Colonel Hanson heads to the sky in fini flight Published May 21, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Kali L. Gradishar 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- An array of customs accompanies a change of command, one of which is the deep-rooted fini flight, a tradition for pilots who will retire, receive a permanent change of station or separate from the service. Col. Scott Hanson, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, soared during his fini flight May 18, less than a handful of days until the change-of-command ceremony. Colonel Hanson has committed a great deal of time, effort and care to ensure the smooth, efficient running of the 92nd ARW. In recognition of such efforts, the wing provided the colonel with a day he is sure to remember. "I cannot begin to say how proud I am to have served as the commander of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing," said Colonel Hanson. "With great responsibility comes great rewards, and I have certainly had my share of gratifying moments as commander here." With Colonel Hanson in the pilot's seat, the KC-135 Stratotanker taxied under the gushing shower from the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire trucks. A rainbow of water covered the aircraft as the colonel's family, friends and coworkers waited for him with supplies to hose him off on the warm spring day. After exiting the aircraft, he received the traditional "wet down" from his wife, Rhonda, and daughters, Nicole and Kelsey, and others from the crowd. Following the fini flight was a reception with cake and refreshments in the distinguished visitor's lounge for the colonel in the company of squadron and group commanders and other leaders. "I am so proud to have served with each and every one of you," Colonel Hanson said during his toast. "My last flight as commander here is something that I am sure to always remember." After what may be his last KC-135 sortie, Colonel Hanson will forward command of the 92nd ARW to Col. Thomas Sharpy, currently the 60th Air Mobility Wing vice wing commander at Travis AFB, Calif., during a change-of command ceremony May 22. Maj. Gen. James Hawkins, 18th Air Force commander, will preside over the ceremony, during which he will present Colonel Hanson with the Legion of Merit award for his creditable accomplishments as the commander here. Colonel Hanson has been selected to relocate to Scott Air Force Base, Ill., to act as the new deputy director of the Operations and Plans Directorate, U.S. Transportation Command.
