Col. Kevin Hicok takes his 'fini flight'

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Hicok, 20th Fighter Wing commander, pilots a F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft during his ‘fini flight’ over Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, June 30, 2026. ‘Fini Flight’ is an Air Force term and tradition for an aviator’s last sortie with their assigned unit or with a particular aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Hicok, 20th Fighter Wing commander, embraces his family following the completion of his ‘fini flight’ at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, June 30, 2026. Hicok, a career F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter pilot, took part in the Air Force’s ‘fini flight’ traditions upon completing his final sortie prior to relinquishing command of the 20th FW.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Hicok, left, 20th Fighter Wing commander, takes a selfie with Wendy Doncaster, 20th FW chief of staff, following the completion of Hicok’s ‘fini flight’ at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, June 30, 2026. Air Force ‘fini flight’ tradition dictates that, upon completing the sortie, aviators are greeted by members of their unit and family and friends, hoisted off of their aircraft and sprayed with water and foam.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Hicok, wearing the flight suit, 20th Fighter Wing commander, embraces retired Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Griste, who last served as the 20th FW command chief, following the completion of Hicok’s ‘fini flight’ at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, June 30, 2026. Hicok and Griste lead the 20th FW from June 2023 to June 2026, which included a deployment where they lead the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing from April to October 2025.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Hicok, 20th Fighter Wing commander, sprays water back at his family following the completion of his ‘fini flight’ at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, June 30, 2026. Air Force ‘fini flight’ tradition dictates that, upon completing the sortie, aviators are greeted by members of their unit and family and friends, hoisted off of their aircraft and sprayed with water and foam.

U.S. Air Force Airmen and civilian employees assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing and friends and family of Col. Kevin Hicok, 20th FW commander, await Hicok’s return to base from his ‘fini flight’ at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, June 30, 2026. Air Force ‘fini flight’ tradition dictates that, upon completing the sortie, aviators are greeted by members of their unit and family and friends, hoisted off of their aircraft and sprayed with water and foam.