419th to hold change of command ceremony Published Dec. 3, 2010 By Kari Tilton 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- The 419th Fighter Wing will host a change of command ceremony here Sunday, Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. Col. Keith A. Knudson, will assume command of nearly 1,200 personnel assigned to Utah's only Air Force Reserve unit. Relinquishing command is Col. Walter "Buck" Sams, who has served as the commander since September 2008. 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 3,600 total hours, including 3,400 hours in the F-16. 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.