Two-star command cut proposed for HAFB

HILL AIR FORCE BASE (AP) — A proposal that helps the U.S. Air Force downsize operations and personnel suggests cutting the two-star command position at Hill Air Force Base.

The One AFMC Plan would have five Hill fighter wings report to three-star generals at the Air Force Materiel Command headquarters at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Commander posts at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City and Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Ga. would also be eliminated under the proposal.

The plan would oust Hill's Maj. Gen. Kevin Sullivan, commander of the Ogden Air Logistics Center, who has declined to comment on the proposal.

Among the Hill fighter wings to be affected are the 75th Air Base Wing, 84th Combat Sustainment Wing, 309th Maintenance Wing, 508th Aircraft Sustainment Wing and 526th ICBM Systems Wing.

Two other Hill-based units — the 388th Fighter Wing and the 419th Fighter Wing — already report to commanders at other bases.

In a statement released through the public affairs office, Hill officials said they are reviewing proposals to manage the budget but that the AFMC plan remains "theoretical" and "pre-decisional."

The Utah Defense Alliance, which has worked to maintain Hill's viability and bring military-related economic development to Utah, questions the plan.

UDA Chairman Jerry Stevenson said the plan could jeopardize the Air Force's relationship with local and state leaders and makes poor management sense.