Whiteman Vice Wing Commander retires from Air Force after 26 years of service

  • Published
  • By Brye Steeves
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

 

Col. Mark Ely knows he’s going to miss flying the world’s most lethal bomber, but it’s the Airmen he’s served alongside for nearly three decades that Ely will miss most.

Ely, the vice commander of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, is retiring. He served in the Air Force for 26 years, much of which was spent airborne. Ely is a command pilot with more than 3,530 flying hours, including more than 200 combat hours. He has flown the T-37, T-38, B-52 and B-2.

In 1992, Ely received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management. Throughout his career, Ely held a variety of operational roles, including a B-52 instructor and evaluator pilot at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, and as commander of the 23d Bomb Squadron at Minot AFB, North Dakota. He became second-in-command at Whiteman AFB in 2016.

"This Air Force life has been nothing short of incredible," Ely said.

It closes with one last flight in the B-2 and then an official retirement ceremony on Tuesday, July 3, 2018. Ely reminisced with The Warrior on his Air Force career, as he, his wife Alison, and their children, Leah and Andrew, look ahead to what comes next.


Warrior: What are some of your fondest Air Force memories?

Col. Ely: One of my fondest memories is really my Air Force Academy graduation. I felt so lucky to have even been a cadet at the Academy, and to have made it to the finish line was so rewarding. On graduation day, I sat only a few chairs from then-Second Lt. John Nichols. We were cadets in the same squadron, so it was with great pride and luck that I was able to serve with now-Brig. Gen. John Nichols at Whiteman Air Force Base.

Warrior: What was one of your most memorable sorties as a pilot?

Col. Ely: It was taking off in a B-52 from Diego Garcia in October 2001 on the first wave of combat sorties into Afghanistan as part of our nation's military response to the 9/11 terrorists attacks. It was such an honor to have been part of that effort and to have flown with such an amazing B-52 crew that evening. We were part of a deployment of a few hundred airmen that were representing over 300 million Americans back home. I will never forget that.

Warrior: Why did you stay in the Air Force for 26 years?

Col. Ely: It was always pretty simple: to serve our great nation. It has been an honor and a privilege.

Warrior: What will you miss most about the Air Force life?

Col. Ely: I will miss working with such amazing Airmen, especially those here at Whiteman Air Force Base. I know with certainty our Air Force will continue on its path of greatness because of their dedication to the mission and our country.

Warrior: What were you thinking the first time you flew as a military pilot?

Col. Ely: I remember thinking just how lucky I was. I still remember that first "dollar-ride" sortie back in October of 1995 like it was yesterday. It was so rewarding and I felt so fortunate to have had that opportunity. We live in such a great country that has such a powerful military – and to be able to call myself an Airman is quite amazing.

Warrior: What were you thinking when the B-2 touched down at Whiteman Air Force Base during your final flight as a military pilot?

Col. Ely: That final flight was extremely emotional. I will not only miss flying the world's most lethal bomber, but also being part of such an amazing team that safely and successfully puts the B-2 in the air. I will miss seeing the pride in our Airmen's eyes as they work to make this mission happen each and every day.

Warrior: What advice would you like to leave Whiteman’s Airmen?

Col. Ely: Keep being the best. Work hard, stay positive and know your fellow Airmen. We’re a team and we need to take care of each other to ensure we continue to only get better as an Air Force.

Warrior: What does the future hold for you and your family?

Col. Ely: We are going to live locally for a year while our son graduates from Knob Noster High School in 2019 – Go Panthers! Then, we will go where my amazing wife Alison wants to go. She has also served this nation as an Air Force Spouse, which is not easy. Now it is time to go where she wants to go next!