Category: Aircrew Retirement (Fini) Flights

Air National Guard / Aircrew Retirement (Fini) Flights / Aviation History / featured / military / Special Aviation Events / U. S. Air National Guard

December 18, 2025

The A-10’s Final Departure From Maryland

Story and photos by Bryan T. Mangan On 23 September 2025, Governor Wes Moore presided over the Inactivation Ceremony of the 175th Operations Group and the 175th Maintenance Group of the Maryland Air National Guard. During this ceremony, the...

Aircrew Retirement (Fini) Flights / Aviation History / Aviation Themes / featured / fighters / friends / Korean War / legends / Liasion Aircraft / military / Passion for Aviation / Special Aviation Events / Special Events / Trainers / Transports / tribute / U S Army Air Force / U.S. Air Force / U.S. Army / U.S. Coast Guard / U.S. Marine Corps / U.S. Marines / U.S. Navy / warbirds / World War II

July 9, 2025

Dream Flights: Giving back to those who have given

Story and photos by Shawn Byers (Editor’s note: Unfortunately, we couldn’t publish Shawn’s article ahead of the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Airshow but present it now with our wishes for great success!). It is a real pleasure to bring you...

Air National Guard / Aircrew Retirement (Fini) Flights / Aviation History / F-15 Eagle / featured / fighters / Special Color Schemes / Special Events / U. S. Air National Guard

November 24, 2024

F-15C Eagle 85-0104 – MiG Killer and Special Schemes

Story and photos by Ken Middleton This article covers F-15C Eagle 85-0104 during its last days of service. It finished with the 104th Fighter Wing / 131st Fighter Squadron, after arriving from Kadena Airbase in early 2023. The jet...

Aerial Refueling / Aircrew Retirement (Fini) Flights / Helicopters / military / Special Aviation Events / Tankers / Transports / U.S. Air Force

September 19, 2020

About Lieutenant Colonel Mike Pillion’s and KC-10A 860036’s Fini Flights.

As 860036 was prepared for the boneyard, its flying boom was removed while still at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The all volunteer crew was piloted by Lieutenant Colonel Mike Pillion, who was making his Fini Flight and retiring from the...