419th, 388th Airmen deploy to Western Pacific Published Oct. 10, 2012 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- More than 230 members of Hill Air Force Base's active duty 388th Fighter Wing and Air Force Reserve 419th Fighter Wing recently departed for a deployment to the U.S. Pacific Command Theater. The pilots, maintainers and support personnel will provide F-16 air support in the Western Pacific region as part of a routine theater security package rotation. "The Airmen of the 4th aviation package are fully trained and ready to bring disciplined air power to the Pacific theater to support our national security objectives," said Col. Scott Long, 388 FW commander. "They're dedicated, professional and hard working. I am confident the unit will make great contributions to our extended security commitments and continue to secure freedom and liberty for a critical region of the world." "About 30 of our Citizen Airmen volunteered for this deployment and we greatly appreciate the support of their civilian employers in the community who will undoubtedly make sacrifices during their absence," said Col. Keith Knudson, 419 FW commander. "We greatly appreciate the support of their civilian employers in the community who continue to support our nation's call." Hill's two fighter wings have been deploying side by side since July 2007 when the units began flying and maintaining a fleet of F-16 aircraft as part of an initiative dubbed Total Force Integration. TFI seeks to enhance combat capability by capitalizing on the unique strengths of the active duty and reserve components. Stay connected -- Join the 419th on Facebook and YouTube