The closing of command

Col. Richard Tanner, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, bids farewell to members from McConnell Air Force Base after completing a fini-flight June 22, 2021, at McConnell AFB, Kansas. With his change of command ceremony scheduled for June 28, Tanner’s family and friends celebrated his last flight as the 22nd ARW commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Willis)

Col. Thad Middleton, 22nd Operations Group commander, exits a KC-135 Stratotanker after finishing a fini-flight June 22, 2021, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The fini-flight is an Air Force tradition marking pilots' departure from a unit, or the last time they fly an aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Willis)

Col. Richard Tanner, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, is welcomed by his children after completing his fini-flight in a KC-46A Pegasus June 22, 2021, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The fini-flight is a time-honored military aviation tradition marking the last flight of an aircrew member’s time with a unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Willis)

Oliver Middleton (Left), Grant Middleton (Middle), and a KC-135 Stratotanker crew chief marshal in Col. Thad Middleton (Father), 22nd Operations Group commander June 22, 2021, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Fini-flights are the last flight that a pilot will conduct during their command. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Willis)