Hill AFB announces night flying operations through middle of month
Photo supplied, U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Zachary Rufus
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Mauricio Gutierrez-Caballero, a crew chief assigned to the 4th Fighter Generation Squadron, marshals an F-35A Lightning II during exercise PANTHER SHADOW at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, on April 21, 2025. The 388th Fighter Wing continues to refine agile combat tactics through realistic regional exercises.HILL AIR FORCE BASE — Officials at Hill Air Force Base are notifying residents of night flight operations around the base in the coming weeks.
According to a press release received Tuesday, the active duty 388th and Reserve 419th Fighter Wings are set to conduct local night-flying operations with the F-35A Lightning II through Sept. 19.
“Hill’s fighter wings must train at night for pilots and maintainers to retain and hone their 24/7 combat readiness and flying capabilities,” the release said. “Night flying is limited to what is required for the wings 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 three of the 388 FW’s squadrons have deployed in support of combat operations and must remain ready when called upon.
“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.”
The release said that night flying is scheduled to finish by midnight on nights it’s being conducted and exact days and times will depend on several factors, including weather, airspace availability and other support elements.