B-2 Stealth Bomber to fly over Columbia, Jefferson City, Camdenton

NEW BLOOMFIELD — Three mid-Missouri cities will be overflown by a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber Friday in honor of medical and healthcare workers and other essential employees and volunteers in the fight against the coronavirus.

According to the Missouri National Guard, the 131st bomb wing, stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base, will conduct flyovers of six Missouri Cities, including Columbia, Jefferson City, and Camdenton. The flyovers are scheduled for 4:14 in Camdenton, 5:43 in Columbia, and 6:00 in Jefferson City.

The flyovers are part of the Air Force's Operation American Resolve, a program to honor those working to combat the pandemic.

“We greatly appreciate the selfless service and sacrifices of our medical professionals and other COVID-19 essential workers,” said Col. Ken Eaves, commander of the 131st Bomb Wing. “As Guardsmen, we’ve been honored to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with these incredible professionals. Currently, hundreds of Missouri Air and Army National Guardsmen are mobilized to support these efforts.”

During the flyovers, all residents are encouraged to follow strict social distancing guidelines and refrain from gathering in large viewing groups.

According to the National Guard, flyovers are fully-functional training missions, designed to maintain the readiness of Air Force pilots and support staff. They are conducted at no additional cost to taxpayers and are incorporated into existing flying schedules.

The complete schedule of Friday flyovers:

4:14 p.m. - Camdenton

4:50 p.m. - Cape Girardeau

5:12 p.m. - St. Louis

5:43 p.m. - Columbia

6 p.m. - Jefferson City

6:22 p.m. - Springfield

Additional landmarks for the best viewing opportunities:

Camdenton:

- MO- 5 near exit for N Business Rte 5

- US Hwy 54 near Wal-Mart

Cape Girardeau:

- Williams St, East of I-55

- Lacey St between sunset and Broadway

St. Louis:

- Kingshighway Blvd between Forest Park Ave and Page Blvd

- Hazelwood East High school facing west

Columbia:

- Paris Rd between US Hwy 63 and I-70

- Mizzou Football stadium (North side)

Jeff City:

- Area of Holiday Inn and Big O tires on US Hwy 54 facing East

Springfield:

- Logan's Roadhouse on Battlefield Rd facing North

- National Ave Between Seminole and Sunshine