Marine Corps Base Quantico -- On July 15, The last CH-46 pilot to enter the Marine Corps took his final flight here on July 15, as both he and the air frame are set to retire from service.

Maj. Gen. Andrew W. O'Donnell Jr. took his final flight in his 35 years of service at Marine Corps Base Quantico. This coincides with the retirement of the CH-46 helicopter, which will be retired from the Marine Corps inventory at the end of this fiscal year.

“Wings are predominant in my family. My father had them, I have them and when I retire, forthcoming pilots, they will earn them too,” said O’Donnell.

For more than half a century, the CH-46 Phrog helicopters have supported multiple operations from combat missions in the Vietnam jungles to the turbulent warfare of the Middle East. "One last flight, for the very last time....it's hard to explain in words how I’m feeling right now. The 46's are my main platform, they are my love. This really means it’s the last of us," said O’Donnell

Since childhood, O’Donnell has been part of the in the Marine Corps family. O’Donnell’s father, Lt. Gen. Andrew W. O’Donnell Sr. served 39 years in the Marine Corps as a fighter pilot. O’Donnell started his career as an Infantry Officer with unit 2nd Marine Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. Like his father, O’Donnell became a career naval aviator, earning his wings in 1984. He has since been flying various platforms for more than 30 years and completed over 5600 hours in the skies. In addition to being a pilot, he was also the commanding officer of Marine Helicopter Squadron One and a Marine One pilot.

O’Donnell has served with distinction, earning the Alfred A. Cunningham Aviator of the Year Award in 2000 and commanding Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, which was designated the Squadron of the Year that same year. O’Donnell also flew in combat during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, serving as the commanding general for 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Forward.

“I was his Sergeant Major for two tours, including, 3rd MAW Fwd and because I worked with him during those periods, I understand his leadership style very intimately,” Sgt. Maj. Anthony A. Spadaro said. “O’Donnell’s mentoring style can be best described by three guiding principles: One, keep the main thing, the main thing. Two, remember who you work for. Three, it is an honor to serve.”

“Simply put, he doesn’t lead by example, he lives the example. He really lives up to the father-son, teacher-scholar mindset,” said Spadaro.

After 35 years of service, O’Donnell will retire on July 28. The CH-46 helicopter is scheduled to be phased out by the end of this month as well.

“It’s hard to believe. When you do something for so long, it shapes you and it becomes a part of you. I find it difficult imaging what the future holds, but this entire ride was a memorable and humbling experience,” said O’Donnell.