Final flight, first toast

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Abe Crane, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron commander, and U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, conduct pre-flight checks on a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 28, 2025. Kadena conducts operations in support of the defense of Japan and to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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Final flight, first toast

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Acord, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator instructor, waits in the cabin entrance of a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2025. The 909th ARS is the U.S. Pacific Air Force’s premier unit for providing air refueling to joint and Allied aircraft throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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Final flight, first toast

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, conducts aerial refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2025. The continuous rotation of aircraft to Kadena ensures the 18th Wing remains flexible and postured to deliver lethal and credible airpower to deter acts of aggression. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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Final flight, first toast

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Acord, left, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator instructor, observes Master Sgt. Katherine Dickey, 909th Air Refueling Squadron chief boom operator during a refuel in a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2025. The 909th ARS is the U.S. Pacific Air Force’s premier unit for providing air refueling to joint and Allied aircraft throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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Final flight, first toast

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, flies away from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2025. The continuous rotation of aircraft to Kadena ensures the 18th Wing remains flexible and postured to deliver lethal and credible airpower to deter acts of aggression. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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Final flight, first toast

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Abe Crane, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron commander, prepares to land a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2025. Kadena conducts operations in support of the defense of Japan and to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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Final flight, first toast

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Abe Crane, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron commander, gets sprayed with champagne from friends and family after his final flight on a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2025. A final flight is a traditional final flight that signifies an aviator’s departure from their unit or their last time flying a specific aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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Final flight, first toast

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Abe Crane, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron commander, gets sprayed with champagne from friends and family after his final flight on a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2025. A final flight is a traditional final flight that signifies an aviator’s departure from their unit or their last time flying a specific aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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Final flight, first toast

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Abe Crane, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron commander and his family gather for a photo in front of a KC-135 Stratotanker as he completes his final flight at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2025. A final flight is not only a celebration for a pilot, but also for their family and teammates. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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Final flight, first toast

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Abe Crane, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron commander and his air crew gather for a photo in front of a KC-135 Stratotanker as he completes his final flight at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2025. A final flight is not only a celebration for a pilot, but also for their family and teammates. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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Final flight, first toast

Published June 12, 2025
By Senior Airman Melany Bermudez
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan. --

Lt. Col. Abe Crane, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron commander completed his final flight on a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 909th ARS. A final flight is a traditional final flight that signifies an aviator’s departure from their unit or their last time flying a specific aircraft.