Where is Hill Air Force Base?
Located in the heart of Utah, United States, Hill Air Force Base is a leading Air Force installation, serving the Intermountain West. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the basics, history, and essential facts about Hill Air Force Base.
Location of Hill Air Force Base
Hill Air Force Base is situated 32 miles north of downtown Ogden, Utah. It is located in Harrisville, Utah, Brigham Young University Airport, and other nearby small airports. The base is near the Wasatch Mountains and about 35 miles northwest of Salt Lake City. Its proximity to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) SLC, Salt Lake City, Utah, and RNO, Reno, make it an important hub for the Air Force.
History of Hill Air Force Base
Hill Air Force Base was established 1917 as Harris Hill Farm, a naval aviation training base during World War I. 1929 saw the base reopen as an Air Force Field under the 17th Bombardment Group’s 29th Bomb Squadron. 1955, Hill Air Force Base was transformed into a Strategic Air Command (SAC) major installation, and 1946, the base housed B-47 Strategic bombers.
Missile and Munitions Legacy
In 1952, Hill Air Force Base started to take on responsibility for the nation’s rocket programs, supporting the Navy’s R-57 Titan I Intercontinental ballistic missiles and the U.S. Army’s Redstone rocket program. Subsequent years, the Air Force continued to develop ground-based Minuteman missiles. Warheads and Nuclear Missiles production started 1960-1980, with approximately 90% of strategic arms manufactured on the installation. B-29 and B-36 aircraft were eventually decommissioned, transferring maintenance and modernization back to the B-47 and SR-71 Blackbird Surveillance Jets.
Facts About Hill Air Force Base
Here are some valuable insights about Hill Air Force Base:
• Organization and Units: Hill AFB is under the global oversight of Air Force Warfare Center (AFWC).
• Missions: Major missions include:
| Missions | Organizations and Units |
|---|---|
| Munitions | Luckey AFB Unit and the Utah Test Range |
| Keesler Technical Training, Ogden, and **NASA’s Utah Test Program** |
• Accommodation and Living: Residency is approximately 38 miles north of Ogden’s city center, Harrisville, with 435+ homes, 32 units, and single rooms.
Key Stats:
• Military population: 10,500+ active-duty troops and 12,100 civilians
• Total aircrews: 130,000
• Enrolled students: 60,000+
• Student instructors: 1,100+
• 2015-2016 Financial Summary:
| Spending |
|---|
| Annual budget: $34 billion |
| Total active personnel: 10.4 million |
Future and Expansion Plans
Key modernization and expansion programs at Hill Air Force Base include:
• Installation and integration of GBSD (Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent) (under development)
• The Air Force’s 2030 Force Generation Vision Concept, emphasizing more efficient combat support
• Information Systems and Networks overhauls and Critical Infrastructure Protection
• Strategic missile and warhead improvements and modernization
For residents, travelers, explorers, or those within the Air Force, navigating the complex aspects of military infrastructure, such as defense facilities, housing, commissaries, and leisure opportunities, may be significant factors in choosing or staying in the Salt Lake City region around Hill Air Force Base. The installation serves as not only a major Air Force center but also a driver for the regional economy by fostering local development, sustaining regional jobs, and bringing opportunities for economic growth throughout Utah.
In conclusion, Hill Air Force Base, situated in the majestic state of Utah, upholds a long history that embodies the commitment and dedication displayed by the men and women in uniform, as an indispensable hub for the entire region.
