During pandemic, AFE continues to ensure safety

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – While the country adjusts to various changes due to COVID-19 prevention efforts, including social distancing and working from home, the F-35 mission continues at Hill to maintain national security.

Behind the scenes of every flight, reservists in the 419th Operations Support Squadron are working to ensure pilots remain safe, and are taking extra precautions during the coronavirus pandemic to sterilize the gear used in flight.

Airmen in the Aircrew Flight Equipment shop are responsible for diligent upkeep of flight suits, navigation equipment, aircraft ejection seats, and parachutes. Reservists in AFE are integrated with the active duty 388th OSS as they support all four F-35 fighter squadrons at Hill.

Hill AFB is home to 78 F-35s that are flown and maintained in a Total Force partnership between the active duty 388th Fighter Wing and Air Force Reserve 419th Fighter Wing. The wings are currently conducting mission-essential operations only.