Photo By Master Sgt. Tamara Dabney | Lt. Col. Panis, a Pilot with the 103rd Airlift Wing Operations Group, smiles with...... read more read more
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BRADLEY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Conn. — On Saturday, May 3, the Connecticut Air National Guard’s 103rd Operations Group marked a historic milestone as Lieutenant Colonel Gary Caponetti and Lieutenant Colonel Josh Panis took to the skies one final time. The longtime colleagues and close friends completed their Air Force careers with a joint “fini flight” in two C-130 Hercules aircraft, circling the skies above New England in a farewell steeped in tradition, emotion, and camaraderie.
The final (“fini“) flight—a time-honored tradition among Air Force aviators—saw both pilots soar above the Atlantic Ocean, the Hudson Valley, and coastal parts of Rhode Island and Maine, before returning to Bradley Air National Guard Base, where family, friends, and fellow Airmen gathered to celebrate their incredible careers.
As the aircraft touched down, the festivities began with a jubilant welcome: champagne sprays and squirt guns at the ready, friends and family creating a reception line, smiles and applause greeting the retiring officers as they stepped off their aircraft for the last time in uniformed flight. The pilots then transitioned to their formal service dress for a retirement ceremony that reflected the honor, legacy, and gratitude of decades of selfless service.
Lt. Col. Caponetti and Lt. Col. Panis joined the 103rd at different points—Caponetti transitioning from a civilian mortgage broker career to a pilot in 2005, and Panis entering through ROTC in 2001 before making the leap from active duty to the Connecticut Guard. Both ultimately became C-130 pilots after earlier experience in other platforms, including the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the C-21 Learjet.
When reflecting upon their first flights after years of rigorous training, both pilots expressed a sense of deep accomplishment. “ I think my most memorable first flight was with the A-10,” Panis reflected. “There’s no two seater A-10 to go up with an instructor. But climbing into the air, I felt so fortunate.” Caponetti added that he also would never forget his first “dollar ride” with the T-37.
Their career paths, closely aligned through years of deployments and training, helped forge a deep professional bond. “We were the last guys hired when we still had A-10s,” Panis recalled. “We came up together through transitions, missions, and memories. Our friendship grew in the grind and never faded.”
Among their most memorable experiences was their 2017 deployment flying the C-130, navigating harsh conditions including near-zero visibility sandstorms and landing on remote airstrips under the cover of night. “That deployment was humbling,” said Caponetti. “It tested us. I had about 50 hours in the aircraft and was leading a crew. You felt the stakes and the adrenaline—but also the pride.”
Their friendship was born in the small tasks—stocking snacks, making coffee, and holding each other accountable during early years as lieutenants—and matured in combat, coordination, and shared leadership. Both have continued their careers in commercial aviation, while remaining tied to the “Flying Yankees” heritage of the 103rd. Said Panis, “I feel like I was just a small part of this this big thing, but the bond here is so unique, so strong. Not just the aircrew, but the whole Wing.”
As they reflected on retirement, both expressed deep admiration for their fellow Airmen and the enduring spirit of the unit. “There is definitely a unique bond here,” said Caponetti. “You serve beside people who put mission and integrity above all else. I’m proud just to have shared in that. I think about it a lot--why you have old Flying Yankees who still come back. I don’t think in a civilian job that you have people come back like that, to watch the ceremonies."
Panis added, “This place has given us everything. Saying farewell is overwhelming—but we leave full of gratitude and love for the people who make the 103rd what it is.”
When asked about their advice to the next generation of pilots, Panis said, “You can't buy these experiences. Be excited, take the opportunities, buckle down, and try your hardest. ” Caponetti added, “Take care of your family. Trust that the unit will take care of you.” In regards to flying the C-130 Hercules, he emphasized, “Respect this aircraft and don’t get complacent.”
Their joint retirement symbolizes not just the end of two storied careers, but the closing chapter of a generation of aviators shaped by legacy, brotherhood, and service. After more than 13 years of working two jobs, both Caponetti and Panis are looking forward to slowing down and focusing on their civilian airline jobs with United and American Airlines. They also emphasized the time available to attend more family moments. “If I can get back a baseball game or a dance competition here and there, then I’m absolutely going to do it,” Panis said.
These two remarkable officers leave behind a lasting legacy in the Connecticut Air National Guard and the Flying Yankees community. Thank you for your service, gentlemen. You will always be part of this family.
| Date Taken: | 05.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.30.2025 15:35 |
| Story ID: | 498992 |
| Location: | EAST GRANBY, CONNECTICUT, US |
| Web Views: | 320 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Final Flight, Lifelong Bond: 103rd Pilots Celebrate Retirement Together, by Capt. Jennifer Kaprielian, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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