Ending on a fly note; Cannon leaders continue ‘fini flight’ tradition

A MC-130J Commando II is sprayed by firetrucks, known as a “water salute,” as it taxis on the flightline during the ‘fini flight’ of its pilot, Col. Benjamin Maitre, former 27th Special Operations Wing commander, at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, Jun. 1, 2017. The tradition of spraying plumes of water over aircraft can signal the end of the pilot’s career there or mark the beginning or end of the aircraft’s life. Dating back to World War II, the U.S. military has celebrated pilots’ and other experienced officers’ final flights either at their current unit or their career. Pilots use these celebrations as another opportunity to help train accompanying Airmen on their roles aboard the aircraft to ensure mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lane T. Plummer)

PHOTO BY: Senior Airman Lane T. Plummer

VIRIN: 170601-F-CT367-685.JPG

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