Utahns across the state will get to enjoy a patriotic military display on the Fourth of July as part of Hill Air Force Base’s “Freedom 250 Celebration.”
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The Independence Day flyover is a long-standing tradition from the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 419th Fighter Wing. This year, the pilots will be joined by the Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Wing for a portion of the historic route, the 419th Fighter Wing announced Wednesday.
The flyover will feature F-35A Lightning II aircraft from Hill Air Force Base soaring over approved cities. The 151st Wing will have a KC-135 Stratotanker join the flight path for a “unique mixed-formation display for select communities,” the wing said.
“To celebrate the quarter-millennium milestone, this year’s flight path was specifically designed to maximize participation for the unprecedented number of cities that formally requested flyover support. To ensure every approved community is included, planners developed a continuous, route-based flight plan that prioritizes reaching all requested locations safely and efficiently, rather than attempting to meet precise, individual time-on-target requests,” the wing said in a statement.
The flyover will occur from 8 a.m to 11:45 a.m. on July 4 and is being conducted as part of the pilots’ routine training to provide them with experience in navigation, timing and coordination across diverse terrains and airspace.
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“This flyover is a proud tradition for our wing and a fantastic opportunity to connect with communities across Utah during a historic national milestone,” said Col. Bradley Klemesrud, 419th Fighter Wing Commander. “We are especially excited to have our partners from the 151st Wing join us on the route, showcasing the unified strength of Utah’s military components as we reach as many Utahns as possible.”
The 419th Fighter Wing said it will release a map of the flight route with estimated timing windows for viewing before the holiday.
“Residents across Utah may see or hear the aircraft as they transit the planned routes. While some communities will experience a direct overhead flyover, others may observe the formation as it moves between locations,” the wing said.
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