Col. Kelly completes Strike Eagle ‘fini flight’

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Heather Stanton
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 4th Fighter Wing commander completed his final flight in the "Spirit of Goldsboro" F-15E Strike Eagle March 19.

The final flight, also known as a "fini flight," is taken by aircrew members before departing their current duty station. The flight is an Air Force tradition; as the crew steps off the aircraft, family, friends and squadron members hose down the departing member with water and toast their accomplishments.

"This is the culmination of one and a half years at Seymour Johnson," Col. Mark Kelly said. "It's a great day out and we have great Airmen working hard. This is a great moment to be in charge for a few more weeks."

Several 4th FW Airmen from various specialties came out to witness the momentous occasion.

"This is very humbling," Kelly said. "I don't like to inconvenience anyone on my behalf, much less (hundreds). For them to take time out of their day to be here is a complete honor."

Kelly will relinquish command of the wing to Col. Patrick Doherty, the wing's current vice commander, in a change-of-command ceremony April 1 at Heritage Park. Kelly will be the new executive assistant to the deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.