Col. William DeMaso, 23rd Wing vice commander, sits in the cockpit of an A-10C Thunderbolt II after returning from his final flight at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. June 2. Colonel DeMaso has flown over 2,000 hours in the F-15E Strike Eagle and A-10 Warthog. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)(RELEASED)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Last Flight

Col. William DeMaso, 23rd Wing vice commander, taxis to the flight line for his final flight at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. June 2. This will be Colonel DeMaso’s final flight in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)(RELEASED)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Anticipation

Kelly, Julianna and Isabella DeMaso wait for the arrival of their husband and father Col. William DeMaso, 23rd Wing vice commander, to return from his final flight at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. June 2. Family and friends gathered around to congratulate Colonel DeMaso on his last flight and his 24 years of service. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)(RELEASED)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Celebrating good times

Col. William DeMaso, 23rd Wing vice commander, celebrates after landing from his final flight at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., June 2. The flight was Colonel DeMaso’s last as he is retiring with more than 20 years of service in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Paul Francis)(RELEASED)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Hosed down

Col. William DeMaso, 23rd Wing vice commander, gets hosed down by his daughter on the left Julianna, 11, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. June 2. Col DeMaso will be retiring after 24 years of service. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)(RELEASED)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Welcome back

Col. William DeMaso, 23rd Wing vice commander, and wife Kelly share a moment after his return from his final flight on an A-10C Thunderbolt II at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. June 2. The final or “fini” flight is a long-standing Air Force tradition that traces its roots back to the Vietnam War where pilots would commemorate their final mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)(RELEASED)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Celebration bath

Col. William DeMaso, 23rd Wing vice commander, and his family celebrate his final flight at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., June 2. Colonel DeMaso’s family gave him a traditional champagne bath (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Paul Francis)(RELEASED)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Farewell

Col. William DeMaso, 23rd Wing vice commander, signs a ceiling tile with his footprints on it, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. June 2. This is one of the many traditions of the 23rd Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)(RELEASED)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Flight showers

Col. William DeMaso, 23rd Wing vice commander, is showered by fire trucks after taking his final flight at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. June 2. Colonel DeMaso will be retiring after 24 years of military service. (U.S Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Paul Francis)(RELEASED)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Col. DeMaso takes final flight

Published June 3, 2011

Last Flight

Anticipation

Celebrating good times

Hosed down

Welcome back

Celebration bath

Farewell

Flight showers