An LC-130 "Skibird" assigned to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing will conduct a regional flyover Tuesday to salute medical professionals, first responders, and essential workers. Beginning at 11 a.m., "Skier 95" will pass over locations including St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam, Saratoga Hospital, the State Capitol and Ellis Hospital.
The flight path will take the aircraft over these locations:
- St. Mary's Hospital, Amstersdam, at 11:04;
- Fonda, at 11:06;
- Johnstown, at 11:07
- Nathan Littauer Hospital, Gloversville, at 11:08
- St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Utica, at 11:25
- Griffiss International Airport, Rome (the site of the Eastern Air Defense Sector) at 11:27;
- Lake George, at 11:49;
- Glens Falls Hospital, Glens Falls, at 11:51;
- Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga Springs, at 11:55;
- St. Mary's Hospitals and Samaritan Hospital, Troy, at 12:02;
- The State Capitol ,Albany Medical Center, St. Peters Hospital, Stratton Veterans Administration Medical Center, Albany, at 12:06;
- Ellis Hospital, Schenectady, at 12:13.
Skier 95 will take off from Stratton Air National Guard Base at 11 a.m. and head west at a speed of 241 miles per hour.
Six Airmen will crew the aircraft. They are:
- Major Brandon Caldwell, from Broadalbin, the Aircraft Commander;
- Lt. Col. Matthew Sala, from Halfmoon, the Co-Pilot;
- Major Jefferson Wood, from Burnt Hills, the Navigator;
- Senor Master Sgt. Christopher Collins, from Stillwater, the Flight Engineer;
- Chief Master Sgt. Raymond Morgan, from Galway, the Loadmaster;
- Lt. Col. Kimberly Peregrim, from Latham, Flight Surgeon.
The ski-equipped aircraft is designed for operations in the Arctic and Antarctic. It will dip down to 500 feet as it passes over the hospitals. The flight is part of a nationwide salute.