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174 FW pilots make last F-16 training flight
March 3, 2010 (by
New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs) -
New York ANGs Lt. Col. D. Scott Brenton made his final flight in an F-16 Tuesday, March 2 as the 174th FW prepared to say goodbye to the last of the planes they've operated for 20 years.
Brenton is one of 25 pilots in the world to have logged more than 4,000 hours flying the F-16.
On Tuesday Brenton, Col. Kevin Bradley, the commander of the 174th Fighter Wing, and Lt. Col. Sean McQuaid made one of the last training flights from the base prior to the retirement of the last two F-16s on Saturday, March 6.
The unit will now operate MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Vehicles, and are already flying aircraft operating in the skies over Afghanistan. A formal ceremony will be conducted to mark that transition.
Brenton's final flight was marked with the traditional Champaign wet down administered by his daughter, Rachel.
"Tell you what, it's great to look down from above on the City of Syracuse, knowing we've their support out here for 63 years flying manned fighters. And to be honest, this is the last time a manned fighter is going to land at Syracuse from the 174th and that kind of touches a spot in my heart," Brenton said.
174th FW Commander, Col. Kevin W. Bradley, Lt.Col. D. Scott Brenton and Lt.Col. Sean J. McQuaid pose for a final photo in front of the F-16 after Brenton's 'Fini Flight' at Hancock Field, in Syracuse NY on March 2nd, 2010. Brenton is a member of the very exclusive 4,000 flying hour club, having accomplished that feat in August of 2009. [USAF photo by TSgt. Jeremy M. Call]
On Tuesday Brenton, Col. Kevin Bradley, the commander of the 174th Fighter Wing, and Lt. Col. Sean McQuaid made one of the last training flights from the base prior to the retirement of the last two F-16s on Saturday, March 6.
The unit will now operate MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Vehicles, and are already flying aircraft operating in the skies over Afghanistan. A formal ceremony will be conducted to mark that transition.
Brenton's final flight was marked with the traditional Champaign wet down administered by his daughter, Rachel.
"Tell you what, it's great to look down from above on the City of Syracuse, knowing we've their support out here for 63 years flying manned fighters. And to be honest, this is the last time a manned fighter is going to land at Syracuse from the 174th and that kind of touches a spot in my heart," Brenton said.
Courtesy of New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
Additional images:
Lt.Col. D. Scott Brenton is doused with champaign by his daughter and Col. Kevin Bradley, the commander of the 174th Fighter Wing, following Brenton's final flight in an F-16C on March 2nd, 2010. [USAF photo by TSgt. Jeremy M. Call]
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- 174 FW conducts final F-16 Fly-By (2010-02-19)
- New York ANG F-16 pilot passes 4,000 hrs (2009-08-10)
- F-16 Fighting Falcon news archive
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