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315 AW vice commander celebrates final flight of career

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shane Ellis
  • 315 Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Joint Base Charleston, S.C. --  Col. Russell Fingar, 315th Airlift Wing vice commander, completed his final C-17 flight here March 23.
 
Fingar's "fini flight,"a tradition nearly as old as military aviation itself, served as a final aviation salute to the colonel and his more than 26 years of service in the U.S. Air Force.

As the C-17 Globemaster III made its way through the dousing arches of water from the two fire trucks a small crowd watched proudly as Fingar's grandson marshaled him in for the last time.

The engines powered down, the crew door opened and Fingar knew what was in store for him. Just as soon as his feet touched the ground a blast of water hit him from behind, streams of water met him face on, and the crowd began to cheer.

Soaked to the bone, Fingar could do nothing but smile. A pop of the top, a ceremonial sip, and handshakes and hugs from people in attendance brought the fini flight ceremony to a close and bid him farewell.

A retirement ceremony followed later in the evening where members of the 315 AW paid tribute to Fingar and his family. Fingar will officially retire April 01, 2013.