Friday, August 14, 2026 l Vol. 51, Number 33
SERVING TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE AND THE MILITARY COMMUNITY OF SOLANO COUNTY
GAMING WORLD TOURNAMENT Page 2
CMSAF VISITS TRAVIS Page 3
TRAVIS
TURBO DISTRIBUTION Page 4
TAILWIND A product of Daily Republic
LIGHTNING
SHOW
Senior Airman Colin Perkins/U.S. Air Force file
Maj. Sean Laughlin, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander, performs an aerial maneuver during the Arctic Lightning Air Show at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska,
Aug. 2. The demonstration showcased the advanced capabilities of the F-35A Lightning II while highlighting the skill, precision and professionalism of Air Force personnel.
104th Fighter Wing celebrates flight surgeon’s 15 years of service Jay Hewitt
104TH FIGHTER WING
Brian Collett/U.S. Air Force file photos
Hazardous materials technicians secure simulated hazmat aboard a C-17 Globemaster III during a joint response exercise at Travis Air Force Base, Aug. 4. The scenario
tested military and civilian responders and their ability to coordinate and operate within the confined space of an Air Force aircraft.
Regional responders unite for hazmat training at Travis
BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mass. — As the morning sun began to peak over the roof of the 104th Fighter Wing main hangar on July 14, the excitement surrounding the fini flight for U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Mark ‘Shank’ Bigda, 104th Fighter Wing flight surgeon, was palpable. 104th members and military families gathered in waves to watch in bittersweet anticipation as a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 101st Air Refueling Wing at Bangor Air National Guard Base, Bangor, Maine, touched down on the runway before Lt. Col. Bigda walked out for his final military flight. Dating back to World War II, “fini flights” are a proud and time-honored tradition to celebrate and honor an aviator’s last official flight that enables airmen and aircrews to complete one last sortie before saying goodbye to their crew, aircraft, and unit. For Bigda, this KC-135 fini flight also marked a new chapter for him and his family. After embracing his wife, his brother, and two sons, Bigda took his first and final step-out from the Ops briefing room toward the Stratotanker, See Service, Page 7
Hazardous materials technicians transport an overpack drum toward a C-17 Globemaster III during a joint response exercise at Travis Air Force Base, Aug. 4. The responders used the protective container to secure a simulated leaking package as part of an overall training scenario.
A Solano County hazardous materials technician doffs personal protective equipment during a joint response exercise at Travis Air Force Base, Aug. 4. The training brought together fire departments and hazmat teams from Travis AFB, Solano County, Vallejo, Vacaville, Fairfield, and Dixon to practice for complex emergency scenarios.
Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Sinclair/U.S. Air National Guard file
Lt. Col. Mark ‘Shank’ Bigda, 104th Fighter Wing flight surgeon, views a refueling operation during his fini flight on a KC-135 Stratotanker at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Mass., July 14.