Colonel’s “fini flight” has bone chilling end

In an attempt to protect herself from the congratulatory water spray that is about to come her way, Col. Kathleen Flarity, 34th Aeromedical Squadron commander, raises her hands after completing her final flight Dec.19 at Peterson Air Force Base Colo. The colonel’s water dousing is a tradition conducted when a member of an aircrew completes their final flight with the unit they are assigned to. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ann Skarban)

Colonel’s “fini flight” has bone chilling end

Col. Kathleen Flarity is drenched with water after she completed her final flight as the 34th Aeromedical commander, Dec. 19 at Peterson Air Force Base Colo. The colonel’s water dousing is a tradition conducted when a member of an aircrew completes their final flight with the unit they are assigned to. The colonel relinquished her command of the 34th AES and accepted the position of commander of the 302nd Airlift Wing Aeromedical Staging Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ann Skarban)

Colonel's "fini flight" has bone chilling end

Published Dec. 29, 2011
By Tech. Sgt. Peter Dean
302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A showering of ice cold water on 10 degree day is something that most people don't relish, but that's exactly what was in store for Col. Kathleen Flarity. Upon landing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. on Dec. 19, with fire extinguishers in hand, family, friends and co-workers doused the colonel with an icy shower, marking the end of her reign as commander of the 34th Aeromedical Squadron. Water dousing is a time honored tradition that is conducted when a member of an aircrew completes their final flight with a unit.

Colonel Flarity has not hung up her uniform; she will still serve with the 302nd Airlift Wing as commander of the 302nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron. During a ceremony held over the December Unit Training Assembly, the colonel relinquished her command of the 34th AES and accepted the position of commander of the 302nd ASTS, where she will now be responsible for overseeing a squadron of approximately 140 Airmen.

The 302nd ASTS is responsible for ensuring the health and readiness of the more than 1,200 Reservists assigned to the 302nd AW. Additionally the ASTS under the colonel's watch will remain ready when called upon to deploy as an integral link to the Global Aeromedical Evacuation System, providing skilled, compassionate medical care for patient movement