3,539-hour Talon aviator, Pilot for a Day program champion flies final flight

Amid the roar of twin turbofan engines, Lt. Col. Matthew "MiG" Alley, 39th Flying Training Squadron flight commander and T-38 instructor pilot, completed his final flight in a T-38C Talon on Nov. 6, 2026, touching down at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, with a very special passenger in the backseat: Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier.

The milestone sortie marked the closing chapter of an extraordinary flying career for Alley, an accomplished aviator whose impact extends far beyond the flightline.

Throughout his distinguished military career, Alley amassed an impressive 3,539 flight hours in the T-38 Talon—a testament to his mastery of the supersonic trainer aircraft that serves as the backbone of Air Education and Training Command's Fighter Bomber Fundamentals program.

However, fellow Airmen and community members note that Alley's legacy is defined just as much by his dedication to others as it is by his exceptional airmanship. For years, he served as a driving force behind the Air Force's "Pilot for a Day" program. In that role, Alley dedicated countless hours to hosting pediatric patients from local medical centers, including Christus Children's Hospital, giving children and their families an unforgettable VIP aviation experience and their very own dream flight immersion.

"MiG has always been the embodiment of what it means to be an Air Force aviator—uncompromising professional excellence in the air paired with a massive heart for our community on the ground," said Lt. Col. Christopher Puccia, 39th Flying Training Squadron commander.

The fini-flight celebration brought together fellow instructor pilots, leadership, and supporters to honor Alley's more than 32 years of military service, leadership, and mentorship to the next generation of military aviators.

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