Wolf Pack bids farewell to Col. Matthew Gaetke

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander, smiles at friends and family after completing his final flight as commander of the 8th FW at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 6, 2024. Gaetke served as the 8th FW commander from November 2023 to June 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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Wolf Pack bids farewell to Col. Matthew Gaetke

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew C. Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander, prepares for his final flight at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 6, 2024. Gaetke served as commander of the 8th FW from November 2023 to June 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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Wolf Pack bids farewell to Col. Matthew Gaetke

Airman 1st Class Isaac Fonce, left, 80th Fighter Generation Squadron F-16 crew chief, and U.S Air Force Col. Matthew Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander, give each other the ‘crush ‘em’ gesture during Gaetke’s final flight at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 6, 2024. A final flight, or fini-flight, is a tradition among pilots and aircrew to celebrate one’s last flight with their unit or on a specific airframe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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Wolf Pack bids farewell to Col. Matthew Gaetke

Airman 1st Class Isaac Fonce, 80th Fighter Generation Squadron F-16 crew chief, helps the family of U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander, listen in as he prepares for his final flight at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 6, 2024. Gaetke served as the 8th FW commander from November 2023 to June 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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Wolf Pack bids farewell to Col. Matthew Gaetke

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew C. Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander, celebrates after his final flight at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 6, 2024. It’s tradition to spray aircrew with water and champagne upon landing from their final flight in an airframe or with a unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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Wolf Pack bids farewell to Col. Matthew Gaetke

Friends and family of U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander, pose for a group photo after his final flight at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 6, 2024. A final flight, or fini-flight, is a tradition among pilots and aircrew to celebrate one’s last flight with their unit or on a specific airframe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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Wolf Pack bids farewell to Col. Matthew Gaetke

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew C. Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander, celebrates with friends and family after his final flight at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 6, 2024. A final flight, or fini-flight, is a tradition among pilots and aircrew to celebrate one’s last flight with their unit or on a specific airframe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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Wolf Pack bids farewell to Col. Matthew Gaetke

Published June 6, 2024
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --

Members of the 8th Fighter Wing sent off Col. Matthew C. Gaetke, 8th FW commander, as he concluded his fini-flight as a member of the Wolf Pack at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 6.

Since taking command in November 2023, Gaetke ensured the Wolf Pack remained a combat-ready force. He led the wing in reimagining base defense practices and honing agile airpower employment by participating in several flying trainings alongside strategic allies in the ROK and across the Indo-Pacific region.

The milestones achieved during Gaetke’s tenure validated the Wolf Pack’s ability to Defend the Base, Accept Follow-on Forces, and Take the Fight North.

After relinquishing command of the 8th FW, Gaetke will serve as the United States Forces Korea J3X division chief at Camp Humphreys, ROK.