F-35A from Hill set to visit Abbotsford International Air Show Published Aug. 10, 2016 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – -- The Air Force's combat-coded F-35A Lightning IIs will be on display for an international audience this weekend. Active-duty and reserve Airmen from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings here are flying the aircraft to the Abbotsford International Air Show in British Columbia, Canada, Aug. 12-14. The visit marks the first time combat-ready F-35As will touch down in Canada. The aircraft, manned by combat pilots and maintainers will be on static display for the entire show. "We're excited to represent the men and women of Hill Air Force Base at an international air show," said Lt. Col. George Watkins, 34th Fighter Squadron commander. "As a pilot I've been blown away by what this aircraft is capable of and air shows are a great opportunity to let people get a closer look, as well as meet and talk with some of our amazing Airmen." Hill’s F-35As were declared “combat ready” Aug 2. The aircraft is the latest addition to ACC’s fleet of deployable and fifth-generation aircraft. It provides air superiority, interdiction, suppression of enemy air defenses and close air support as well as command and control functions through fused sensors, and will provide pilots with situational awareness of the battle space that will be more extensive than any single-seat platform in existence.