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Pilot gets ‘hosed’ after completing final F-16 flight

  • Published
  • By Angela Pope
  • AFNORTH Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  It's a tradition that's nearly as old as military aviation itself: the fini-flight - an event that marks the end of a pilot's Air Force career in the cockpit.

That was the case June 20 when Col. John Colombo, Air Forces Northern's director of Air, Space and Information Operations, took off for the last time in an F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The colonel's wife and daughters as well as dozens of friends and co-workers withstood Florida's midday heat on the base flightline to honor Colonel Colombo as he closed out a long and successful flying career. Among them was one of his subordinates, Lt. Col. Steve Hunter, Future Operations Plans deputy chief.

"I've worked with Colonel Colombo for a year, and he's one of the best bosses I've ever had," Colonel Hunter said. "He has given me great guidance, so I came out today to show some respect to a man whom I respect a great deal on the last day of his flying career."

After landing, the colonel taxied to his parking space on the ramp, where he was met with the traditional 'hose-down' of fire extinguishers and well-shaken champagne bottles, courtesy of his daughters and fellow Airmen.

During his 24-year career as a fighter pilot, Colonel Colombo amassed a total of 3,570 flying hours - 3,170 of those hours were in the F-16. The colonel learned how to fly in the T-37 Tweet and T-38 Talon during pilot training at Williams Air Force Base, Ariz. He also flew the AT-38 Talon at Sheppard AFB, Texas, where he taught Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals.

"I really enjoyed preparing for and flying combat missions," Colonel Colombo said. "I also enjoyed teaching others how to employ the F-16. I'm going to miss that part of my Air Force career."

Colonel Colombo set two goals for himself when he became a pilot: attend the Air Force Weapons School in the F-16 and command a fighter squadron.

"I was extremely fortunate to be able to achieve both of those goals," he said.

Now, after having served in his current position for three years, the colonel is moving on to The Citadel to serve as the detachment commander of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program to help the cadets prepare for careers as officers in the Air Force.

Jets and cadets aside, Colonel Colombo is grateful he had the opportunity to serve as the director of Air, Space and Information Operations for AFNORTH.

"I have truly enjoyed my assignment here," he said. "It has been very rewarding knowing we played a part in the defense of Canada and the U.S. and in assisting those in need during defense support of civil authorities missions."