Air National Guard Pays Tribute with a Flyover Route
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On May 6, two C-130 airships from the 120th Airlift Wing of the Montana Air National Guard at Great Falls conducted flyovers in 21 Montana cities as a tribute to healthcare workers and first responders in the COVID-19 response efforts. One of the air craft took a western route, while the other followed an eastern route. Harlem was one of the cities on the fly-over itinerary.
As part of the Air Force Salutes flyover program, the two C-130s flew in a salute to Montana's first responders on the front lines. One plane flew from Great Falls to Lewistown, before heading north to Harlem. From there, the plane flew east to Wolf Point, then veered southeast to Glendive before flying on to Miles City, Hardin, Billings, Livingston, and Bozeman.
The second plane flew north from Great Falls to fly-over Havre. From there, it headed west to visit the communities of Shelby, Browning, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Kalispell, Polson, Ronan, Missoula, Butte, and Helena.
According to information released from the 120th, "The purpose of the flyovers was 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. The flyovers were 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."
Colonel Buel Dickson, Commander of the 120th Airlift Wing, explained that flyovers such as these are conducted at no additional cost to the taxpayer and serve as training for aircrews. In addition to this event, the Montana Air National Guard has deployed 72 airmen throughout the state to help defend against the pandemic.
From the Fort Belknap Hospital, a spokesperson said she watched the airship fly over and double back. She wondered if it was one aircraft or two and considered the tribute especially fitting on National Nurses' Day.
Another Harlem resident, Cheryl Morales watched the flyover with her granddaughter from the city park. Morales reported seeing the plane at approximately 11:06, calling it an awesome salute to our first responders. The siting also brought back memories of her military service. Morales served in the United States Army from 1980 - 1986, earning the rank of E-5/Sergeant.
"Seeing the plane made me feel a bit nostalgic. It brought back memories of days past of doing PT and singing cadence: 'C-130 rolling down the strip; airborne daddy gonna take a little trip,'" Morales said.
