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New commander proud to return to 419th

  • Published
  • By Public Affairs staff
  • 419th Fighter Wing
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  The 419th Fighter Wing welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony here Sunday.

Col. Keith A. Knudson assumed command of nearly 1,200 personnel assigned to Utah's only Air Force Reserve unit.

"I'm proud to be back at Hill Air Force Base, this time as part of the Total Force," Colonel Knudson said. "I look forward to serving again in such an outstanding, supportive community."

Colonel Knudson served in the wing's 466th Fighter Squadron from October 1992 to July 1994 as an F-16 instructor pilot.

"My primary focus as 419th wing commander will be to keep the wing ready for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and to build on this unit's strong foundation of success," he said.

Officiating the ceremony was Maj. Gen. Frank J. Padilla, Commander of Tenth Air Force. During his remarks, the general said Colonel Knudson is "absolutely the right person for the job."

Relinquishing command was Col. Walter "Buck" Sams, who served as commander since September 2008. Colonel Sams has been selected to serve as Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, 1st Air Force (AFNORTH), and Commander, Continental United States North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, Air Combat Command, Tyndall AFB, Fla.

During his farewell remarks, Colonel Sams thanked his family, the community, and the wing's dedicated reserve Airmen who serve both in their civilian jobs and in the military.

Prior to his assignment with the 419th FW, Colonel Knudson served as vice commander of the 301st FW, Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and was commissioned in 1985. Colonel Knudson served on active duty for seven years before joining the Air Force Reserve in 1992. He is a command pilot with more than 3,000 total hours, including 3,400 hours in the F-16.