Through Kaigan Bigler, KUTV

Mon October 7, 2024 at 5:18 PM

Updated Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 6:28 PM

Col. David Lyons, commander of the 388th Fighter Wing, took off in his F-35A Lightning II on September 2, 2015, as he prepared to land at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. This aircraft and another aircraft became the first two operational F-35s to arrive at the base. The remainder of the fleet of up to 72 F-35As will arrive on a staggered basis throughout 2019. There are several factors that make Hill ideally suited to receive the F-35, including access to the Utah Test and Training Range; Hill’s robust core infrastructure; and the support team consisting of dedicated Airmen from the active duty 388th Fighter Wing and the Reserve 419th Fighter Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Alex R. Lloyd/Released)