419th welcomes new commander Published Nov. 4, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- The 419th Fighter Wing welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony here today. Col. Bryan Radliff assumed command of nearly 1,100 personnel assigned to Utah's only Air Force Reserve unit. "Our mission isn't about the leaders, but what leadership can provide to the wing so the team, the Air Force Reserve, and the nation succeed," Radliff said. Radliff is a career fighter pilot with more than 3,300 hours of experience in the F-15 and F-22 aircraft. This is Radliff's first assignment with an F-16 unit and he said he looks forward to learning to fly the single-engine fighter jet. "If a maintainer sees me on the flightline they need to remind me not to try and start the second engine," he joked. Brig. Gen. William Binger, 10th Air Force commander, officiated the ceremony and said Radliff's flawless service record and personality will be an asset to the wing. "Radliff is well postured and has the right attitude to assume command of the wing," Binger said. Prior to his assignment with the 419th FW, Radliff served as commander of the 477th Fighter Group, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. He graduated from Southern Illinois University and commissioned in 1989. Colonel Radliff served on active duty and with the Florida Air National Guard before joining the Air Force Reserve in 2003. Relinquishing command was Col. Keith Knudson, who served as commander since December 2010. Knudson is retiring after 27 years of military service. "Knudson brought a selfless effort and dignity to his time here, especially while working with our active duty counterparts and community leaders," Binger said. Stay connected - Join the 419th on Facebook and YouTube