Hill Air Force Base community worries as pilots are likely involved in Iran conflict
Mar 4, 2026, 6:00 AM
Two F-35s from the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base soar above the clouds. (R. Nial Bradshaw, U.S. Air Force)
(R. Nial Bradshaw, U.S. Air Force)
SALT LAKE CITY — As the U.S. and Israel continue to exchange airstrikes with Iran, the community around Hill Air Force Base nervously watches the news, knowing their pilots could be involved in the conflict.
Clearfield Mayor Mark Shepherd said that, as Utah’s military city, residents often see fighter jets overhead. However, it’s been quiet recently, meaning the base’s people are fighting overseas.
“We understand that if there’s a conflict, because this is the premier active F-35 base, they are likely to be involved,” Sheperd said. “When we see the F-35s on the news … we know that they came from Hill.”
Sheperd said the community worries every time Hill airmen leave, and every time they hear word of a plane shot down.
“When we see three F-15s go down, I immediately got questions from residents saying, ‘Is that our F-35s?'” Sheperd said. “No … those were F-15s, so they’re not our pilots. But, there’s an immediate worry: is that our pilots?”
As Hill Air Force Base’s pilots are hard at work, the community steps up to support families of military members.
“Any time a pilot takes off and his crew takes off with him … there’s family left behind,” Sheperd said.
Just like during the government shutdown, Sheperd said the cities near the base do what they can to support those who fight for our country.
Related: Americans stranded in the Middle East told to shelter-in-place, wait for chance to leave
