Commanders Last Flight (U.S. Air National Guard video and story by Tech. Sgt. Marizol ) Col. Gilberto Cuevas, 156th Airlift Wing Commander navigated a C-130 cargo plane for the last time on Nov. 13, 2014 at Air National Guard Base Muniz. Being the last chance to navigate the mighty giant on his “fini flight” with a 198th Airlift Squadron Crew, truly marked the end of a flying career that spanned across more than three decades. The “fini flight” a tradition that was officially noted during the Vietnam War was carried-out when the aircrew commemorated the completion of 100 missions. Today the celebration is designed to accompany milestones in the career of the entire aircrew, respected individuals of rank, or a commander’s departure to another command or retirement. The celebration consists of a dowsing with water from a fire truck for the aircraft and aircrew. Navigating his last flight, Col. Cuevas touched down with the flight crew on the runway where the fire truck was waiting to douse the plane as it was coming in. Shortly after, friends and colleagues gathered on the Tarmac to say good-bye to witness the dowsing, which was carried-out by the Wing Command Chief and Assistant Fire Chief when Cuevas exited the aircraft. During the dowsing, the Commander displayed intense emotion of laughter and surprise when he was being drenched with the fire hose, and when approached by his fellow Airmen waiting to exchange farewell hugs with him.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 19:24:53 +0000
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