B-52H Stratofortress flies over Altru Hospital in salute to medical workers

A B-52H Stratofortress flew over Altru Hospital on Monday, May 18.

The flyover was was an opportunity for the U.S. Air Force to salute and pay respect to medical professionals and first responders, as they battle the coronavirus pandemic on the front lines. The B-52H took off from Minot Air Force Base and flew over hospitals in Bismarck, Fargo and Grand Forks, before returning to fly over Trinity Hospital in Minot.

Dozens of Altru employees gathered on the west side of the hospital at 2:20 p.m. to see the flyover on a clear and sunny day that afforded them a perfect view of the Stratofortress. The flyover was delayed by about 10 minutes after a helicopter flew into the area.

“Health care workers have spent months helping our community through the COVID-19 pandemic," said Annie Bonzer, manager of marketing communications for Altru Health System. "We thank Minot Air Force Base for recognizing the people on the front lines of this fight. Altru’s employees appreciate the recognition for all of their hard work.”

(Video below by Kenneth Chase, courtesy Altru Hospital)

1/2: Medical personnel at Altru Hospital look out an upper group of windows as they wait for Monday's B-52 flyover. Photo by Eric Hylden/Grand Forks Herald

2/2: A B-52H Stratofortress from the Minot Air Force Base flies over Altru Hospital Monday to honor front-line workers, essential personnel and volunteers in the COVID-19 response. Photo by Eric Hylden/Grand Forks Herald