Night-flying operations scheduled with the F-35A Lightning II
Ben Dorger, Standard-Examiner file photo
An F-35 stealth fighter jet flies over Hill Air Force Base for "Make A Wish" children who were pilots for the day on May 24, 2018.HILL AIR FORCE BASE — Night-flying operations are underway for active duty 388th and Reserve 419th fighter wings with the F-35A Lightning II for the next two weeks.
Flying time is scheduled to be completed by 10 p.m. dependent on weather, airspace availability on the Utah Test and Training Range and other support elements.
In order to maintain combat readiness and all-weather capabilities, HAFB fighter wings are required to train at night. Night-flying operations are strictly for the purpose of pilots remaining proficient in required skill sets.
Hill is home to 78 F-35A Lightning IIs. Wing fighter squadrons on Hill remain ready to deploy, having supported in combat operations in the Middle East for the last two years. The 388th and Reserve 419th fighter wings are the first combat-capable F-35A units of the Air Force.