Monday, April 27, 2020

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) -- F-16 fighter jets flew over Aiken Regional Medical Centers and other hospitals in the region today to boost the morale of medical professionals on the frontline of the battle against the coronavirus.

The jets also passed over the Augusta hospital district.

Jets from the South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing participated in the mission known as Operation American Resolve.

The pilots flew over several hospitals across the state.

Here were the times of the South Carolina flyovers:

• Aiken - Aiken Regional Medical Centers: 11:05-11:20 a.m.

• Orangeburg - Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg & Calhoun: Noon to 12:15 p.m.

• Irmo - Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge: 12:05-12:20 p.m.

• West Columbia - Lexington Medical Center: 12:10-12:25 p.m.

• Columbia - Prisma Health Baptist: 12:10-12:25 p.m.

• Columbia - Prisma Health Richland: 12:10-12:25 p.m.

• Columbia - Providence Health: 12:10-12:25 p.m.

• Columbia - Dorn VA Hospital: 12:10 p.m.-12:25 p.m.

“This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the South Carolina heroes who are working on the front lines around the clock taking care of us during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Col. Akshai Gandhi, commander of the 169th Fighter Wing.

Anyone who got photos of the F-16s flying overhead is encouraged to post on social media using the hashtags #AirForceSalutes and #AFFlyover.