Chief Master Sgt. Ricci's Last Flight

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kari Giles
  • 133rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
ST. PAUL, Minn --  Over 30 Airmen gathered outside of the Composite Ops./Aeromed building here, to watch as Chief Master Sgt. Jim Ricci, the loadmaster supervisor for the 109th Airlift Squadron took his last flight before retirement, Mar. 16, 2013.

The Airmen cheered and clapped as Ricci disembarked from the C-130 Hercules and was hosed down with water. This hose down is referred to as a "fini flight" and has been a squadron tradition for many years, which symbolizes the last flight before ones retirement.

"I didn't expect this at all, I had anticipated I had already done my last flight," Ricci stated. "Today was a bonus and I was surprised at all the people that showed up."

Ricci is retiring from the Air National Guard after over 35 years of service in the United States military.