CNN's Brooke Baldwin breaks down as air control clears McCain for take off from 'his beloved Arizona'

CNN host Brooke Baldwin broke down watching as John McCain left Arizona for the final time on a plane branded with the United States of America along the side.

"That was that moment, Brooke, that hits you in the gut," said National political reporter Maeve Reston. "I mean, it was so poignant. I'm thinking of Sen. McCain's friends, this former fighter pilot taking his last flight and all his friends on board who are swapping stories about him, telling his funniest jokes."

Baldwin was silent as the plane taxied down the runway with air traffic controllers guiding it for takeoff.

"I'd like to say goodbye to a man that has meant so much to this state," an air traffic controller could be overheard saying.

The fallen senator was then lifted to the clouds.

"Just so poignant," Baldwin said, her voice cracking. "To watch this. You don't even have to have known him. Air traffic control speaking about him as he left his beloved Arizona for the final time, heading to Washington, D.C., a place he knew oh so well. Heading to lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda where many will pay their respects tomorrow."

She then turned to a colleague to help her continue as she composed herself and went to commercial.

Watch the heart-felt moment below: