History in the making
Hill Air Force Base’s newest heritage park is nearing completion following the placement of an F-16A Fighting Falcon and an F-105 Thunderchief aircraft this weekend. The area, near the corner of Wardleigh Road and E Avenue, is dedicated to the service of the base’s Air Force Reservists. The F-16A is painted and marked as it appeared in 1994 when assigned to the 419th Fighter Wing’s 466th Fighter Squadron at Hill. The F-105 is painted and marked as it appeared at Hill in 1981 when it first served with the 508th Tactical Fighter Group’s 466th Tactical Fighter Squadron. In 1982, the aircraft was painted with a wraparound camouflage scheme, with darker upper and lower surface colors. To honor those who flew and maintained this aircraft during the Vietnam era, it was returned to a camouflage and white paint scheme. The 419th FW is Utah’s only Air Force Reserve unit. The wing’s history dates back to the late 1940s. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Kari Tilton)