HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – Since Jan 3, the active duty 388th and Reserve 419th Fighter Wings have conducted local night-flying operations with the F-35A Lightning II. That schedule will continue on most weekdays in February and March
During this period, flying is scheduled to be completed by approximately 10:30 p.m., but exact days and times may vary based on a number of factors including weather, airspace availability on the Utah Test and Training Range, and other support elements.
Hill’s fighter wings must train at night to maintain their combat readiness and all-weather capabilities. Night flying is limited to what is required for pilots to remain proficient in those skills for deployments.
The F-35A is the nation’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft with capabilities vital to deter potential adversaries.
All of the wing’s fighter squadrons have deployed in support of combat operations in the Middle East and remain ready when called upon. Early last year, the 34th Fighter Squadron deployed to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, in support of NATO’s defense posture, and the 421st Fighter Squadron deployed to Anderson AFB, Guam, and throughout the Pacific region, conducting agile combat exercises over the summer.
Hill AFB 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.