In January 1977, Horner participated in his first Red Flag exercise. His next assignment was to Luke AFB, as deputy commander of the 58th Fighter Wing. In 1980, he was reassigned to Nellis as wing commander of the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing, which was equipped with F-4Ds but scheduled to transition to F-16As. TAC Commander General Wilbur L. Creech kept moving Horner; who commanded at four different bases, two air divisions, the Air Defense Weapons Center, and finally Ninth Air Force.