Emerald Knights go out with bang Published June 29, 2015 By Senior Airman Devante Williams 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZONA -- Engulfing a 100-year old piano in flames would normally be frowned upon, but on this day Airmen encouraged pilots to set it ablaze. The 308th Fighter Squadron and aircraft maintenance unit officially stood down at Luke Air Force Base today after 73 years of service. The base has trained "Emerald Knights" F-16 pilots and maintainers since 1994. Personnel and aircraft are making the transition to Holloman AFB in New Mexico to become the 314th Fighter Squadron and aircraft maintenance unit. The ceremony concluded with the furling of the guidon. When a squadron stands down or is inactivated, it is standard for the guidon -- a symbol and common rallying point of the squadron -- to lie retired in front of the troops. "This day is filled with mixed emotions," said Lt. Col. Christopher Bacon, 308th FS commander. "As the 308th commander, I am proud to be among the greatest group of fighter pilots I know. I don't know if the 308th will ever be stood up again, but I know for a fact we made our time here one that we will never forget." During the 308th block party several events took place, but one stood out from the rest. A long-standing tradition for units that inactivate is to burn a piano. They burned this one to ashes. Piano burning has been a part of history since World War II. It has become a way of celebrating an enormously good or bad event. In this case, the 308th burned the piano to symbolize the end of an era. "We've become a great family and were able to overcome any obstacles that we had," said 1st Lt. Allana Gallant, 308th AMU officer in charge. After the piano turned to ash, the party continued leaving the attendees to visit and reflect on the squadron that will forever be remembered as the Emerald Knights.