F-16 flyover to mark 4th of July along South Carolina coast



Beginning in Little River at 1 p.m. on July 4, F-16s of the 79th Fighter Squadron "The Flying Tigers" of the 20th Fighter Wing stationed at Shaw Air Force Base — some of the last armed forces to leave Iraq. The flight will cover every beach on the South Carolina coast before concluding south of Hilton Head Island at about 1:20.

 

"We are especially honored to have the 'Flying Tigers' flying the mission this year," said John Michael Otis, president of the non-profit organization, Salute from the Shore. "These pilots were the very last U.S. armed forces to leave Iraq. They flew air support while ground forces literally closed the gate on their way home. We are honored by their participation." Salute from the Shore is sponsoring the event with the assistance of the Town of Pawley's Island for the third consecutive year.

For Salute from the Shore III, organizers are excited to announce that a 5th F-16 will accompany the flyover. This aircraft will have a photographer who will record the flyover from above. In addition, the group is honored to announce the addition of an aerial parade, including vintage military aircraft that will follow the F-16s from Myrtle Beach to Folly Beach. This special procession is being piloted by private aircraft owners who will host military veterans aboard their aircraft. These planes are much slower than the jets, so participants are requested to be patient while waiting for these special aircraft.

Approximate Flyover Schedule

- N. Myrtle Beach 1:01 PM 

- Surfside 1:05 PM
- 
Pawley's Island 1:08 PM
- 
Isle of Palms 1:18 PM
- Folly Beach 1:20 PM

- Edisto Island 1:25 PM
- 
Hilton Head 1:29 PM  

For more info, check out the initiative's website.