HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Lt. Col. Daniel Ficklin has taken the reigns as the new commander of the 466th Fighter Squadron here, Jan. 8, 2023.
He will be relieving Col. Shad Stromberg, who has been the commander since 2021.
Ficklin graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in biology. He later graduated from pilot training and was assigned to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Ficklin flew the F-16 for nearly 11 years as an active-duty fighter pilot. He separated and joined the 466th FS in 2014. His service has totaled 145 combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Freedom Sentinel, and Resolute Support.
The 419th FW flies and maintains a fleet of F-35s in a Total Force partnership with the 388th FW. This construct capitalizes on the strengths of both the Reserve and active-duty components.