HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah - The 388th and 419th Fighter Wings will provide an F-35A Lightning II flyover for the University of Utah’s home opener with Southern Utah University at Rice-Eccles Stadium on August 29, 2024, shortly after 6:50 p.m.
The pilots and ground safety observer are from the 34th and 466th Fighter Squadrons and are a mix of graduates from the University of Utah or Southern Utah University:
Capt. Tyler Penkalski, Maj. Derek Kirkwood, Capt. Kyle Yockey, Capt. Matthew Beinar, and Maj. Dylan Nelson.
Residents in Salt Lake City should prepare for jet noise, as jets are planned to fly 1,000 feet above the stadium.
The 388th and 419th at Hill AFB fly and maintain a fleet of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets in a Total Force partnership, which capitalizes on the strength of both the active duty and reserve components.
Anyone interested in becoming an Airman can reach out to the local recruiting office at 801-777-3330, or visit https://www.airforce.com/find-a-recruiter to find a local recruiter.
About the 388th Fighter Wing: The primary mission of the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base is to fly and maintain the F-35A Lightning II aircraft worldwide in support of the national defense. There are approximately 2,000 airmen and civilian professionals assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing.
About the 419th Fighter Wing: The 419th FW is made up of nearly 1,300 personnel. These "Citizen Airmen" serve part-time in the military but are full-time members of the local community. Most live, work, and raise families in Northern Utah. The 419th FW offers a diverse range of combat capability to include F-35 operations and maintenance, as well as full-spectrum mission support such as civil engineering, security forces, medical, aerial port, firefighting, supply, and transportation. The 419th FW was the first Air Force Reserve unit to fly the F-35A Lightning II alongside the active duty 388th FW at Hill AFB.