Brig. Gen. Kelly’s ‘fini flight’ ends command of Iceman Team

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zachary Perras
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Brig. Gen. Mark Kelly, 354th Fighter Wing commander, completed his last flight here May 30, symbolizing the end of his command of the Iceman Team.

Gen. Kelly's final flight follows a tradition in which aircrew members complete their "fini flight" and are met and hosed down with water by their comrades, family and friends.

During a promotion recognition ceremony at the base theater held the same day, he commented on how proud he was with the dedication and commitment of all Airmen of the 354th FW.

"Nothing happens without a good foundation and strength from the entire team," Gen. Kelly said. "You don't do anything without a great team behind you and I've been backed up by amazing people during my time here."

He continued to thank the families of Eielson Airmen, saying their support has been monumental to the wing's successes over the past two years.

"From both Tanya and me, thank you for the last two years," he said. "It's been a special time for us and I truly can't thank everyone enough for all the great things this wing has accomplished."

Gen. Kelly finished his speech by saying that despite leaving Eielson, he knows the mission will continue to be successful.

"We've always gotten the job done because we love our Airmen enough to hold them to higher standards," he said. "I have no doubt that it will stay that way."

Gen. Kelly has achieved more than 5,300 flight hours in multiple aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet, the F-15E Strike Eagle and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Following a change of command ceremony June 6, Gen. Kelly will move on to serve as commander of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.

Col. Michael Winkler will assume command of the 354th FW, arriving from the 613th Air and Space Operations Center, Headquarters, 13th Air Force at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.