities they serve and we deeply respect the work they do for all of us every day. " New York Air National Guard

Once the 109th Airlift Wing, New York National Guard's LC-130, "Skier 95" takes off at 11 am it will pass over Amsterdam, Fonda, Johnstown, Gloversville, Utica, Rome, Lake George, Glens Falls, Saratoga, Troy, Albany, and Schenectady. You will be able to get a really good look at the aircraft because it will fly at about 500 feet as it flys over those areas.

This graphic gives a good timeline for the flyovers on Tuesday, May 12th.

New York National Guard

Tuesday's flyover is part of a national effort involving local Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve units recognizing medical professionals, first responders, essential workers, and anyone involved in the fight against COVID-19.

For more information on Tuesday's flyover go to the New York Air National Guard website.