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Utah reservists to celebrate 60 years of service

  • Published
  • By Bryan Magaña and Kari Tilton
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Next week, Airmen in the 419th Fighter Wing will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Air Force Reserve in Utah. From Oct. 2-4, the wing will welcome hundreds of alumni members who have served dating back to 1955.

View the history slideshow.

Over the past 60 years, Utah reservists have answered the nation's call to serve in conflicts around the world, in the skies and on the ground - from the Vietnam War to Operation Freedom's Sentinel, the follow-up to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Since 9/11, 419th Airmen have filled more than 4,000 deployments. In addition to supporting vital combat missions, Airmen in the 419th Mission Support Group have also aided in humanitarian relief efforts in the Caribbean, Africa, Central America, and the U.S.

Home to 1,100 Citizen Airmen, the unit has flown and maintained nine different aircraft, including trainers, cargo, and fighters.

Back in the '50s, Hill reservists flew the first-generation F-80 Shooting Star - the Air Force's very first fighter jet. Over the next three decades, the unit transitioned to the F-84 Thunderjet and second-generation F-105 Thunderchief, along with several cargo aircraft along the way. In 1983, the 419th became the first AF Reserve unit to fly operational fourth-generation F-16s. They took the lead in F-16 missions for more than 30 years, becoming the first F-16 unit to conduct air strikes in Afghanistan following 9/11, and the first F-16 unit to fly combat missions in Iraq.

On Sept. 2, the wing began a new legacy with the arrival of the Air Force's first operational F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Together with active-duty counterparts in the 388th Fighter Wing, Utah reservists will pave the way for F-35 operations here. Some of the wing's most seasoned pilots and maintainers have received F-35 training, and some of its youngest Airmen are on course to becoming leading experts in the highly advanced, fifth-generation technology.

"I'm extremely proud of our wing's rich heritage and the contributions of our reservists," said Col. Bryan Radliff, 419th FW commander. "I look forward to seeing our Citizen Airmen help usher in a new era of fighter greatness here in Northern Utah."

Early next year, nearly 20 percent of the wing will be deployed to the U.S. Central Command region in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. The wing also expects an increase of 200 manpower positions for the operational F-35 mission next year as it pursues F-35 Initial Operating Capability by late 2016 alongside the 388th FW.

Anniversary events include a 5K, golf tournament, motorcycle rally, banquet, unit tours, and more. Many of the activities are open to the public. For more information, visit the alumni organization's website at www.hillraca.org. Funds from some of the events will support AF Reserve personnel and their families during difficult times such as financial struggles, extended illnesses, or unexpected loss of a loved one. Funds from the 5K run will support the Wounded Warrior Project, which is a charity for veterans wounded in combat.