Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) applauded the Air Force’s announcement on Tuesday that the first operational squadron of F-35 stealth fighter jets will be based out of Hill Air Force Base in Utah.
The Air Force announced that the first squadron will be based there in 2015 followed a mandatory 30-day waiting period after an environmental impact statement.
“(Tuesday’s) announcement is the final step before the first operational squadron of the U.S. Air Force’s next generation of aircraft comes to Utah,” Hatch said. “The review process for the delivery of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter was extensive, and the world class facilities and wonderful personnel at Hill Air Force and throughout our state make this the right choice for our state and our country.”
Hatch, who was joined by other members of Utah’s congressional delegation, added that he would continue to promote growth of the relationship between Utah and the Air Force.
Senate Armed Services Committee Member Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said he was pleased with the announcement.
“Given the outstanding facilities at Hill Air Force Base, the proximity to the Ogden Air Logistics Complex and the Utah Test and Training Range, and the incredible support that the Air Force enjoys from the northern Utah community, this decision is a logical choice,” Lee said. “The Air Force has a unique relationship with the state of Utah that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the country, and I am excited to see that this relationship will continue to grow well into the future.”