By Janet Coulter, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, FCM

We had a layover in Atlanta on our way home from the CMSA Annual Conference in Providence, Rhode Island. The terminal was abuzz with activity, with many Delta employees stopping to wish someone a happy retirement. Rumors quickly spread that this was the pilot’s last flight. Just before boarding, a large group gathered at the gate. They boarded the plane first, taking seats at the very back of the plane. We soon learned this was the pilot’s family—his wife, adult children, and grandchildren. 

One of the flight attendants hinted that there would be a surprise when we landed in Cincinnati. The anticipation grew as another flight attendant explained that every retiring pilot receives this honor, but it is a rare sight for passengers. Our curiosity was piqued, and the flight from Atlanta to Cincinnati took forever! 

When we finally landed in Cincinnati, it was dark, but there seemed to be extra lights shining on our plane. As we taxied to the terminal, the flight attendants instructed us to look out the windows. And there it was—two fire trucks, one on either side of the plane, spraying arcs of water over us as we taxied. It was a beautiful sight, and the passengers erupted in applause and cheers. 

Once the plane came to a stop, the flight attendant asked us to remain seated. The pilot’s family walked from the back of the plane to the cockpit. With the help of their grandfather, the pilot’s grandchildren handed each passenger a card as we exited the plane. The card described the Boeing 737-800 we had just flown on, noting its two engines, 160-seat capacity, and ability to reach speeds of up to 517 miles per hour. The pilot, now retiring after 40 years of service, had captained a Boeing 737-800 on his final flight. 

The tradition of the water salute dates to the 19th century when water cannons were fired to celebrate the launch of new ships. In the early 20th century, transatlantic ships were welcomed to port with similar water cannon salutes to honor successful journeys. In the military, a water salute is often given when a pilot completes a significant drill. This tradition extended to aviation in the late 1990s when the Salt Lake City airport began honoring retiring Delta Air Lines pilots with a water cannon salute. (“Why Some Flights Get a Water Canon Salute | SOFREP”) (“Why Some Flights Get a Water Canon Salute | SOFREP”) The practice has since spread to other airports to honor retiring pilots or mark the final flight of an aircraft. Notable examples include Concorde’s last flight from New York to Paris, celebrated with blue, white, and red plumes of water. 

The water salute is a time-honored tradition symbolizing respect and recognition for a pilot’s career and contributions to aviation. For this pilot, the occasion was even more special with his family by his side as he closed this chapter of his life. It is a significant milestone marking the end of an era and a moment for the pilot to reflect on decades of service. What lies ahead? Perhaps he is teaching the next generation of aviators, transitioning to a simulator instructor role, or enjoying retirement with his family. 

It was indeed an honor to share this memorable occasion with the pilot, his family, and the other passengers. The water salute was a powerful gesture of respect, honor, and gratitude for the pilot’s long and distinguished career. But it also made me wonder—why don’t we celebrate and honor case managers when they retire? Something to think about!  

If you are at the airport and see an airplane going under an arch of water, do not panic! 

It is just a water salute.

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Bio: Janet S. Coulter, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, FCM is a Fellow of Case Management and a board-certified transplant case manager with a large health plan. She is currently President of the Case Management Society of America National Board of Directors. She has held positions as a nurse educator, administrator, team leader, and Director of Case Management. Janet holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Virginia University and a Master of Science in Adult Education from Marshall University. Janet has been a recipient of the CMSA National Award of Service Excellence and Southern Ohio Valley CMSA Case Management Leadership award.