![The Thunderbirds pass behind downtown Los Angeles. The Thunderbirds will...]()
The Thunderbirds pass behind downtown Los Angeles. The Thunderbirds will be flew into Los Angeles County from Orange County and made their way to Riverside County, then Ventura County and concluded in the Santa Clarita areacon Friday, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
![The United States Air Force Thunderbirds soar over Riverside Friday...]()
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds soar over Riverside Friday afternoon, May 15, 2020. The Thunderbirds flyover served as a salute to California’s frontline COVID-19 responders. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
![The Thunderbirds fly by County USC in Los Angeles on...]()
The Thunderbirds fly by County USC in Los Angeles on Friday, May 15, 2020 during a Southern California flyover to honor those on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
![The Thunderbirds fly by County USC in Los Angeles on...]()
The Thunderbirds fly by County USC in Los Angeles on Friday, May 15, 2020 during a Southern California flyover to honor those on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
![Employees and medical staff of Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center...]()
Employees and medical staff of Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center take photos as the six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons flyover in formation as a salute to health care workers, first responders, and other essential personnel on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic in Riverside on Friday, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
![Employees and medical staff wait by the American flag to...]()
Employees and medical staff wait by the American flag to catch a glimpse of the six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons flyover in front of the Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center in Riverside on Friday, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
![Veterans and medical staff salute the American flag in front...]()
Veterans and medical staff salute the American flag in front of the Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center in Riverside on Friday, May 15, 2020 during the flyover formation of six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons in recognition of health care workers, first responders, and other essential personnel on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
![Six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons flyover in formation above the Kaiser Permanente...]()
Six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons flyover in formation above the Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center in Riverside on Friday, May 15, 2020 as a salute to health care workers, first responders, and other essential personnel on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
![Employees and medical staff of Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center...]()
Employees and medical staff of Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center catch a glimpse from the entrance of the hospital as they watch six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons flyover in Riverside on Friday, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
![The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over Riverside Friday...]()
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over Riverside Friday afternoon, May 15, 2020, as seen from Abernathy Park. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
![Some Riverside Community Hospital staff stand on the roof as...]()
Some Riverside Community Hospital staff stand on the roof as they watch the United States Air Force Thunderbirds perform a flyover in Riverside on Friday, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
![Veterans and medical staff salute the American flag in front...]()
Veterans and medical staff salute the American flag in front of the Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center in Riverside on Friday, May 15, 2020 during the flyover formation of six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
![The United States Air Force Thunderbirds soar over a mountain...]()
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds soar over a mountain north of Riverside Friday afternoon, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
![Employees and medical staff of Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center...]()
Employees and medical staff of Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center catch a glimpse from the entrance of the hospital as they watch six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons flyover in formation in Riverside on Friday, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
![Staff at UC Irvine Medical Center watch from a balcony...]()
Staff at UC Irvine Medical Center watch from a balcony as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the hospital in Orange, CA on Friday, May 15, 2020. The flyover was part of the “America Strong Flyover” salute to caregivers. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
![Veterans and medical staff salute the American flag in front...]()
Veterans and medical staff salute the American flag in front of the Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center in Riverside on Friday, May 15, 2020, during the flyover formation of six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
![Riverside Community Hospital’s Brandon Herron, left and Ryan Herron hold...]()
Riverside Community Hospital’s Brandon Herron, left and Ryan Herron hold Old Glory as the United States Air Force Thunderbirds air demonstration squadron perform a flyover to salute California frontline Covid-19 responders and essential workers in Riverside on Friday, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
![Visitors to Abernathy Park in Riverside watch as the United...]()
Visitors to Abernathy Park in Riverside watch as the United States Air Force Thunderbirds soar past Friday afternoon, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
![The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over Riverside Friday...]()
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over Riverside Friday afternoon, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
![The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over downtown Riverside...]()
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over downtown Riverside Friday afternoon, May 15, 2020, with Mount Rubidoux in the background. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
![Christopher Gomez, 5, from Moreno Valley, plays with his toy...]()
Christopher Gomez, 5, from Moreno Valley, plays with his toy United States Air Force Thunderbirds plane while waiting for the real thing to fly overhead Friday afternoon May 15, 2020, at Abernathy Park in Riverside. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
![People stand on a hill below Abernathy Park in Riverside...]()
People stand on a hill below Abernathy Park in Riverside as they wait for the United States Air Force Thunderbirds to fly over the area Friday afternoon, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
![Nurse Natasha Ahern joins other healthcare workers at Hoag Hospital...]()
Nurse Natasha Ahern joins other healthcare workers at Hoag Hospital as the look for The Air Force Thunderbirds in Newport Beach, CA, on Friday, May 15, 2020. The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron honored frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers with formation flights over San Diego and the Los Angeles area. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
![The Air Force Thunderbirds fly over Newport Beach seen from...]()
