ARLINGTON, Va. -- A formation of T-6 Texan IIs from the 14th Flying Training Wing, Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, executed a precise flyover above Arlington National Cemetery on Dec. 3, 2025, to honor the life and service of retired Air Force Lt. Col. Richard Erb.
The mission highlighted the professionalism and capabilities of the 14th FTW, whose primary role is to train the next generation of world-class pilots. The request for the aerial tribute, initiated by the family, was formally submitted by Arlington National Cemetery and routed through official Air Force channels to the wing. The 37th Flying Training Squadron volunteered to take on the complex assignment.
Executing a flyover in the highly restrictive Washington, D.C., Flight-Restricted Zone presented a significant challenge. For the 37th FTS pilots, this demanding mission provided a critical developmental opportunity, offering invaluable experience in navigating restrictive airspace that better prepares them to succeed in a potential future fight. The mission's success rested on a squadron-wide effort encompassing detailed planning and seamless execution.
"Countless hours of ground training, coordination, and execution were required for our formation to accomplish an on-time and precise flyover," said Capt. Jordan Tlachac, a T-6A instructor pilot on the flyover team. "I am very proud of Drago flight as well as the supporting ground personnel that made this flyover possible."
The intricate logistics were managed by a dedicated team, including the Operations Support Squadron, four-ship director, Capt. Philip Cappitelli, and flight leaders Capt. Andrew Hoffmann and Capt. Jordan Tlachac. Their collective effort ensured the flight crew was fully certified and prepared for the demanding environment.
For the squadron, the tribute carried a special significance as Lt. Col. Erb was the grandfather of one of their own instructor pilots, Capt. Nicholas Erb. While his squadron mates managed the mission in the air, Capt. Erb’s role was on the ground, standing with his family to render a final salute to his grandfather.
"It was a privilege to honor Lt. Col. Erb and the Erb family, specifically, Capt. Erb, as he carries on his grandfather’s legacy as a pilot in the United States Air Force," said Tlachac.
The tradition of service was palpable when Jeffrey Erb, himself a career aviator, received the folded flag. Following in his father's footsteps, Jeff has logged over 30,000 flight hours with airlines like Skywest, Northwest, and now Delta. The flag, he says, will one day pass to his own son, representing the family's next generation in the sky. Yet, this legacy isn't one of pressure or expectation.
“My grandpa never pushed a flying career on to my dad, and he never pushed it on to me… I genuinely think we all found the thing that we love, and it happens to be flying,” said Erb.