Wing, 67th Aerial Port Squadron named AF Outstanding Units Published Feb. 28, 2008 By 419th Public Affairs Staff 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UT -- The 419th Fighter Wing and the 67th Aerial Port Squadron have been named Air Force Outstanding Units for significant accomplishments between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2007. The 419th FW was recognized for its vital role in supporting the Global War on Terrorism, its successful Total Force Integration association with the 388th FW, and a stellar safety record. The 67th APS was recognized for its global contribution to the Air Force transportation mission. Squadron personnel processed more than 90,000 passengers and 127,000 tons of cargo in support of OEF and OIF. "It's no surprise the wing and 67th APS have been named Air Force Outstanding Units," said Col. Gary Batinich, 419th FW commander. "We have a proud heritage as a premier fighter wing and our people are dedicated to doing the job best." During the award period, more than 400 of the wing's personnel deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In Oct. 2005, about 20 transportation and security forces personnel were mobilized in support of OEF and OIF. A year later, nearly 300 operations, maintenance, and support personnel deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq, where pilots from the wing's 466th Fighter Squadron flew close-air support missions in support of coalition forces. Sixty members of the 67th APS were mobilized from May to Sept. 2007 in support of OEF airlift missions. Also in the summer of 2007, about 40 members of the 419th Security Forces Squadron were mobilized in support of OIF. The 67th APS also completed 950 man-days in support of OEF and OIF, with deployments to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan; Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan; Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar; Incirlik Air Base, Turkey; and Ali Air Base, Iraq. 67th APS members also deployed in support of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maple Flag exercises and numerous Red Flag exercises. The squadron was awarded the National Defense Transportation Association's Military Unit of the Year award for 2005 for its professionalism, knowledge, and technical skill. On the home front, the wing made history in July 2007, as the first-ever active-Reserve associate fighter units in the Air Force after nearly two years of preparation. Reserve pilots and maintainers now fly and fix aircraft alongside their active duty counterparts in Hill's 388th Fighter Wing. The 419th FW laid the groundwork for the association by establishing comprehensive aircrew procedures and policies for scheduling, training, and Air Expeditionary Force deployment preparation. The TFI association culminated when the wing's 18 aircraft were transferred to four other Reserve Component bases. In order to fly newer model active duty F-16s, the wing successfully upgraded more than 30 pilots and nearly 500 maintenance and support personnel on the enhanced capabilities of Block 40 F-16s with Common Configuration Program upgrades. During this monumental transition, the wing executed more than 4,000 flying hours with zero major mishaps. The wing was also recognized for the humanitarian contributions of support personnel at deployed locations. Members of the wing's Civil Engineer Squadron built a 2,000-square-foot hospital with emergency room, pharmacy, and surgical support area in only three days while deployed to the Dominican Republic. They also assisted local residents with septic repairs, and distributed toys, clothing, and drinking water. While deployed to Kyrgyzstan, Airmen from the 419th Security Forces Squadron constructed 20 beds for an orphanage and repaired plumbing and water systems at an alcohol rehabilitation center. They also funded and constructed a new playground for a local elementary school.