'Fini-flight' honors 30-plus year flight engineer

by Ann Skarban
302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

10/18/2012 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Vietnam-era veteran and long-time Air Force Reserve C-130 flight engineer Chief Master Sgt. Tom Farley was recognized for his 33 years of service and more than 11,300 flying hours in a fini-flight celebration here Sept. 27 .

Once parked and the C-130's engines were shut down, Farley's family and his fellow Airmen from the 731st and 52nd Airlift Squadrons and from throughout the 302nd Airlift Wing gathered on the flightline nearby aircraft "317" to provide the traditional fini-flight spray-down and personally congratulate him with handshakes, hugs and well-wishes as he deplaned for the last time.

Farley began his military career when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1971 as a motor vehicle operator and later a jet engine mechanic. In 1976 he took his first flights as a C-130 flight engineer in the Marine Corps and noted one of his career highlights was standing up the Marine Reserve wing at Glenview Naval Air Station, Ill. near his hometown of Chicago, Ill.

In 1996 Farley joined the Air Force Reserve Command's 928th Airlift Wing at O'Hare International Air Reserve Station, Ill. as a C-130 flight engineer and was later reassigned to the 302nd AW's 731st AS at Peterson AFB, Colo. as a result of the Chicago unit's closure in 1995.

Reflecting on his career, Farley said one of his most memorable experiences was serving on the 1998 Pacific Air Force floater to Thailand which included providing C-130 airlift support for the repatriation of human remains from Vietnam. "We were attached to PACAF and we did channel missions from Vietnam to the Pacific Islands. It was an honor. Going back to the Pacific was also meaningful ... it was where I was in training in the Marine Corps," said Farley.

Farley said, "I've been blessed to serve beside many and I truly appreciate the friendship and support from everyone throughout the years."