HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – The 419th Fighter Wing was recently named a recipient of the prestigious Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its performance during a two-year window from January 2015 to December 2016.

During that time, the wing made history by becoming the first Air Force Reserve unit to transition to the F-35 Lightning II alongside the active duty 388th Fighter Wing at Hill, paving the way for all future operational F-35 units across the Air Force.

The award also recognized the exceptional performance of the wing’s personnel during operational deployments throughout Southwest Asia and Europe, to include Operations Freedom’s Sentinel, Resolute Support, Inherent Resolve and training exercises known as Austere Challenge, Red Flag, Patriot Warrior, and Emerald Warrior.

The wing operates on an annual budget of roughly $45 million and is made up of about 1,200 personnel.