Q & A: New vice commander shares experience, goals Published Oct. 1, 2009 By Public Affairs staff 419th Fighter Wing HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UTAH -- 419th Public Affairs staff recently had the opportunity to learn more about the wing's new vice commander, Col. Robert Lindell. Why did you join the Air Force/Reserve? I've wanted to be a pilot since I was five years old. I joined the Air Force in college to get to pilot training. After 14 years active duty flying, I realized the move requirements, schools, and staff jobs weren't the direction I wanted to go with my family, and I joined the South Carolina Air National Guard. After three years there, I was offered an opportunity to join the initial Total Force Initiative in the Air Force Reserve as part of the 307th Fighter Squadron flying in the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. I spent six years there working as the F-16 Test Director, responsible for the new weapons and capabilities developed for the F-16. I have seen TFI from many different viewpoints, from being the only reservist in an active duty squadron, to being a reserve squadron commander with personnel integrated in three different wings at three different locations flying six different types of aircraft. As vice commander, what do you see as your primary role? My primary job will be to support the wing commander in accomplishing the 419th mission. He has many tasks, from working with 10th Air Force to secure the funding and resources to support the 419th mission; to being involved in taking care of the 1,150+ members of the wing; to setting the focus and direction for the wing's future. My job is to be the guy who helps turn the vision into reality, and to fill in for him when he is gone. What unique experience do you bring to the table? I spent the last six years designing, flying, and testing the F-16 software that will be fielded over the next six years. I had the unique opportunity to learn the acquisition process and learn the new capabilities planned for the F-16. I have also been involved in the F-16 roadmap for the future and have seen some of the issues facing corporate Air Force with regard to the Combat Air Force. What are your initial impressions of the 419th FW and Hill AFB? I spent 22 years in the Air Force trying to get stationed at Hill. It is regarded as one of--if not the--best places to be stationed. After a month, I can see why. My family and I really like the local area, the great outdoor activities, and the climate. The 419th has an outstanding reputation throughout the Air Force and I am amazed by the quality individuals that make up the unit and am proud to be part of it. What do you see as the wing's greatest challenges? Like everyone, our greatest challenge is to make TFI a success. We have made some great progress, and I think it will be an evolutionary process of improvements. My idea of success is when both active duty and Reserve see the TFI product as superior to what we had before TFI. I don't think it will be quick or easy, but it is important we do it correctly, because we are setting the example for all other units. We need to make sure that, as we partner together, our unit identity and lifestyle are not lost, and explore ways to capitalize on the strengths that 419th members bring to the table. What are your goals as vice commander? I want to meet all the 419th members and understand their functions, issues, and successes.