Mustang One's Final Ride

51st Fighter Wing Commander Col. Thomas Deale, far right, prepares for his Fini Flight Dec. 2 at Osan Air Base, along with Lt. Col. Mark Barrera (far left) and Maj. Patrick Crupi, both 51st Fighter Wing. Colonel Deale will relinquish command to Col. Patrick Malackowski during a ceremony at Osan Dec. 7. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Stephenie Wade)

Colonel Deale bids farewell to Team Osan, Republic of Korea

Published Dec. 3, 2009

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --

To all Mustangs,

It's been my distinct honor to serve as your commander for the past 14 months. Together we've used outstanding teamwork, professionalism and dedication to our Air Force core values in overcoming a great deal of challenges in our mission to defend the Republic of Korea.

It's always difficult to thank everyone you'd like to as you depart a command assignment, but that's never truer than here at Osan. Our Airmen, Soldiers, U.S. and Korean civilians go above and beyond the duties of their daily mission to improve this base and this nation, so when I thank you for your service, I'm also thanking you for your volunteerism and your dedication to your family, whether they are with you or not.

As Col. Patrick Malackowski takes command next week, I have no doubt you will continue to serve your tour in Korea as admirably as you did with me. I'm certain you'll reach even greater heights under his leadership.

As my family and I head back to the United States, I can also guarantee you that this isn't "goodbye," rather it is "see you soon." I look forward to the day when I serve side by side with you again in the world's greatest Air Force. So to our Team Osan counterparts from 7th Air Force, the Republic of Korea Air Force and all servicemembers on the Korean peninsula, thank you. It has been an honor to serve with you in defense of this great nation.

Mustang 1, Out.