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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeffrey P. Neely, director of operations at 319th Special Operations Squadron, gets sprayed down as part of a tradition during the final flight of a pilot at the flight line on Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 27, 2012. Neely will retire March 30, 2012 after 21 years of service. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher Williams)(Released)

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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeffrey P. Neely, director of operations at 319th Special Operations Squadron, gets sprayed down by champagne by two other members of the 319th SOS as part of a tradition during the final flight of a pilot at the flight line on Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 27, 2012. Neely led the squadron as an expeditionary squadron commander for six tours, overseeing more than 2,900 combat sorties and 15,900 combat hours all directly supporting special operations ground forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher Williams)(Released)

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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeffrey P. Neely, director of operations at 319th Special Operations Squadron (Left), shakes hands with Lt. Col. Patrick Daley, commander of the 319th SOS, after Neely finished his final flight as an Air Force pilot at the flight line on Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 27, 2012. Neely had more than 3,200 total combat hours the most of any Air Force pilot to date. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher Williams)(Released)

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A U.S. Air Force PC-12 flown by Lt. Col. Jeffrey P. Neely, director of operations at 319th Special Operations Squadron, during Neely?s final flight as an Air Force pilot taxis on the flight line on Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 27, 2012. Neely logged more than 6,600 total hours of flight since he began his career as a pilot August 31, 1991. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher Williams)(Released)

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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeffrey P. Neely, director of operations at 319th Special Operations Squadron, disembarks from a PC-12 for the last time while getting sprayed down by a fire hose at the flight line on Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 27, 2012. Neely has served as an evaluator pilot in the 319th SOS since the unit?s reactivation in 2006. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher Williams)(Released)

Top pilot passes stick to next generation

Published March 29, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Michelle Vickers
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- -- After 21 years of active duty service, the Air Force aviator with the most combat hours flown, hangs up his flight suit on March 30, 2012 at Hurlburt Field.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey P. Neely, director of operations at 319th Special Operations Squadron, flew more than 6,400 hours including over 3,200 combat hours during his career.

"There is a sense of accomplishment in the fact that I have had an impact," Neely said. "Not all of those hours were "great" but I was on station for some significant missions that influenced the course of combat actions. Bottom Line: I feel honored to have had an impact and humbled by the sacrifice made by others."

After earning his Air Force commission through Montana State University's ROTC program in 1991, Neely began his career as an acquisitions and test engineer for infrared missile defense system. Neely went on to receive his pilot's wings in 1997, and was stationed at Hurlburt Field to fly the AC-130U "Spooky" Gunship.

"I had no preconceived notions of what my career would be like," Neely said. "The Cold War was still the focus when I came on active duty, and the limited operations I participated in prior to 2001 were NATO support for U.N. operations in the former Yugoslav republics. I had no idea that I would participate in actual combat operations. All I wanted to do was fly and keep the guys on the ground out of trouble."

When it came time for the reactivation of the 319th SOS in 2005, Neely was chosen to lead the way in establishing the unit, and was instrumental in forging their tactics and procedures. He then led the 319th SOS as mission commander on their first operational deployment, during which the squadron was awarded the Bronze Star for achievement. As expeditionary squadron commander, Neely directed the squadron through six tours that included over 2,900 combat sorties and 15,900 combat hours, all supporting special operations ground forces.

Though building up the squadron in both personnel and aircraft was demanding, Neely believes he is leaving the leadership of the squadron in capable hands after overseeing the development of Airmen.

"The first six months in the squadron when everyone was working 12 to 14 hour days developing systems, training and generally doing what had to be done to get into theater," Neely said. "[Also] watching so many young officers go from wet behind the ears newbies to seasoned aviation professionals."