Three F-35s are pictured making a pass over Chautauqua Lake on Tuesday afternoon. The flyover was designed as a tribute to front line workers and high school seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Chad Ecklof

The planes — three F-35s in perfect formation — were nothing more than a few dots on the horizon Tuesday afternoon. But within seconds the aircrafts zoomed over Chautauqua Lake, an homage to front line workers and high school seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Air Force took part in flyovers across Western New York. The salute included hospitals in and around the Buffalo area.

According to Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, the 914th Air Refueling Wing of the Air Force Reserves at Niagara Falls and the Vermont National Guard were scheduled to conduct a required aerial refueling training operation Tuesday morning. Following the training, the KC-135s and F-35s conducted their flyovers as a gesture to those impacted by the coronavirus.

Wendel said he learned that the event would include members of the “Green Mountain Boys,” a group comprised of the Vermont Army National Guard and Vermont Air National Guard. The county executive reached out to a friend he knew was connected to the group and asked how the salute could be brought locally.

After discussions with the flight leader, Wendel said he got confirmation Sunday afternoon that three of the F-35s would make a quick swing from Erie County to fly over the lake before making a return trip.

P-J Photo By Jay Young

“I thought it was amazing that they were coming down here,” Wendel said.

“I saw their flight plan and knew they were going to be coming through (Western New York).”

Vehicles lined various spots around the lake leading up to Tuesday’s flyover to get a quick glimpse. Shots of a packed Ellery Overlook rest area on Interstate 86 were shared on social media, with similar turnout at Long Point State Park and near the Stow ferry landing.

Randy Gleason, Ashville’s fire chief, was among the crowd in Stow. He said fire departments were notified of the flyover — designed as a thank you to first responders and high school seniors impacted by COVID-19.

“(They alerted) all the guys on the lake there were going to be jets coming and here we are,” Gleason said shortly after the flyover. “It gave (people) something to do to day. It is an amazing thing — it is a good thing and it is kind of for us.”

Crowds gathered around the lake to catch a glimpse of the fighter jets. “In times like what we are all going through right now it’s beautiful to see the good things that are happening also,” said Michelle Saxton of Jamestown. Photo by Chad Ecklof

Michelle Saxton of Jamestown said she saw notification of the event of Facebook.

“In times like what we are all going through right now it’s beautiful to see the good things that are happening also,” Saxton said. “So often you think about the negative and all of the terrible things that are happening but this just personifies the good things that are happening as well.”

The planes came from the north and crossed the lake around 12:30 p.m.

Wendel, his staff and family members, watched from the old train depot in Mayville. He said turnout was great, and noted that most were abiding by social distancing rules and wearing face masks.

“It was just amazing,” the county executive said of seeing the planes. “We saw them coming over, it was just breathtaking to see those things. The jets were a tribute to our high school students, front line workers and health care workers.”

Three F-35s are pictured making a pass over Chautauqua Lake on Tuesday afternoon. P-J photo by Eric Tichy