Hill takes TFI to Red Flag Published Aug. 13, 2008 By Kari Tilton 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NEV. -- Operations and maintenance personnel from Hill's fighter wings recently joined forces to participate in the advanced aerial combat training exercise known as Red Flag. The annual exercise was held at the Nevada Test and Training Range near Nellis Air Force Base, July 19 to Aug. 2. Nearly 230 personnel and 16 aircraft from Hill endured the intense desert heat to engage in the simulated air and ground war games aimed at honing the skills of fighter pilots. The joint participation of active duty 388th Fighter Wing and reserve 419th Fighter Wing's personnel marked another first for the units following their Total Force association in July 2007 when the wings began flying and fixing a shared fleet of F-16 aircraft. "We are full partners with the 388th FW and our teamwork is outstanding," said Col. Buck Sams, 419th FW vice commander. "Red Flag offered another opportunity for our people to work together in the Total Force construct and to continue to build on our strong foundation as associate units." In addition to pilots, maintainers, and aircraft, Hill's fighter wings provided core infrastructure for the exercise sending a personnel package made up of a wing commander, flight doctor, intelligence, and flight management personnel. True to the Total Force concept, wing commander responsibilities during the exercise were shared by both wings. Colonel Sams served as the wing commander at Red Flag for the initial two days and then Col. Scott Dennis, 388th FW commander, took the reins. "Both active duty and Reserve Airmen were up to the challenge of training with different platforms and countries," said Colonel Dennis. "Their resolve during the exercise was impressive and again confirms we are ready to answer the nation's call to defense as one team."