BATTLE CREEK AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. - On June 15, 2013, members of the 110th Airlift Wing completed a "Fini Flight" of its C-21J Learjet, ending a 60-plus year flying era in Battle Creek. The wing has flown the C-21 since 2008.
During flight, the plane made several passes by the base and completed a few sharp banks and turns before descending to the runway where it was ceremoniously greeted on both sides by fire trucks that doused the plane with water-filled hoses.
"It was a very emotional day for everyone here since Battle Creek has such a long flying history," said 1st Lt. Kenzi Pridgeon, a pilot for the 110th Airlift Wing. "I feel very proud of what this base has accomplished, and I'm proud that I had the chance to be a pilot here and contribute to the mission."
The base's long and storied duties flying aircraft can be traced back to 1946 when it was assigned the P-51 Mustang followed by the F-86F Sabre Jet, F-89A Scorpion, RB-57A Canberra, O-2A Skymaster, OA-37B Dragonfly and A-10 Thunderbolt.
"This was a bitter sweet moment for us," said Col. Ronald W. Wilson, commander of the 110th Airlift Wing, who piloted the ceremonial flight.
He likened this flight to a similar ceremony held for the A-10. In 2009, the wing retired its 17-year mission with the A-10 and converted from a Fighter Wing to an Airlift Wing.
It is important for us to turn the page in our history and move on to the next step, said Wilson. This marks the beginning of a new era, a new way, and a new vision.
The wing will now focus on newer technology being used across the entire Air Force through its new Remotely Piloted Aircraft mission using the MQ-9 Reaper. The MQ-9 allows the military to conduct surveillance, reconnaissance and irregular warfare operations in support of combat objectives without risking the lives of military pilots.
"We will be the corner piece of technology for the state of Michigan and for the country," said Wilson.
"We are all looking forward to the new mission which will bring cutting-edge technology to the base and allow us to be on the front lines helping troops overseas," Pridgeon said.
Although the MQ-9 aircraft will be controlled from the base but not housed here, efforts are moving forward to bring them onsite.
"There is currently talk to get the launch and recovery element which will allow Battle Creek to gain four aircraft," said Wilson. "This will ensure we keep the runway, hangars and facilities open and operational."
This proposed action has not been guaranteed since it will still need to pass through budget legislation but the wing is optimistic on the opportunity.
Through the new RPA mission, the wing's 217th Air Operations Group mission supporting the 17th Air Force, and new efforts to gain a cyber-mission, Battle Creek will remain relevant and continue working hard as a successful component of the Air National Guard.
"We have laid the groundwork for the long-term future at Battle Creek," said Wilson. "We will continue to move forward and lead the way because that is what we do."