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Outgoing commander promoted; incoming leader welcomes duties
By MITCH SHAWand SCOTT SCHWEBKE
SLIDESHOW: Change of Command at Hill Air Force Base
HILL AIR FORCE BASE -- An era officially ended Sunday at Hill Air Force Base.
During a ceremony in Hangar 37, recently promoted Brig. Gen. Gary M. Batinich officially relinquished command of the 419th Fighter Wing to Col. Walter "Buck" Sams.
After more than two decades with the 419th, Batinich is moving on to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia to serve as the mobilization assistant to the director of Air Combat Command, air and space operations.
With a gigantic American flag as a backdrop, retired Maj. Gen. David E. Tanzi told spectators and dozens of airmen at the change-of-command ceremony that Batinich is a dedicated, skilled military officer who will do well in his new assignment.
"I know of no finer person, finer officer, greater leader and greater warrior than Gary M. Batinich," Tanzi said.
He described Batinich's elevation from colonel to brigadier general as a different kind of promotion.
"It's not about what you have done," he said. "It's what the Air Force thinks you can do for ... this nation and its future."
Batinich told the crowd he's thankful for his family and 419th personnel for making him successful.
"I achieved this rank (of brigadier general) on the back of a lot of hard work by a lot of great people," he said.
Batinich's 21-year stint with the 419th Air Force reserve unit began in July 1987 as captain. After numerous promotions within the wing, he became commander in August 2004.
"I have been blessed to work with some of the best people in and out of the Air Force," Batinich told the Standard-Examiner before Sunday's ceremony.
"You quickly learn that whatever you do in life, it's all about people and the relationships you create and build along the way."
During his 21 years with the wing, Batinich served as a traditional reservist, maintaining his civilian job as a commercial pilot for Delta Airlines, flying the 757 and 767.
He has logged more than 3,400 flying hours in the F-16.
As commander of the all-reserve unit, Batinich worked closely with the communities surrounding Hill.
"Hill is a great base that has the best community of support in the country," he said.
"One of the best fringe benefits I've had over the past four years as commander of the 419th is getting to know the community. I've always said you don't need to wear the uniform to serve this great country of ours.
"We have many in the local Hill community that exemplify service out of the uniform."
Batinich has been a pioneer in the association between the 419th and its active-duty equivalent, the 388th Fighter Wing.
As part of the Air Force's Total Force Integration project, the two wings have essentially combined, sharing resources, reducing duplication of efforts and, in some cases, reducing the number of people needed to accomplish a task.
The association between the wings is aimed at increasing combat capability and is the first fighter unit association of its kind.
Kari Tilton, 419th spokeswoman, said Batinich's promotion to brigadier general is an accomplishment in itself.
"It's pretty rare for a reservist to become a general," she said, "but Colonel Batinich has been essential in paving the way for other reserve active-duty associations throughout the Air Force."
Sams assumes command of nearly 1,200 personnel assigned to Utah's only Air Force Reserve unit.
Brig. Gen. Thomas R. Coon told the crowd that the 419th's change of command was "bittersweet."
"You are losing a great commander, and you're getting a great commander."
Sams, who at times was choked with emotion, said he's honored to be taking over for Batinich and welcomes his new duties.
"I promise to give this wing the best that I have every single day and am looking forward to taking it to new heights," he said.
"My heart swells with pride at being a member of this wing."
Before joining the wing as vice commander in June 2007, Sams, a Georgia native, was commander of the 307th Fighter Squadron at Langley AFB Virginia.
He served as an air liaison officer in Operation Desert Storm and flew 234 combat hours in Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom operations.
He has logged more than 3,200 flying hours in the F-16.
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