The Air Force Thunderbirds fly over Newport Beach seen from Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, CA, on Friday, May 15, 2020. The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron honored frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers with formation flights over San Diego and the Los Angeles area. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
![Healthcare works look for The Air Force Thunderbirds as they...]()
Healthcare works look for The Air Force Thunderbirds as they fly over Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, CA, on Friday, May 15, 2020. The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron honored frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers with formation flights over San Diego and the Los Angeles area. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
![A formation of six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons flyover parts of...]()
A formation of six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons flyover parts of Orange County Friday afternoon as a salute to health care workers, first responders, military and other essential personnel while standing in solidarity with all Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vantage point for the photo is looking south towards the Riverside 91 freeway from Fullerton’s Vista Park. Photographed on Friday May 15, 2020. (Photo by Michael Kitada, Contributing Photographer)
![The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flyover Six Flags Magic Mountain...]()
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flyover Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita, CA Friday, May 15, 2020. The Thunderbirds made the flights in Southern California to honor medical professionals, first responders, military and essential workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
![The medical team at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in...]()
The medical team at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in Santa Clarita, CA watch a C-130 from the 146th Airlift Wing of the California Air National Guard fly over their hospital Thursday, May 14, 2020. The fly-over was done to salute front line health care workers during he coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
![The medical team at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in...]()
The medical team at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in Santa Clarita, CA watch a C-130 from the 146th Airlift Wing of the California Air National Guard fly over their hospital Thursday, May 14, 2020. The fly-over was done to salute front line health care workers during he coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
![The United States Air Force Thunderbirds perform a flyover to...]()
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds perform a flyover to salute California frontline Covid-19 responders and essential workers over Arrowhead Regional in Rialto on Friday, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
![Dr. James Learned watches with other staff at UC Irvine...]()
Dr. James Learned watches with other staff at UC Irvine Medical Center as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the hospital in Orange, CA on Friday, May 15, 2020. The flyover was part of the “America Strong Flyover” salute to caregivers. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
![Medical personnel wait to see the Thunderbirds fly by County...]()
Medical personnel wait to see the Thunderbirds fly by County USC in Los Angeles on Friday, May 15, 2020 during a Southern California flyover to honor those on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
![The Thunderbirds will be flew into Los Angeles County from...]()
The Thunderbirds will be flew into Los Angeles County from Orange County and made their way to Riverside County, then Ventura County and concluded in the Santa Clarita areacon Friday, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
![The Thunderbirds fly over Simi Valley. The Thunderbirds will be...]()
The Thunderbirds fly over Simi Valley. The Thunderbirds will be flew into Los Angeles County from Orange County and made their way to Riverside County, then Ventura County and concluded in the Santa Clarita area on Friday, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
![A couple stands on their balcony of their home on...]()
A couple stands on their balcony of their home on Vista Panorama in the hills in Orange as they wait for the Air Force’s Thunderbirds demonstration team to fly over medical facilities in Orange on Friday, May 15, 2020, in tribute to medical workers and other personnel responding to the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
![The Air Force’s Thunderbirds demonstration team flies over Children’s Hospital...]()
The Air Force’s Thunderbirds demonstration team flies over Children’s Hospital of Orange County and St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, bottom center, as well as other medical facilities in Southern California on Friday, May 15, 2020, in tribute to medical workers and other personnel responding to the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
![The Air Force’s Thunderbirds demonstration team flies over Anaheim and...]()
The Air Force’s Thunderbirds demonstration team flies over Anaheim and various medical facilities in Southern California, on their way to the Inland Empire on Friday, May 15, 2020, in tribute to medical workers and other personnel responding to the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
![The Thunderbirds, fly into the Santa Clarita area during a...]()
The Thunderbirds, fly into the Santa Clarita area during a flyby of Henry Mayo Hospital on Friday, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Mike Meadows)
![United States Air Force Thunderbirds air demonstration squadron perform a...]()
United States Air Force Thunderbirds air demonstration squadron perform a flyover to salute California frontline Covid-19 responders and essential workers in Riverside on Friday, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
![The Thunderbirds, fly into the Santa Clarita area during a...]()
The Thunderbirds, fly into the Santa Clarita area during a flyby of Henry Mayo Hospital on Friday, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Mike Meadows)
![United States Air Force Thunderbirds air demonstration squadron make their...]()
United States Air Force Thunderbirds air demonstration squadron make their way over the county building in Riverside on Friday, May 15, 2020. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
It was a quick tribute, over in just a few moments.
But it was a loud and powerful statement of support for medical staff at the area’s hospitals on the frontlines caring for patients sick with the coronavirus.
Members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds planned low-flying flight paths over Los Angeles County, Orange County and the Inland Empire on Friday afternoon, May 15, as their flashy way of saying thanks. Earlier in the day they buzzed the San Diego area.
Six F-16 Fighting Falcons flew in tight formation, leaving racing hearts and wide smiles in their wake below.
At Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center they saluted as the planes flew by.
“It was the highlight of our week, maybe our month, it’s just super nice to know that people appreciate what we’re doing,” said Katie Love, executive director of medical staff at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach.
She stood with other employees watching the flyover from a mezzanine near the top of the building.
“It’s very humbling to have this kind of recognition,” Michael Hurwitz, a surgeon and Hoag’s chief of staff said, “and we feel very honored to be doing this kind of work for our community.”
