Looking back on 2022

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  • 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Looking back, 2002 was full of activity for the 388th Fighter Wing here – major exercises, deployments, a full F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team schedule, and tackling challenges like the first F-35A crash.

Here are a few snapshots from our website and social media platforms. If you aren’t following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram we’re @388FW. And our demonstration team is always worth a follow on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Jan-Feb: The 421st Fighter Squadron and Fighter Generation Squadron went to Red Flag 22-1 where the 388th Fighter Wing served as the lead wing for the exercise. And if you’ve never seen an F-35 take off at night in full afterburner, check this out.

Feb-May: The 34th Fighter Squadron and 34th Fighter Generation Squadron responded to the call and deployed in support of NATO’s defense posture to deter Russian aggression. They flew combat air patrols and integrated with partner and allied nations.

May: Homecomings are always the best in the 388th Fighter Wing.

June-July: The 421st Fighter Squadron spent some time in the South Pacific when they deployed to Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, in support of PACOM.

August: Airmen from the 388th Operations Support Squadron looked back on the role they played in evacuating Afghan refugees and American citizens.

September: Our F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team went to Europe for the first time, while back at home, we practiced hard for the big game.

October: Alongside the 75th Air Base Wing, we responded to the first F-35A crash at Hill Air Force Base.   

November: As usual, the community showed amazing support for our Airmen as they gathered, smoked and served hams and turkeys for hundreds of Airmen on Thanksgiving.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the amazing work our Airmen did in 2022. As we look back on this year, we’re thankful for all they do, and we’re thankful for everyone reading this who supports them.