Night flying operations for Hill’s fighter wings to launch once again
Photo supplied, R. Nial Bradshaw/U.S. Air Force
A pilot from the 388th Fighter Wing’s 421st Fighter Squadron prepares to launch an F-35A Lightning II during night flying operations at Hill Air Force Base on March 26, 2019.HILL AIR FORCE BASE — Starting Wednesday, the active-duty 388th and reserve 419th fighter wings are conducting night flying operations with the F-35A Lightning II through February.
According to a press release, operations are scheduled for most weekdays and are to be completed by 10:30 p.m. However, times are dependent on weather, airspace availability on the Utah Test and Training Range and other support elements.
Maintaining combat readiness and all-weather capabilities is essential for Hill’s fighter wings, which have deployed in support of combat operations in the Middle East over the last two years.
Night flying provides pilots with the elements required to remain proficient in specific skill sets.
Seventy-eight F-35A Lightning IIs reside at Hill, with the 388th and reserve 419th fighter wings being the Air Force’s first combat-capable F-35A units.