Night training operations at Hill Air Force Base to last through end of March
Photo Supplied, U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw
An F-35A Lightning takes off during night flying operations at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, on Aug. 20, 2019. Night flying is required for pilots to sharpen their combat skills and maintainers work around the clock to prepare jets for flight, inspect them after flight and get them ready for the next flying day. The 388th Fighter Wing is the Air Force’s first combat-coded F-35A wing.HILL AIR FORCE BASE — Evenings around Hill Air Force Base will be a little noisier over the coming month.
According to a press release from Hill Air Force Base, training is about to ramp up.
“The active duty 388th and Reserve 419th Fighter Wings will conduct local night-flying operations with the F-35A Lightning II, through the end of March,” the release said. “Night flying is scheduled to be completed by 10:30 p.m. most days. Exact days and times may vary based on factors including weather, airspace availability on the Utah Test and Training Range, and other support elements.”
The release added that this training is crucial for unit readiness.
“Hill’s fighter wings must train at night for pilots and maintainers to retain and hone their 24/7 combat readiness and flying capabilities,” the release said. “Night flying is limited to what is required for the wings to remain proficient in those skills for deployments.”
The press release also noted that Hill is home to 78 F-35A Lightning IIs.
“The 388th and Reserve 419th Fighter Wings are the Air Force’s first combat-capable F-35A units and fly and maintain the jet in a Total Force partnership, which capitalizes on the strength of both components,” the release said.
