Full Circle: Maj. Alley’s Final Flight at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force Maj. Isaiah Alley, 309th Fighter Squadron director of operations, taxis a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, Feb. 19, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. A former enlisted F-16 crew chief, Alley’s hands-on maintenance experience gives him a unique understanding of the aircraft, enhancing his capabilities as a pilot. As part of the 56th Fighter Wing, he contributes to its mission to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Full Circle: Maj. Alley’s Final Flight at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force Maj. Isaiah Alley, 309th Fighter Squadron director of operations, prepares for his final active-duty flight, Feb. 19, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. His career has come full circle, concluding his active-duty service at the 56th Fighter Wing, the same base where he began his career. Alley will continue to serve in the Air Force Reserve after completing his time in the 309th FS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Full Circle: Maj. Alley’s Final Flight at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force Maj. Isaiah Alley, 309th Fighter Squadron director of operations, and other Airmen assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing conduct pre-flight checks on a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon before take-off, Feb. 19, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. From 2006 to 2009, Alley served as an enlisted F-16 crew chief with the 56th FW. After several years in that role, he commissioned from the U.S. Air Force Academy and later returned to Luke AFB to fly the same aircraft he once maintained. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Full Circle: Maj. Alley’s Final Flight at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force Maj. Isaiah Alley, 309th Fighter Squadron director of operations, climbs into the cockpit of a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, Feb. 19, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. From 2006 to 2009, Alley worked as an enlisted F-16 crew chief with the 56th Fighter Wing. Despite facing challenges in advancing his college education, he eventually received the support needed to enter the U.S. Air Force Academy. After commissioning, he returned as a pilot, flying the same aircraft he once maintained as an enlisted Airman. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Full Circle: Maj. Alley’s Final Flight at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Emanuel Jones, 309th Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief, prepares to guide U.S. Air Force Maj. Isaiah Alley, 309th Fighter Squadron director of operations, onto the taxiway, Feb. 19, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Crew chiefs play a critical role in maintaining the F-16’s readiness and performance, ensuring pilots can execute their missions safely and effectively. Responsible for inspections, maintenance, and troubleshooting, these skilled Airmen are the backbone of aircraft operations, keeping the world’s greatest fighter pilots mission ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Full Circle: Maj. Alley’s Final Flight at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force Maj. Isaiah Alley, 309th Fighter Squadron director of operations, signals goodbye to his loved ones as he taxis a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, Feb. 19, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. A former F-16 crew chief, Alley’s hands-on maintenance experience gives him a unique understanding of the aircraft, enhancing his capabilities as a pilot. He has served as an instructor pilot at Luke AFB for nearly five years and will conclude his active-duty service there, continuing his commitment to the Air Force as a reservist. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Full Circle: Maj. Alley’s Final Flight at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force Maj. Isaiah Alley, 309th Fighter Squadron director of operations, is greeted with a celebratory spray of water from his daughter and niece, Feb. 19, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. As an instructor pilot with the 56th Fighter Wing, Alley played a key role in its mission to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen. Surrounded by loved ones, he embraced the moment, marking the end of his active-duty service while looking ahead to his next journey in the Air Force Reserve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Full Circle: Maj. Alley’s Final Flight at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force Maj. Isaiah Alley, 309th Fighter Squadron director of operations, is sprayed with water and champagne by his wife, daughter, and other family members following his final active-duty flight, Feb. 19, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. A former F-16 crew chief turned instructor pilot, Alley has spent nearly five years developing future fighter pilots as part of the 56th Fighter Wing’s mission to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen. Having started his Air Force career at Luke AFB as an enlisted crew chief, he now concludes his active-duty service at the same base before transitioning to the Air Force Reserve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Full Circle: Maj. Alley’s Final Flight at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force Maj. Isaiah Alley, 309th Fighter Squadron director of operations, greets friends and family following his final active-duty flight, Feb. 19, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. From 2006 to 2009, Alley served as an enlisted F-16 crew chief with the 56th Fighter Wing before commissioning as a pilot and returning to Luke AFB. As the base transitions away from the F-16, the 309th FS will close, marking both the end of an era and the final chapter of Alley’s active-duty service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Full Circle: Maj. Alley’s Final Flight at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force Maj. Isaiah Alley, 309th Fighter Squadron director of operations, greets fellow pilots following his final active-duty flight, Feb. 19, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. His career comes full circle as he concludes his active-duty service at the 56th Fighter Wing, the same base where he began his journey. Alley will continue his service in the Air Force Reserve after completing his time with the 309th FS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Full Circle: Maj. Alley’s Final Flight at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force Maj. Isaiah Alley, 309th Fighter Squadron director of operations, poses for a photo with family and friends following his final active-duty flight, Feb. 19, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Alley began his Air Force career as an F-16 crew chief at the 56th Fighter Wing, years later returning as an instructor pilot. Throughout his service, he contributed to the base's mission of training the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Full Circle: Maj. Alley’s Final Flight at Luke AFB

Published Feb. 21, 2025
By A1C Belinda Guachun-Chichay
56th Fighter Wing

U.S. Air Force Maj. Isaiah Alley, 309th Fighter Squadron director of operations, taxis a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, Feb. 19, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. A former enlisted F-16 crew chief, Alley’s hands-on maintenance experience gives him a unique understanding of the aircraft, enhancing his capabilities as a pilot. As part of the 56th Fighter Wing, he contributes to its mission to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)