Reunion connects generations, celebrates wing epoch

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  After a long weekend celebrating heritage, specifically 30 years of flying and fixing F-15 Eagles, the 33rd Fighter Wing came back with many stories Airmen, past and present, and guests will share for a lifetime.

"It was an outstanding event from start to finish - the hard work of the Nomad Association was obvious," said Col. Todd Harmer, 33rd FW commander. "Still it was bittersweet; we're sad to see the F-15 leave the wing but we know the transition to the F-35 starts another chapter in its proud history."

Past, present and future was honored during the three-day event that included an open house at the wing. Honored guests took turns at experiencing an F-35 cockpit with Lockheed Martin's simulator in town. A maintenance hangar, transformed into a proud Nomad museum, displayed historic archives. Visitors were able to walk up to a static F-4 and relive the "glory" days when it flew off Eglin's runway as the predecessor to the Eagle.

Air Combat Command's F-15 West Coast Demonstration Team, stationed here, wowed the crowd with its last ever performance.

"The heritage flight of the Eagle with two WWII era P-51 Mustang fighters was very special and significant." said Col. Harmer.

Aircraft and tangible relics on display didn't overshadow the thing that makes the wing what they are - people. Known as Nomads forever, past and present wing personnel mingled, competed in golf and, later, toasted to their legacy at a formal banquet.

"The most memorable part was getting the chance to gather with the Nomads to share our common bond and admiration for the world's greatest air superiority fighter - the F-15 Eagle," said Col. Harmer. "Guest speaker, General (ret.) Bill Looney was extremely inspirational, linking our legacy of air superiority to the present and future national security requirements."

Honored community guests were also invited to celebrate wing history. Most were former and current honorary commanders who've also earned the Nomad title and formed their own alumni association.

"The whole week is something I'll remember for a very long time. It's been such an incredible life experience for me to be an honorary commander," said Aileen Koon, who's only known experience with the military has been her time as an HCC since January 2008. "The fact that only a few of us have this opportunity never escapes me. I have met so many amazing people at the 33rd, and cultivated some special relationships, especially here toward the end. I'm sad I have to see them go."

Nomad Reunion festivities offered one final time to come together before approximately 1,200 Nomads move this summer. In October, the wing transitions to an Air Education and Training facility to train those who will fly and fix the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.