COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- As the final notes of the National Anthem faded into the warm Mississippi afternoon, the silence was replaced by a familiar roar. A perfectly timed flyover streaked across the sky, a silver salute to the father and son whose names would now be etched into the very map of Columbus Air Force Base.
The 14th Flying Training Wing officially renamed Timeline Road to Holmes Drive during a ceremony held Feb. 9, 2026. The dedication pays tribute to retired Gen. Mike “Mobile” Holmes, former commander of Air Combat Command, and his son, the late Capt. Wade “Stab” Holmes.
For the Holmes family, Columbus AFB was more than just a duty station; it was where their stories began. General Holmes started his career here as a student pilot in 1981, eventually returning to lead the 14th Operations Group from 2002 to 2004. Decades later, Wade followed in his father’s footsteps, completing his pilot training at Columbus in 2017 before going on to fly F-16 Fighting Falcons with the District of Columbia Air National Guard.
The ceremony took a poignant turn as speakers reflected on Capt. Wade Holmes, who passed away last May after a courageous battle with cancer. The road renaming serves as a permanent reminder of his dedication and the shared passion for aviation that defined the Holmes family across two generations.
Guest speaker retired Maj. Gen. Jack Catton emphasized that the renaming represents the "family spirit" of the Air Force.
“You know we have a really tight community,” Catton said. “General Holmes and I are both in the F-15 community; we’ve flown at all the same bases. The Holmes family represents the very best of that bond. This road ensures that their story remains a permanent part of our collective memory.”
Col. James Blech, 14th Flying Training Wing commander, spoke to the profound impact of seeing the Holmes name daily on the installation, noting that the new signage serves as a daily inspiration for the next generation of aviators.
"Naming this road Holmes Drive isn’t just about honoring two incredible officers; it’s about honoring the heart of our mission," Blech said. "When our student pilots drive this route every morning, they aren't just looking at a street sign—they’re looking at a standard of excellence and a reminder that the legacy of those who came before us continues to guide our flight path."
Blech noted that the event was particularly special because it captured the essence of the "Team BLAZE" family.
"There is something incredibly powerful about seeing a father and son’s names joined together in the place where they both earned their wings," Blech added. "It’s emotional, it’s historic, and it’s a testament to the fact that in this wing, family and mission are inseparable."
As the shroud was lifted to reveal the new "Holmes Drive" sign, the atmosphere was one of quiet reverence. The renaming ensures that as new generations of aviators arrive at Columbus AFB to begin their own journeys, they will do so under the shadow of a legacy that spans decades of service, sacrifice, and soaring ambition.
For the 14th Flying Training Wing, the message is clear: the impact of the Holmes family is no longer just a part of our history, it is the fuel for our future. Every airman who passes this sign is challenged to carry that same spirit of service into the skies, ensuring that the Holmes legacy lives on in every mission we fly.