HILL AIR FORCE BASE -
Hill Air Force Base will get at least one squadron of the military's newest fighter jet, the F-35, unless it fails an environmental study, according to Senator Orrin Hatch (R) Utah. The news means Hill will likely keep the same level of workforce it has now, as a base housing F-16 squadrons.
The F-16 will be phased out over time as the F-35 takes it's place. "We think it's a no-brainer," said County Commissioner Louenda Downs, citing the base's proximity to the test and training range in Utah's West Desert and the presence of a workforce already trained and ready to work for the Air Force and it's contractors.
Hill was selected with bases in Idaho and South Carolina as the first bases to get the new fighter, though those bases must also pass an environmental review. Those studies are expected to be finished in the Spring of 2010.
FOX 13's Max Roth reports.
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The F-16 will be phased out over time as the F-35 takes it's place. "We think it's a no-brainer," said County Commissioner Louenda Downs, citing the base's proximity to the test and training range in Utah's West Desert and the presence of a workforce already trained and ready to work for the Air Force and it's contractors.
Hill was selected with bases in Idaho and South Carolina as the first bases to get the new fighter, though those bases must also pass an environmental review. Those studies are expected to be finished in the Spring of 2010.
FOX 13's Max Roth reports.
SEND US YOUR NEWS, WEATHER AND SPORTS PICTURES! www.fox13now.com/pics
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! @fox13now
