Osan says "Kamsahamnida" to Chief Jette

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Steven Goetsch
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The crossed, overarching fire department water cannons guiding the F-16 down the taxiway at the conclusion of the 51st Fighter Wing Command Chief's "fini flight," Aug. 8, were symbolic of the almost 30 years of leadership and guidance he has provided thousands of Airmen throughout his career.

Chief Master Sergeant Richard Jette's flight was almost prevented by Mother Nature, but once in the air, he got to see the sunny, clear skies over Korea.

"Once we broke through the local stuff, we had nothing but blue skies above," said Col. Jon Norman, 51st Fighter Wing commander, who took the chief on a tour across the Korean Peninsula from a 17,000 foot perspective that few get to experience.

It wasn't all blue skies and mach speeds for the chief, who learned about g-forces immediately upon launch.

"As soon as we took off, I was thrown back in my seat, and I thought to myself, 'Uh-oh,'" said Chief Jette. "It was a little give and take on takeoff, but I was okay once we leveled off."

After Colonel Norman brought his F-16 to a stop and popped the canopy open, the mach 1.1 smile on Chief Jette's face was evident.

As soon he wrestled off the web of harnesses and touched boots back on the ground, he announced a change in his retirement plans.

"Is there anyone here from the MPF?" Chief Jette asked. "I am not retiring anymore, I'm cross-training."

After raising his hands in celebration, he kept with tradition, lowered his head, and accepted a hosing down from his wife Annie, and children Robert and Amie.

The 36th Fighter Squadron Fiends, who hosted the fini flight, were proud to take Chief Jette on his inaugural flight.

"It means a lot to us to get you up in that Viper and pulling some g's," said Lt. Col. Steven Waller, 36th FS commander. "We really appreciate the way you conduct yourself and the way you take care of the troops."

The flight not only signifies the conclusion of a career, it also fulfills the dreams that belonged to a young Airman Jette almost 30 years ago.

"When I was an Airman back in '78 watching F-4s take off from Seymour-Johnson [Air Force Base], I always wanted to just sit in the back seat," said Chief Jette. "This just goes to prove that if you stick around long enough, you will get your chance!

"I will be talking about this for the rest of my life," he said. 

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