WARREN — The force was with hospital employees Monday when two C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna flew over health care sites in Youngstown, Warren, Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Erie, Pa.

The 910th Airlift Wing arranged the flyover dubbed “Hercs Over America” as a way to “salute the thousands of health care workers, essential employees and other first responders on the front line of the battle against COVID-19.”

“The 910th’s Reserve citizen airmen are proud to serve alongside the first responders and essential personnel in the COVID-19 response efforts. We are all in this together. These selfless Americans on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 remind us we can rise to meet any challenge with unrivaled spirit and commitment,” the station said in a statement.

Hospital workers in the Valley who could get away for a few minutes came outside to watch the two aircraft fly low over St. Joseph Warren Hospital and St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.

At the Youngstown hospital, people wearing masks held onto a large American flag displayed so it could be seen by the crews as the planes flew overhead.

“Our associates have been extremely honored by the support of the Valley; whether it be donations of food, thank-you notes or signs expressing gratitude, we are thankful to serve people who appreciate health care is our passion,” Kathleen Harley, president of Mercy Health, St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, said. “To be honored by a team of men and women who stand at the ready to serve our country is not only unique but incredibly humbling.”

At the Warren hospital, chaplains Jennifer Bionci and Brad Smith took a short break outside the front of the building to watch the planes come in, while others gathered in the back at the heliport.

Margaret Hall and Charmane Kelly, who work to keep the hospital clean, said it’s nice to be appreciated.

“Because being an essential worker isn’t easy. It is scary,” Kelly said.

“It can be rough; there is constant cleaning. But it is nice to be thought of,” Hall said.

The planes started their flight over UPMC Hamot Primary in Erie and went on to Cleveland, Akron and Canton before coming to the Valley.

The flyovers were scheduled to occur during one of the wing’s training missions and incurred no additional cost to taxpayers, according to the station’s public affairs office.