End of An Era Ceremony

END OF AN ERA. Lt. Colonel Reed "Snake" Drake, 110th Fighter Squadron Commander, takes to the skies in an F-15C marking the end of flying operations during the End of Era Event held at the 131st Fighter Wing, Lambert International Airport, June 13, 2009. Drake and Colonel Robert "MOS" Mohr, 131st Operations Group Commander, flew the final two F-15C fighters to Hickam AFB, Hawaii, culminating 86 years of flying operations in Saint Louis. Over 2000 people--including current members, retirees, and family--were in attendance to view the ceremony and launch. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt,. Mary-Dale Amison. RELEASED)

End of an Era

ST. LOUIS – Tech. Sgt. Chris Boehlein, 131st Fighter Wing crew chief, prepares to launch Lt. Col. Reed "Snake" Drake, 110th Fighter Squadron commander, June 13 during the End of Era celebration held at Lambert International Airport. Colonel Drake and Colonel Robert "MOS" Mohr, 131st Operations Group commander, flew the final two F-15C fighters to Hickam AFB, Hawaii, culminating 86 years of flying operations in Saint Louis. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Master Sgt. Mary-Dale Amison)

End of An Era Ceremony

END OF AN ERA. Colonel Robert Leeker, 131st Fighter Wing Commander, shares a light moment with Colonel Terri Chaney, 131st Maintenance Group Commander, as she is recognized for chairing the End of Era Committee responsible for organizing the June 13 commemorative event. Over 2000 people--including current members, retirees, and family--were in attendance. The ceremony commemorated the culmination of 86 years of flying operations in Saint Louis. (shown l to r: Col Robert Leeker, Col Terri Chaney, Brig General Stephen Danner, Mr. Mike DuBois, Brig General Craig McCord) (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Amber Hodges. RELEASED)

End of An Era Ceremony

END OF AN ERA. Brig. General Stephen Danner, Adjutant General State of Missouri, spoke at the 131st Fighter Wing End of Era Ceremony, at the Missouri Air National Guard Base-Lambert Field, June 13, 2009. "The spirit of the 131st is not reprsented by the iron, but by those who are here--past and present," said Danner. The ceremony commemorated the culmination of 86 years of flying operations in Saint Louis. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Amber Hodges. RELEASED)

F-15 prior to departure

F-15 C aircraft prior to departure to it's new duty location at Hickam AFB, HI during the end of era ceremony at the 131st Fighter Wing June 13, 2009. (Photo By John Quin)

Salute during final flight

Lt. Col Reed "Snake" Drake salutes during his final take off during the end of era ceremony for the 131st Fighter Wing June, 13 2009. Lt. Col Drake is the squadron commander for the 110th Fighter Squadron at Lambert ANG base. (Photo by SrA Amber Hodges)