Michigan Strong Flyover

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Andrew Schumann | A KC-135 Stratotanker, from the 127th Air Refueling Group, and Three A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, from the 107th Fighter Squadron, fly a Michigan Strong formation above Detroit, Michigan on Wednesday, May 13th. The Michigan Air National Guard aircraft from Selfridge Air National Guard Base conducted a series of multi-city flyovers across the state to show appreciation to the thousands of Michigan heroes who are at the front line battling COVID-19 and providing the vital support that Michiganders need. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Drew Schumann)  

SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES

05.18.2020

Story by Staff Sgt. Andrew Schumann 

127th Wing

SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich.— Citizen-Airmen of the Michigan National Guard’s 127th Wing had an opportunity last week, when they provided statewide morale flyovers saluting healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential personnel who continue to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dubbed, “Michigan Strong,” the program allowed pilots and crewmembers the chance to honor those frontline workers by flying KC-135 Stratotanker and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft as part of routine training missions on May 12 and May 13, 2020.
“This salute by the men and women of the Michigan National Guard was an incredibly moving gesture to recognize the hard-working frontline heroes of our state who have sacrificed to keep Michiganders safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “It is a great symbol of resolve and solidarity in Michigan’s fight against COVID-19.”
On May 12 residents in Marquette had a chance to see two KC-135 Stratotankers flyover on a route that included the Upper Peninsula, State capitol, city of Flint, and all the towns in between. Meanwhile, on the other side of the state, four A-10 Thunderbolt II’s flew a separate route over the western side of the state, including Traverse City and Grand Rapids among others.
Melissa Olson Cunningham, an Ann Arbor resident, thanked the 127th Wing on social media, sharing the sentiment of hundreds of other citizens who observed the flyovers.
“I work at Michigan Medicine and was on a business call [during the flyover] so I turned the camera so my coworkers could see,” Cunningham said. “It felt like a really cool celebration.”
On Wednesday, the two units conducted a flyover where three A-10 Thunderbolt IIs flew behind a KC-135 Stratotanker, holding formation over the Detroit region and trying to include every major medical facility between Novi and Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
“What’s important is, this is about the men and women who are out there on the front lines keeping Michigan healthy and safe,” Brig. Gen. Rolf E. Mammen, 127th Wing Commander said. “This is our opportunity to thank them.”

• Date Taken: 05.18.2020
• Date Posted: 05.20.2020 09:58
• Story ID: 370227
• Location: SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, MICHIGAN, US