LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- For nearly four decades, the roar of jet engines has been a constant in Gen. Ken Wilsbach's life. But on June 17th, that familiar sound carried a different weight as he prepared for his fini-flight, a symbolic end to a distinguished Air Force career that has taken him to the farthest reaches of the globe.
The fini-flight, a time-honored Air Force tradition, is more than just a final sortie. It's a celebration of dedication…of every minute spent training, hour spent flying, and year spent serving. It's a chance for an aviator to reflect on the journey, the challenges overcome, and the bonds forged in the skies with fellow aircrew. For Wilsbach, it's a moment to look back on a career that began with a childhood dream and culminated in leading Air Combat Command.
“I first started taking glider lessons in Sept. of 1977, even before I started driving,” said Wilsbach. “I worked at a glider port all day for a lesson and a half which usually lasted only about a half an hour, but I was determined!”
A 1985 distinguished graduate of the University of Florida's ROTC program, Gen. Wilsbach's passion for aviation led him to earn his pilot wings in 1986. Since then, he has logged over 6,000 flight hours in a variety of aircraft, but none quite as iconic as the F-22 Raptor.
“I had intended to go to pilot training, serve out my commitment and then go to the airlines. That changed on Jan. 10th, 1986, when I flew my first flight in the T-37 at Laughlin AFB, Texas,” Wilsbach said. “After doing some aerobatics as a part of the normal syllabus, I knew I wanted to be a fighter pilot. I loved the Gs, and the aggressive maneuvering. Later, my love for the mission solidified my calling.”
He's faced the dangers of combat, flying 71 combat missions during Operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch, and Enduring Freedom, always putting the mission first and answering the call.
Beyond the flight hours and the accolades, it's the people that have made the biggest impact. A graduate of United Air Force Weapons School, he has led two major commands, numerous fighter squadrons, operations groups, wings, and numbered Air Forces, always leading by example and inspiring those around him.
“I have had so many opportunities to work with and lead amazing service men and women. I will miss THEM most of all,” Wilsbach said. “I will miss their professionalism, dedication to the mission and their selflessness. It has been such an honor to have the privilege of serving with them.”
As Wilsbach stepped to the jet, the path there wasn’t the scenic route. Rather, it's a well-worn path across unforgiving concrete, marked by the black scars of countless takeoffs and landings…a silent testament to years of aviation history. Wilsbach has made this walk thousands of times before, each with its purpose, but these steps carry a different weight.
Before ascending into the cockpit of the F-22, he pauses, tracing the Raptor's contours with a practiced hand, performing preflight checks born of muscle memory. It's a final caress, a silent acknowledgment of the bond between pilot and machine.
As he settles into the cockpit, a familiar transformation occurs. The weight of the moment recedes, replaced by the ingrained instincts of a pilot. It's business as usual, one last flight to encapsulate a lifetime dedicated to service and the skies.
While in flight, it’s easy to think about where Gen. Wilsbach's mind went. Whether he’s taken back to that second-grade memory of the first flight with his father, a U.S. Navy pilot who instilled the love of the skies in his son. Or to his first experience as a solo pilot, that first feeling of freedom that cemented his passion for aeronautics.
As quickly as the flight began…it just as quickly is over. Upon his return, Wilsbach was greeted by a crowd of loved ones, friends, and colleagues, all eager to celebrate his remarkable career. The traditional spraying of water and champagne was a joyous and emotional moment, a fitting tribute to a man who has given so much to his country.
Beyond the roar of the engines and the precision of the maneuvers, the ceremony highlighted something even more profound. Just as crucial as the airmen serving alongside him, Gen. Wilsbach has had one constant wingman throughout his remarkable career, a steadfast presence who's been there every step of the way. That unwavering support comes from his wife, Cindy. Almost forty years ago, Gen. Wilsbach gave her half of his very first set of flight wings, symbolizing a journey they would embark on together…a journey that has weathered every challenge, every triumph, and every moment together.
“She helped me every single day in pilot training to study for my next test, simulator or flight, and her involvement in my career has continued for almost 40 years,” said Wilsbach. “She has served right alongside me, taking care of airmen and families at every duty location we have been assigned to. Whether I was deployed or not, she was serving in her special way, particularly with hospitality to look out for others and make their military experience better.”
Gen. Wilsbach's final flight served as a poignant reminder of the passage of time, a truth that touches us all which is no one can serve forever…so how will you leave it better?