As 2023 takes off and 2024 comes in for landing, we take a look at some of the hard work and accomplishment of the airmen of the 419th Fighter Wing.
The 419th recognized airmen for their hard work during the first in-person awards ceremony in 2 years. The wing also recognized community members such as employers both at the banquet and later with a Patriot Award.
Members of the wing maintained readiness by training at home with exercises such as Exercise Honey Badger and during exercises abroad. A few members also proved their readiness during the William Tell meet in Georgia.
The wing hosted engaging family readiness and morale events including a mock Children’s Deployment and a Family Day to share valuable family resources.
The 419th enjoyed reaching out to the community with EOD demonstrations, a flyover celebration with the Utah National Guard, and flyovers for Independence Day celebrations. A few members also reached out the aviation community by hosting an F-35 A static display for collegiate aviators at NIFA SafeCon.
In return the community gave back to the wing. Operation Homefront generously provided members’ families with groceries several times throughout the year.
The wing saw a change in leadership as it bid farewell to former commander Col Fritz and welcomed the new wing commander, Col Sloma.
The 419th closed out the year by deploying with active duty counterparts in the 388th to Japan.
Hill AFB is home to 78 F-35A Lightning IIs. Together, the 388th FW and 419th FW are the Air Force's first combat-capable F-35A units, and fly and maintain the jet in a Total Force partnership, which capitalizes on the strength of both the active duty and Reserve components.