HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- A group of reservists in the 419th Fighter Wing have deployed this week to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, to support NATO efforts to bolster readiness and security in the region. The deployment is a joint effort with active-duty Airmen in the 388th Fighter Wing.
The 419th and 388th share aircraft and facilities across their operations and maintenance groups, deploying the F-35 Lightning II together for deployments and various military exercises around the world. The wings became the first operational units to fly the Air Force’s newest fighter jet when they received the first F-35A in 2015. They have since flown, maintained, and deployed the aircraft in a Total Force partnership that capitalizes on the strengths of the active duty and Reserve components.
While some deployed 419th personnel are Air Reserve Technicians, or full-time reservists, most are traditional reservists who have left their civilian jobs to support the nation’s call. About 80 percent of reservists in the 419th FW serve part time only, also balancing full-time careers and raising families in Northern Utah.