Tennessee Air National Guard Commander takes final flight from McGhee Tyson

LOUISVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee Air National Guard Commander Colonel Lee Hartley took his final flight as a pilot from McGhee Tyson as a commander before he moves on to a promoted position in Middle Tennessee.

The Tennessee Air National Guard shared in a release on Friday that Hartley’s “fini-flight” took place on July 24, with him piloting a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 134th Air Refueling Wing at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base.

Friends and family watched the flight and, in accordance with tradition, greeted him on the flight line with hugs and a swift blast from a fire hose.

Wing members also lined up to thank Hartley for his leadership, and he spared a few moments to reflect on the day.

“Bittersweet is probably the best way to describe it,” Hartley said. “I’m sad to no longer be doing any military flying, but excited for the next chapter. I know my family is excited, but having friends and family out here is kind of what it’s all about.”

Hartley has been serving as the commander of the 134th Air Refueling Wing since 2018, and he’s been flying KC-135s for the wing since 1997. Recently, Hartley was selected as the new Assistant Adjutant General, Air, for the Tennessee National Guard. He will be taking over those duties on August 1 in Nashville.

“It’s a tremendous honor,” Hartley said. “I’ll be overseeing roughly three thousand Airmen across the state of Tennessee. I’m honored to be selected for it. I’m humbled by the responsibility but looking forward to continuing the strategic initiatives already underway for the Tennessee Air National Guard.”

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