419th commander to be promoted

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jan 13, 2008

HILL AIR FORCE BASE -- Col. Gary M. Batinich, commander of the 419th Fighter Wing, has been selected for promotion to brigadier general.

As commander of the 419th FW, Brig. Gen. (select) Batinich oversees a dynamic training program providing the Air Force with a ready-fighting, reserve force capable of worldwide deployment. The F- 16 wing is made up of more than 1,100 Reserve members trained in a variety of specialties to include operations (pilots), maintenance, civil engineering, security, supply, transportation and communications.

Batinich has been a pioneer in an association between the 419th FW and its Hill Air Force Base active duty equivalent, the 388th Fighter Wing. The association between the wings is aimed at increasing combat capability and is the first-ever fighter unit association of its kind, paving the way for other reserve-active associations throughout the Air Force.

Batinich is a native of Eveleth, Minn. He received his commission upon graduation from the United States Air Force Academy in May 1978. He earned his aeronautical rating after completing undergraduate pilot training at Williams Air Force Base, Ariz., in July 1979. He joined the 419th FW in July 1987 and has been serving as its commander since August 2004. He has logged more than 3,200 hours in the F-16.