Fini Flight: Col. Kenkel’s Final Flyover

  • Published
  • By Airman Hannah Bench
  • 35th Fighter Wing

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Kenkel, 35th Fighter Wing deputy commander, holds up the Wild Weasel hand sign before his final, or fini, flight in a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon.

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U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Kenkel, 35th Fighter Wing deputy commander, holds up the Wild Weasel hand sign before his final, or fini, flight in a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 8, 2025. Fini flights serve as symbolic farewells honoring a pilot’s service, sacrifice and time in the skies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)
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SLIDESHOW | 6 images | 250708-F-VQ736-1004
U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Kenkel, 35th Fighter Wing deputy commander, holds up the Wild Weasel hand sign before his final, or fini, flight in a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon.

250708-F-VQ736-1004

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Kenkel, 35th Fighter Wing deputy commander, holds up the Wild Weasel hand sign before his final, or fini, flight in a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 8, 2025. Fini flights serve as symbolic farewells honoring a pilot’s service, sacrifice and time in the skies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Kenkel, 35th Fighter Wing deputy commander, prepares to take off for his final, or fini, flight in a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon.

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U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Kenkel, 35th Fighter Wing deputy commander, prepares to take off for his final, or fini, flight in a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 8, 2025. Fini flights blend military ritual with personal tribute, highlighting the end of a flying chapter through long-held Air Force customs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Kenkel, 35th Fighter Wing deputy commander, touches an American flag after his final, or fini, flight in a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon.

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U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Kenkel, 35th Fighter Wing deputy commander, touches an American flag after his final, or fini, flight in a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 8, 2025. A staple of Air Force flying culture, fini flights recognize aviators with one final ceremonial sortie before they hang up the helmet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Kenkel, 35th Fighter Wing deputy commander, is bound with duct tape by fellow pilots assigned to the 35th Fighter Wing during his final, or fini, flight celebration.

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U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Kenkel, 35th Fighter Wing deputy commander, is bound with duct tape by fellow pilots assigned to the 35th Fighter Wing during his final, or fini, flight celebration at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 8, 2025. Both personal and professional, the fini flight tradition brings together teammates to honor a pilot’s lasting impact on the unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing (FW) commander, cuts the duct tape holding U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Kenkel, 35th FW deputy commander, to the wing of a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon during his final, or fini, flight celebration.

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U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing (FW) commander, cuts the duct tape holding U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Kenkel, 35th FW deputy commander, to the wing of a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon during his final, or fini, flight celebration at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 8, 2025. As a symbol of respect and closure, fini flights recognize years of dedication, flight hours and operational service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Kenkel, 35th Fighter Wing deputy commander, poses for a group photo with his final, or fini, flight celebration attendees.

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U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Kenkel, 35th Fighter Wing deputy commander, poses for a group photo with his final, or fini, flight celebration attendees at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 8, 2025. The fini flight tradition brings Airmen and family members together to celebrate flight hours, milestones and the enduring spirit of military aviation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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