Commander ends career with time-honored "fini-flight"

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Donna T. Jeffries
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKENURST, N.J. --  United States Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force tradition calls for aircrew to end their military career with a final flight; which upon landing, they are met by a crowd of well-wishers who dose them with water.

Such was the case for Col. Giordano McMullen, outgoing commander of the 514th Air Mobility Wing, here, who was met by family, friends and unit members, March 25, as he stepped out of the C-17 Globemaster III. Laughter and hugs prevailed on the flightline as all enjoyed the "fini-flight" ritual.

Then, dripping with water, the colonel thanked all in attendance.

"It was a good run," said Col. McMullen, in reference to his nearly 30 years of honorable service.

The colonel will have an official retirement ceremony, March 27, following a change of command ceremony where he will relinquish command of the wing.

"Col McMullen has been a friend and a mentor to me for over 18 years and I sure hate to see him retire," said Col. Michael Underkofler, incoming 514th AMW commander. "He will be sorely missed."

McMullen's career was highlighted as wing commander here as well as at the 913th Airlift Wing at Willow Grove Air Reserve Station, Penn.

Post retirement he will concentrate on his career as a pilot for American Airlines.