Air Force Gen. Charles F. Wald, currently deputy commander of US European Command, piloted his last aircraft on active duty last week, receiving the celebratory hosing upon landing at Stuttgart Army Airfield in Germany. Wald, who will retire this summer, led US and coalition air forces at the start of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. During his 35-year career, Wald flew as a forward air controller in Vietnam and led one of the air strikes during NATO combat air operations over Bosnia; he also held numerous command positions. At the “fini” flight ceremony, Wald had the extraordinary honor of being made an honorary chief master sergeant.
U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles have roared out of Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., for the last time. The 104th Fighter Wing’s last three F-15Cs departed the base Oct. 23 for the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., ending the aircraft's era on the frontlines of homeland defense.
