As "Fini" flight lands, a career takes off

  • Published
  • By Christian Deluca
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST --  The final flight of an Airman is a time-honored tradition steeped in history, camaraderie and the reflection of one's career. But for Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Nanni, 714th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, his final flight is also the first flight for one of the newest members of the 514th Air Mobility Wing...and that couldn't make him happier.

"It's great. It's rare to be able to work side-by-side on a mission with your kid. I'm lucky to be in a position to do just that," Nanni said. "I can't wait to see him on his first flight and watch him bust his butt preparing the jet before and after the leg of each mission."

Anthony Nanni's son, Airman Andrew Nanni, who joined the wing late last year, accompanied his father on his "Fini Flight" Feb. 4, culminating 30 plus years of service with the wing.

"I am proud of him," Andrew Nanni said. "I'm glad I got to work with him during his last months here. I know he wanted to go on at least one trip together. For it to be his final flight and my first flight is something really cool."

Anthony Nanni is proud of his son as well. He said Andrew's decision to join the 514th is a smart move that, if played right, should reap him a number of rewards throughout his years of service.

"I know it will help him learn the importance of teamwork," he said. "Not just for the soul purpose of launching jets, but also from the safety aspect of having each other's back in a hazardous environment.

"I hope he develops a strong pride in the role he plays in the overall success of the mission," the senior Nanni continued. "And I hope he builds a few long lasting friendships, like I have over the years."

It's the friendships and relationships that Anthony Nanni, who has worked as section chief for the 714th AMXS the past 17 years, said he will miss the most when he leaves the wing.

"I have been blessed to work with some of the greatest groups of men and women, at McGuire Air Force Base, for the past 34 years," he said. "Not just in the maintenance field, but from all the support groups, like the flying squadrons, military pay, customer service, medical group, areal port...I could go on and on. Without a doubt I will miss the people."

Andrew Nanni said it is his father's overall happiness with his job that made the decision to join easy. That, and the stories and photos his father brought back from his trips.

"As long as I can remember, he was always going to cool places around the world," Andrew Nanni said. "I remember pictures of him with the Thunderbirds and I thought that was cool. He seems to love his job. No doubt he's had bad days, who doesn't, but overall he loves his job."

Travel, education and having a successful and rewarding career are some things Andrew Nanni hopes to gain from his service. He will also become a part of a family military tradition that began with his grandfather, who served during World War II in the Army.

"My dad's in, I'm in, and somewhere in the next two or three years you'll probably see another Nanni running around, because my little brother is thinking about joining. It would be cool to work with him," he said. "Hopefully, one day, my kids will be in the Air Force as well."

As for his father, Anthony Nanni maybe retiring from the 514th AMW, but he doesn't want to stop making contributions to the public.

"I'm not ready for that yet," he said. "Though I'll end my military career, I still would like to put in another 10 years of civil service somewhere."