An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Sept. 26, 2014

New York Air National Guard's 107th Airlift Wing conducts final flight in C-130

By Capt. Elaine Nowak, 107th Airlift Wing New York National Guard

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -Aircrews from the 107th Airlift Wing flew their final C-130 flight and were greeted with a water salute here Thursday.

The unit is in the process of converting from the C-130 Hercules tactical transport to the MQ-9 Reaper, a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The flight was the last time 107th aircrew members will fly C-130s. The mission was flown in partnership with the 914th Airlift Wing, Air Force Reserve, whichwill continue to fly the C-130 from Niagara.

It is a long-standing aviation and Air Force tradition that marks the milestone of an aircrew member’s last flight. Comrades spray water or champagne on the aircrew as they exit the aircraft. It is dubbed the “fini flight.”

As the aircraft taxied in, two fire trucks from the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Fire Emergency Services made an archway of water. Members of the 107th and 914th Airlift Wings lined the flightline to be present for the historic event. As the crew exited the aircraft, they were met with buckets of water, sprays of champagne and cheers.

Col. John J. Higgins, 107th Airlift Wing Commander, served as the navigator for the fini flight. It was the last flight of his military career.

“It is a day of mixed emotions. We are transitioning from the C-130, which we’ve been flying since 2008 and have become comfortable with, having deployed with it to Iraq and Afghanistan. However, we look to the future with excitement as we take on the MQ-9 mission,” Higgins said.

Lt. Col. Douglas Eoute was the aircraft commander for the flight. “It was nostalgic. I have been flying for 25 years. It was bittersweet. We are looking forward to the future but we’re going to miss flying up in the aircraft,” he said.

Today marked the end of the C-130 era for the 107th Airlift Wing. The conversion to the RPA mission is underway. Many members are in training or have recently completed training as RPA pilots, sensor operators, intelligence coordinators and other high-tech communications positions. The unit is on course to be fully operational by 2017.

Since it was first organized during World War II, the wing has flown propeller driven fight planes, supersonic jets designed to knock down enemy bombers, ground attack aircraft and giant KC-135 tankers.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their support of the 107th and ask for their continued support as we convert to the MQ-9. I’d also like to thank the 914th Airlift Wing for being our partners in C-130 operations and convey my gratitude for all they have done for us,” Higgins said.

 

 

Related Articles
The 111th Electromagnetic Warfare Company conducts training exercise, Operation Golden Corridor in Dahlonega, Georgia, August 15, 2025. Throughout the duration of the exercise, Soldiers simulated peer and near-peer electromagnetic warfare scenarios and enhance unit proficiency in spectrum mapping, RF detection, and alternative radar awareness capabilities under austere conditions.
Georgia Guard Company Leads in Electromagnetic Warfare Modernization
By | Aug. 27, 2025
DAHLONEGA, Ga. - The Georgia Army National Guard’s 111th Electromagnetic Warfare Company, based in Forest Park, Georgia, is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in the Army’s modernization efforts within the...

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, participated in the annual Logan-Duffy Shooting Match, August 21, 2025, at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. The history of the Logan Duffy Rifle Match goes back nearly 90 years to the first match, which was held in 1936.
Massachusetts, New York Guard Members Compete in Historic Logan-Duffy Rifle Competition
By Sgt. 1st Class Steven Eaton,   | Aug. 27, 2025
DEVENS, Mass. – Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, participated in the annual Logan-Duffy...

An Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 210th Rescue Squadron a real-world rescue operation at Point MacKenzie, Alaska, Sept. 1, 2022. After a Christen A-1 Husky crashed into a marsh, National Guardsmen rappelled and conducted a rescue operation, ensuring the aircraft was safely vacated. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Julia Lebens)
Alaska Air Guard Rescues Individual With Facial Laceration Near Knik Glacier
By Alejandro Pena, | Aug. 27, 2025
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska Air National Guard members with the 176th Wing rescued an individual with a facial laceration Aug. 25, about 40 miles northeast of Anchorage in the vicinity of Knik Glacier.The...