Flyover honors health workers

Minnesota National Guard and 934th Air Wing of the Air Force Reserve pilots flew over the state Wednesday to recognize those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic response. It was the second such operation this month. It included a direct path over Cloquet just after noon. The planes flew low due to cloud cover and were easily visible from the ground and, in one case, for workers on the roof of Community Memorial Hospital.

The aircraft were F-16 Fighting Falcon and C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Minnesota National Guard's 148th Fighter Wing out of Duluth and the 133rd Airlift Wing out of St. Paul, as well as from the Air Force Reserve's 934th Airlift Wing.

The flights Wednesday were the second and likely final part of a statewide effort to recognize health care workers, emergency responders, food industry and other essential workers.

"Our crews must fly regularly to maintain their proficiency," said Col. James Cleet, 133rd Airlift Wing Commander. "This is an outstanding way to both train our aircrew and to recognize those in our community that are on the frontline working hard for the citizens of Minnesota."