Hill AFB jets offers a majestic thank you to those on front lines of pandemic with statewide flyover

MURRAY — In the spring afternoon warmth, scores of hospital workers and medical professionals gathered in the parking lot outside of building No. 4 at Intermountain Medical Center’s midvalley campus and turned their eyes to the sky.

Many wore scrubs of the familiar green or blue, while others were in street clothes — all wearing their CDC-recommended face masks as a safety precaution.

Childlike anticipation built for the spectacle planned specifically for those in the health care field — a statewide flyover performed by some of the best pilots in the U.S. Air Force in the cockpits of the most dynamic and technologically advanced fighter jets in the history of the American military.

Soon four members of Hill Air Force Base’s 388th Fighter Wing were visible flying in formation. The sound of the F-35 engine is unmistakable — filling the air with a rolling, thunderous rumble followed by an overpowering roar produced by the state-of-the-art motor capable of top speeds near Mach 1.6, or 1,200 miles per hour.

The jets whizzed by with their camouflage gray paint showing in stark contrast to the clear blue, sunshine-filled skies of northern Utah. For those in attendance, it was a sight to behold and a fitting tribute to the front-line responders helping to care for patients in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It really made us feel like, sure, we (matter) as health care professionals,” said Gil Corona, medical assistant at Intermountain Medical Center’s transplant clinic. “It just showed that this is for us and we’re just glad to be a part of it, to be a part of the community, just to help them out. This is awesome!”

Prior to the flyover, Corona said he and his colleagues were grateful for the recognition, particularly in light of how difficult their lives have become since the coronavirus outbreak began to spread across the state.

“It’s been a challenge from the beginning. But I think just coming to work every day, knowing that we’re taking care of patients under this pandemic, it’s just been a blessing to take care of them. It’s great,” he said. “It’s just just a great way to just remember why we chose this field, to take care of our community as well as whomever we can — our families and friends.”

Gary Brunson, assistant nurse manager in the emergency department at Intermountain, watched the flyover from the helipad of the hospital. He said it was a moving experience that made him feel appreciated for his profession.

“It’s an incredible show of support. I have staff that’s working in the respiratory surgery area every single day, and this is a nice way to acknowledge what they’re doing day in and day out,” he said. “It’s something that as emergency nurses and techs and physicians they all trained for and expect on a regular basis. But it’s challenging, and it’s challenging to be on high alert for such a long period of time.”

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He noted that while Utah’s health care system hasn’t been impacted as much as some states, they are still working hard to help anyone who comes through their doors. He said they are also grateful to everyone who is trying to stop the spread of the virus.

”We appreciate everyone that’s following social distancing guidelines, staying home when they should stay home,“ Brunson said. “But we also want them to know that if they need to seek help or seek care in the emergency department, we’re here, we’re able to see them. It’s a safe place and we would like for them to come in if they need emergency help.”

The flyover was also a tribute to first responders, military members and essential personnel, and those who are staying home to help “flatten the curve” during the coronavirus pandemic.

The four-person pilot group was led by the Air Force F-35A Lightning II demonstration team’s Capt. Kristin Wolfe, accompanied by Capt. Zachary Saunders, Capt. Heath Williams and Capt. Shaun Dickinson — all members of the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base.

The statewide flight path was coordinated with Utah authorities in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration. The two-hour flight took off from Hill Air Force Base before flying south to St. George, then turning around and heading as far north as Logan and Ogden before returning to the base in the Layton-Clearfield area.