Chief's Final Flight

AFGHANISTAN

10.22.2016

Story by Bob Harrison 

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN (Oct. 22, 2016) – The water salute is a time-honored tradition to celebrate notable events in aviation or naval history, such as the last flight of an aircraft or pilot. The last flight often signifies a pending retirement from service.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Paul B. George flew his final flight here today as a member of Task Force Thor/206th Military Intelligence Battalion. His team greeted him at the airfield as he landed his RC-12X Guardrail aircraft.

Two fire engines sprayed arching water plumes across the top of his aircraft as it taxied to the ramp. As George stepped to the tarmac, his teammates surrounded him with honors as they doused him in water.

“Today was my last flight as a U.S. Army aviator,” said George. “This send-off is obviously bittersweet. But, this send-off in Afghanistan, I couldn’t hope for better. It is an honor and privilege to serve with these men and women here,” he added.

“I am humbled that they honored me so.”

"Today's ceremony marks the culmination of more than 35 years of faithful service to our nation and the Army,” said Lt. Col. Shawn M. Barnes, TF Thor commander. “His impact is profound, and Chief George's legacy will be evidenced by the leaders and aviators who have been fortunate to serve with him and benefit from his mentorship."

George is culminating 35 years of Army service and close to 4,000 hours of flight time. He will redeploy soon to begin his transition toward retirement from the U.S. Army in the summer of 2017.

George enlisted in the Army in 1982 and spent most of his early career with the 1st and 3rd Ranger Battalions. In 1990, he graduated flight school as a rotary wing pilot and deployed later that year with the 101st Airborne Division as an attack helicopter pilot in Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

George transitioned to become a CH-47D Chinook pilot. He qualified to be a maintenance test pilot, a CH-47D instructor pilot, and ultimately as a fixed wing multi-engine pilot; the role he fulfilled here with TF Thor.

“I’ve been flying since ’90 with combat missions in Desert Shield, Desert Storm. I wanted to come to Afghanistan so I could finish my tour in the Army in an operational assignment. So I could experience what my fellow Soldiers have experience,” George continued.

“My family has been extremely supportive of my time in the military. As we know, families are part of the military. They sacrifice as well. Sometimes it’s rough just knowing your loved ones are safe, or not, while we are deployed,” he added.

After the water salute on the flight line, everyone adjourned to the battalion team room for some celebratory cake, fellowship, and well wishes.

“It’s been an honor to serve.”

• Date Taken: 10.22.2016
• Date Posted: 11.01.2016 04:14
• Story ID: 213407
• Location: AF