Wing celebrates July Fourth with flyovers Published July 3, 2008 By Kari Tilton 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UT -- Independence Day festivities for communities across the Salt Lake Valley will include flyovers by four F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 419th Fighter Wing. The fighter jets will take off around 9 a.m. and will soar over patriotic celebrations in the following cities: Vernal, Liberty, Henefer, Hooper, Provo, Park City, Centerville, North Ogden, Kaysville, Tooele, West Point, Clearfield, Delta, and Riverton. "We've been flying over local July Fourth parades and celebrations for the past 16 years," said Col. Gary Batinich, 419th Fighter Wing commander. "It's an honor for us to give back to our communities. We're extremely grateful for the ongoing support we receive." In addition to the F-16 pilots, nearly 30 maintenance and operations personnel will work to support the holiday flyover missions. "There are many, many people behind the scenes who help make these flyovers a success," said Lt. Col. Kurt Gallegos, who has led the flyovers for the past five years. Colonel Gallegos is a native of Layton and says the flyovers are special to him. "I feel privileged and honored to be able to fly an F-16 for the Air Force Reserve, and it's even more of an honor to be able to fly over the community where I grew up. I couldn't ask for a better place to live, work, and serve," he said.