Pilots Make Last F-16 Training Flight

174th Fighter Wing is Now Operating Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft

Related Media

New York Air National Guard Pilot Greets Family After Final Flight

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, SYRACUSE , NY (03/03/2010)(readMedia)-- New York Air National Guard Lt.C Col. D Scott Brenton made his final flight in an F-16 Tuesday, March 2 as the 174th Fighter Wing prepared to say goodbye to the last of the planes they've operated for 20 years.

Brenton is one of 25 pilots in the world to have logged more than 4,000 hours flying the F-16.

On Tuesday Brenton, Col. Kevin Bradley, the commander of the 174th Fighter Wing, and Lt. Col. Sean McQuaid made one of the last training flights from the base prior to the retirement of the last two F-16s on Saturday, March 6.

The unit will now operate MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Vehicles, and are already flying aircraft operating in the skies over Afghanistan. A formal ceremony will be conducted to mark that transition.

Brenton's final flight was marked with the traditional Champagne wet down administered by his daughter, Rachel.

"Tell you what, it's great to look down from above on the City of Syracuse, knowing we've their support out here for 63 years flying manned fighters. And to be honest, this is the last time a manned fighter is going to land at Syracuse from the 174th and that kind of touches a spot in my heart," Brenton said.

Photo Cutlines.

Photos by Tech Sgt. Jeremy M. Call, 174th Fighter Wing

100302-F-8599C-153

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Syracuse-- New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. D. Scott Brenton is doused with Champagne by his daughter and Col. Kevin Bradley, the commander of the 174th Fighter Wing, following Brenton's final flight in an F-16C on Tuesday March 2.

Brenton is among the select group of pilots who have flown more than 4,000 hours in the F-16.

The 174th, which has flown fighters at Hancock field for 63 years will say goodbye to their last two F-16s during a special ceremony on March 6.

100302-F-8599C-216

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Syracuse-- New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. D. Scott Brenton speaks with members of the local media following his last flight in an F-16. The unit will now operate MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Vehicles.

100302-F-8599C-089

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Syracuse-New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. Sean McQuaid greets his wife and family after completing one of the last F-16 training flights being operated by the 174th Fighter Wing. The unit will now operate MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Vehicles.