Colonel Williams' fini-flight

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon piloted by Col. Stephen Williams, 35th Fighter Wing commander, taxis the flight line at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2014. Williams completed his fini-flight at Misawa AB, a final flight that recognized his time as commander of the 35 FW and formally sent him off as he departs to become the commandant of the U.S. Air Force academy. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Derek VanHorn)

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35th Fighter Wing commanders fly final flight

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Dana taxis his F-16 Fighting Falcon under an arch of water streaming from 35th Civil Engineer Squadron fire trucks during his fini-flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2014. Hosing of the aircraft during taxi is a tradition said to have originated during World War II and used to commemorate an aviation milestone. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Tong Duong)

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35th Fighter Wing commanders fly final flight

Misawa Air Base members await the arrival of Col. Matthew Dana, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, during his fini-flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2014. Dana was received by base and family members after his final flight at Misawa, which culminated his two years here. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Tong Duong)

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35th Fighter Wing commanders fly final flight

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Dana, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, leaps from his F-16 Fighting Falcon after his fini-flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2014. This marked Dana’s last flight here as he will soon assume command at the Utah Test and Training Range, part of the 388th Fighter Wing, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Tong Duong)

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Williams apprehended by fellow pilots

U.S. Air Force Col. Stephen Williams, 35th Fighter Wing commander, is aggressively met by three 35 FW pilots after completing his fini-flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2014. A pilot’s fini-flight has become a U.S. Air Force tradition, and celebrates milestones with champagne or similar, a toast and dowsing with water from a fire truck for the aircraft and aircrew. Usually, family or families of the departing aircrew or personnel also meet them on the flightline and douse them with water. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Derek VanHorn)

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Williams is sprayed with champagne

U.S. Air Force Col. Stephen Williams, 35th Fighter Wing commander, battles celebration champagne from Lt. Col. Kevin Jones, 35th Operations Support Squadron Director of Operations, and Command Chief Master Sergeant Gary Sharp, 35 FW, after completing his fini-flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2014. As Williams nears his departure from Misawa AB, 35 FW personnel took advantage of the opportunity to celebrate his final flight by taking part in the U.S. Air Force’s champagne and water dowsing tradition. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Derek VanHorn)

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35th Fighter Wing commanders fly final flight

Pilots from the 13th and 14th Fighter Squadron carry U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Dana, 35 FW vice commander, into the line of fire after his fini-flight, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2014. Carrying on a tradition, family members and friends spray Dana with water after his aviation milestone, his final flight here. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Tong Duong)

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Dana is congratulated by Chief Sharp

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Dana, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, braces for a champagne celebration while shaking hands with Chief Master Sgt. Gary Sharp, 35 FW command chief, after completing his fini-flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2014. Fini-flights were designed to accompany milestones in the career of the entire aircrew, respected individuals of rank or repute, or a commander's departure to another command or retirement. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Derek VanHorn)

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Wing and vice commander after fini flights

U.S. Air Force Col. Stephen Williams, left, 35th Fighter Wing commander, shakes hands with Col. Matthew Dana, 35 FW vice commander, after both pilots completed their fini-flights at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2014. Fini-flight celebrations have evolved over time and now include champagne or similar, a toast and dowsing with water from a fire truck for the aircraft and aircrew. Usually, family or families of the departing aircrew or personnel also meet them on the flightline and douse them with water. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Derek VanHorn)

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35th Fighter Wing commanders fly final flight

Published June 19, 2014

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Air Force Col. Stephen Williams, 35th Fighter Wing commander and Col. Matthew Dana, 35 FW vice commander, flew their final flights at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2014. A pilot's fini-flight has become a U.S. Air Force tradition, and celebrates milestones with champagne or similar, a toast and dowsing with water from a fire truck for the aircraft and aircrew.

Click through the photos on the right to see how Misawa Airmen sent off their commanders.

Colonel Williams' fini-flight

35th Fighter Wing commanders fly final flight

35th Fighter Wing commanders fly final flight

35th Fighter Wing commanders fly final flight

Williams apprehended by fellow pilots

Williams is sprayed with champagne

35th Fighter Wing commanders fly final flight

Dana is congratulated by Chief Sharp

Wing and vice commander after fini flights