Pápa, 21 June 2023 - Colonel Peder Söderström, the first Swedish Commander of the Heavy Airlift Wing, arrived at Pápa in style after a sortie from Turku Airshow in Finland.
Colonel Söderström bid farewell to flying the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft with a low-level fly-by over the Hungarian Defense Forces 47th Air Base, formerly known as Pápa Air Base. Many family members, friends, and colleagues had gathered on the tarmac to celebrate Colonel Söderström's four years at the Strategic Airlift Capability.
As SAC-02 was taxiing towards the apron, the 47th Air Base saluted the departing Commander with fire trucks creating an arch with plumes of water over the aircraft. Colonel Söderström's son, serving as the marshaller guiding the jet into the right parking position, added a touch of emotion to this esteemed tradition.
Photo: Strategic Airlift Capability
The crowd did not disappoint and kept with the tradition of meeting the Commander with a barrage of water and streams of champagne as he descended from the aircraft, followed by a shower of hugs, gifts, and words of appreciation.
The fini-flight is an Air Force tradition brought to the Heavy Airlift Wing by the member nation USA. It marks a pilot's departure from a unit or the last time they fly an aircraft. The Heavy Airlift Wing bids farewell to Colonel Söderström with the highest honors and deepest appreciation for his service and leadership.
Photo: Strategic Airlift Capability
Colonel Jason Mills of the United States Air Force will follow Colonel Söderström as Commander of the Heavy Airlift Wing on 22 June 2023.