Flyover salute stuns Santa Barbara, SLO County residents

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - A dramatic, high-flying show of support Wednesday for all of our essential medical workers.

California's National Guard 144th Fighter Wing made a nearly 700-mile round trip. Four fighter jets made the flight.

Not even the engine rumble of the four fighter jets could drown out the cheers below in Santa Maria. The staff at Marian Regional Medical Center gathered with an American flag, relishing Wednesday's salute in their honor.

The dramatic flyover lasted just a matter of seconds, but the impact was deeply felt.

"I think it's amazing to get the support," said Tammie Sparrow, a Marian Regional Medical Center nurse.

Stephanie Dicken, another nurse at Marian had this to say. "It's just really nice to see that our military is supporting us and supporting the sick people."

Minutes earlier, the four F-15c Eagle Fighter jets passed over San Luis Obispo, after taking off earlier from Fresno. Droves of people gathered -- at a distance -- outside SLO's airport, including Christina Heon and her little one.

"Pretty powerful, very cool, special. I think it's nice that they're honoring our healthcare workers," she said.

We also caught up with staffers outside Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center.

"It'd be nice if they did a circle and come back, but they've got a long trip to do," said Art Dominguez of Sierra Vista.

Wednesday's flyover was actually shorter than originally planned. The SoCal leg over LA and San Diego was pushed to Friday.

A little bit of a different formation over Orcutt as kids cheered in neighborhoods below. Down the coast, people staged in the Santa Ynez Valley. The best view was captured on the western half of Solvang

The jets passed over Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital as healthcare workers kept their eye on the sky until the jets fly out of view.

And people gathering on the streets of Santa Barbara, including one group outside the Med Center on upper State.

"That's probably the last time I'll see anything that cool," said Jessica Esparza of the Med Center of Santa Barbara.

It even passed right over our house.

Finally, the jets gave folks staging at Elings Park a gorgeous shot before passing above rooftops in Montecito and beginning its loop back to Sacramento.

Another flyover is being planned for Thursday in our area. That will take place in the skies above Santa Barbara City, Ventura and Los Angeles counties beginning at 2 p.m.