KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — This Friday, a series of Oregon Air National Guard fly-overs meant to salute essential workers will come to most of southern Oregon. Fly-overs for much of northern, central, and eastern Oregon happened last Friday.

The Oregon Air National Guard has scheduled multiple F-15 Eagle Flyovers near hospitals and other locations throughout the state during May "in order to salute Oregonians on the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic and lift morale during a time of severe health and economic impacts."

For the northern areas of Oregon, those flyovers will be conducted by the 142nd Fighter Wing, based in Portland. For southern Oregon, it will be the 173rd Fighter Wing from Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls.

“This is a joint effort to demonstrate support and give thanks to healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 response; the goal is to unite all Oregonians during this time,” said Stephen Bomar, Director of Public Affairs for the Oregon Military Department. “This effort also demonstrates the full capabilities of our Oregon National Guard Citizen Soldiers and Airmen. Whether on the ground delivering needed Personal Protective Equipment throughout Oregon or in the skies protecting the Pacific Northwest, the Guard is in this together with Oregonians.”

People are encouraged to view the flights from the safety of their own homes, practicing physical distancing. Anyone living around the listed hospitals will likely get a chance to see and hear the jets.

“We are honored to pay tribute to everyone who has served on the frontlines during this pandemic,” said Brig. General Donna Prigmore, Commander of the Oregon Air National Guard. “This is a small way of showing our gratitude for the big sacrifices that our healthcare workers, emergency responders, and so many others have made. We thank all of you.”

The flyovers are scheduled for the following southern Oregon locations around these times on Friday, May 15:

• 10:05 a.m. Asante Ashland Community Hospital
• 10:07 a.m. Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center
• 10:09 a.m. Providence Medford Medical Center
• 10:25 a.m. Bay Area Hospital
• 10:28 a.m. Coquille Valley Hospital
• 10:31 a.m. Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center
• 10:39 a.m. Curry General Hospital

The Air Force Thunderbirds are also scheduled to fly over the Pacific Northwest in late May, the Oregon Military Department said.