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Check Six – 2002: John “Zoomba” Traettino

Posted on Apr 17, 2022 in 2000's, Check Six

This photograph shows a young John “Zoomba” Traettino. He flew F-15 Eagles with the 199th Fighter Squadron for many years. Zoomba was one of the F-15 pilots that transitioned to the current F-22 ...
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Check Six – 2005: Garro (Rojo) Johnson

Posted on Jan 31, 2022 in 2000's, Check Six

Special Thanks to Braden “Mongo” Sakai for sharing these personal photographs. These two photographs are some friends with Ro at my house after he was recovering from cancer treatment. Left photograph: Standing ...
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Check Six – 2012: Two Future HIANG Generals

Posted on Dec 20, 2021 in 2010's, Check Six

This photograph was taken on May 8, 2012 at the Governor’s Ceremonial Room at the Hawai‘i State Capitol. It was Braden “Mongo” Sakai‘s brigadier general promotion ceremony. Among the attendees ...
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Check Six – 1995: Church’s Fini Flight

Posted on Sep 30, 2021 in 1990's, Check Six

Col Clinton “Church” Churchill flew his fini flight in September 1995. During his HIANG career, he flew Convair F-102A Delta Daggers, McDonald Douglas F-4C Phantoms, and McDonald Douglas F-15 Eagles. ...
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Sunset of the Old Alert Pad

Posted on Sep 20, 2021 in 2020's, History

The alert facility – alert pad to many – is scheduled for demolition on September 22, 2021. 199th Fighter Squadron aircrews all have memories – good, bad and funny – ...
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Check Six – 2012: Two 154th Commanders and Friends

Posted on Aug 2, 2021 in 2010's, Check Six

In the photograph are (L-R): Gervin Miyamoto, Melvin “Humphrey” Souza, Michael “Boss” Tice, John “Saigon” Lee, and Harold “Shaka” Schatz. Saigon commanded the 154th Composite Group from August 1978 through ...
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Check Six – 2012: HIANG Officers at the Capitol

Posted on Jul 27, 2021 in 2010's, Check Six

In the photograph are (L-R): Neal Yonamine, Jason Matsuoka, Timothy Fujino, and Zachary Chang. This photograph was taken on May 8, 2012 at the Governor’s Ceremonial Room at the Hawaii State ...
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2011: 199 FS Change of Command

Posted on Nov 16, 2020 in Ceremonies (Change of Commands, Retirements, Promotions, etc.)

This undated photograph was taken after a 199th Fighter Squadron change of command ceremony. Lt Col Christopher Faurot took command of the squadron from Lt Col Glen Nakamura. Although undated, ...
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Check Six – 2006: Dusty’s Fini Flight

Posted on Oct 19, 2020 in 2000's, Check Six

Lt Col Kenneth “Dusty” Sussel had his “Fini Flight” on December 31, 2006. The Fini Flight is a tradition for pilots that originated during the Vietnam era (more below).  Lt Col Kenneth “Dusty” ...
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Check Six: Mongo’s promotion – 8 years ago

Posted on Feb 17, 2020 in 2010's, Check Six

This photographs show Brig Gen Braden “Mongo” Sakai, his wife Momi and family members shortly after he was pinned by Governor Neil Abercrombie in the ceremonial room at the Capitol. ...
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