The complete guide to Hill Air Force Base

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hill afb thunderbirds
Staff Sgt. Sean MacGibbon, Tactical Aircraft Maintenance, signals to the Line Cone during the ground demonstration at the Warriors over the Wasatch air show at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, June 26, 2016. The Thunderbirds demonstrate the highest level of attention to detail and professionalism that represents team work, discipline and capability of our men and women serving in the U.S. Air Force around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

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Did you ever think that your career with the Air Force would take you to Utah? Well, if you’re heading to Hill AFB, then that’s exactly where you’re heading! Hill is one of the most vibrant spots on the Utah landscape and that’s not just because it’s the sixth-largest employer in the state! Speaking of Utah, here’s what happened when the Mormons accidentally went to war with the Army. It’s also home to the AF Materiel Command’s Ogden Air Logistics Complex. That makes it the world’s manager for a dazzling array of aircraft, missiles, and avionics. Because it’s such a large base, you’ll find plenty of military communities in the surrounding areas. There’s also plenty to do, since Salt Lake City is pretty close by. If you love outdoor activities, cozy, snowy winters and world-class skiing, then Hill AFB is for you! 

Hill Air Force Base Location

Hill Air Force Base is located just south of the city of Ogden in northern Utah. The Great Salt Lake is west of the base.

F-15 at hill afb
An F-15 Strike Eagle assigned to the 494th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force, England, prepares for take-off during an air-to-ground Weapons System Evaluation Program(WSEP) at Hill AFB, Utah, August 13, 2014. WSEP is an annual training exercise where the effectiveness, maintainability, suitability and accuracy of guided munitions is evaluated. The 494th FW, as well as the 510th FW from Aviano Air Base, Italy joined the 388th Fighter Wing of Hill AFB, Utah.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor Queen/Released)

Directions

Hill AFB can be reached by car using the following routes.

Heading in from the north? Take I-15 S.

Driving from the south? Take I-15 N.

Making the trek from the east? Take I-84 W, and follow signs for Salt Lake City, then follow signs.

Coming from the west? Take I-80 E toward Ogden.

Transportation

Salt Lake City International Airport (35 miles) is served by 15 airlines from multiple destinations.

There is an airport in Ogden, UT, but recently both Allegiant and Avelo Air ended their service to Ogden, so Salt Lake City is the closest airport for commercial flights.

Driving to Hill AFB would allow you to visit other cities near Ogden. From the East Coast, it might be a long drive, but those Utah mountains will be worth it!

air force surgeon general at hill afb
U.S. Air Force Surgeon General Dorothy A. Hogg speaks with Airman 1st Class Sofia Fitzgerald, 75th Medical Group, during a visit to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Feb. 12, 2020. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw)

Contacts at Hill AFB

Air Force Aid Society: (801) 777-4681

Airman & Family Readiness Center: (801) 777-4681

Barracks/Single Service Member Housing (801) 777-3029

Casualty Assistance Representative: (801) 777-4681

Chaplain (Duty Hours): (801) 777-2106

Child Development Center: (801) 777-6321

Civilian Personnel Office: (801) 775-3329

Commissary: (385) 393-3003

Dental Clinic: (801) 777-7011

Equal Opportunity Office: (801) 777-4856

Family Advocacy Program: (801) 777-3497

Health Promotion Clinic: (801) 777-1215

Household Goods/Transportation Office: (801) 775-6841

Housing Office: (801) 777-1840

ID/CAC Card Processing: (801) 777-1845

Inbound Personal Property: (801) 775-2849 / (801) 430-2563

Information & Referral Services: (801) 777-4681

Inspector General: (801) 777-5305

Legal Assistance: (801) 777-7256

Lodging Reservations: (801) 777-1844

Medical Appointment Line: (801) 728-2600

Outdoor Recreation: (801) 777-9666

Public Affairs Office: (801) 777-5201

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office: (801) 777-1950

School Liaison: (801) 775-5960

Vehicle Registration & Driver’s Licensing: (801) 777-8631

fighter wing at hill afb
U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, Colorado 5th District congresman, is briefed by Col. Matthew Fritz, 419th Fighter Wing commander, during a visit to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, July 15, 2020. The visit provided Lamborn with an overview of Hill AFB’s various missions, including F-35 depot maintenance and operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw)

Mission and Units

Ogden is all about providing quality materials to maintain and sustain operational forces. The 75th Air Base Wing provides base operating support for the Ogden Air Logistics Center, the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings, and 25 tenant units. 

The 388th Fighter Wing provides combat air power training opportunities to fight and win conflicts. Additionally, the 419th Fighter Wing provides a combat-capable force that can be sent to fight anywhere in the world when called to active duty during a national emergency.

Hill AFB is known for the aircraft maintenance and repair work of the Ogden Air Logistics Center. The 75th Air Base Wing provides base operating support for the center. Moreover, Hill has 25 tenant units in addition to the 75th. That’s to say nothing of the missions of the 388th Fighter Wing and 419th Fighter Wing. This means that HIll is one busy place! 

Hill AFB History

Surprisingly, the Ogden Air Depot predates WWII. In fact, it was built in 1939 and named Hill Field, in honor of Maj. Ployer Peter Hill, a service member who died in the crash of an experimental Boeing aircraft.

Because of its remote location, Hill was relatively unchanged for several years. Then, in the 1950s, AF jet fighters came on the scene. Hill’s remote location provided useful to the AF as a testing ground for plenty of air frames. These include the F-84F Thunderstreak, and F-84G Thunderjet, not to mention the RF-84J Thunderflash, F-89 Scorpion, and the B-57 Night Intruder. 

In the 1970s, Hill AFB became a crucial part of the Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon operations. The Air Logistics Center was responsible for maintenance for a wide geographic area, including Alaska, western Canada, Idaho, Montana, North and South Dakota, Wyoming, and elsewhere.

F-35A at hill afb
Capt. Tyler McBride, an F-35A fighter pilot with the 34th Fighter Squadron and Flight Crews from the 34th Aircraft maintenance Unit at Hill Air Force Base, Utah reenact the recovery of an F-35A Lighting II Aug. 28, 2017. They were participating in the filming of a new mission video highlighting total force integration of active duty and Reserve Airmen stationed at Hill.

Things to Do Around Hill AFB

Hotels

Comfort Suites Ogden (11 miles)

Tru by Hilton Clearfield Hill Air Force Base (2 miles)

Ameri-Stay Inn & Suites (2.5 miles)

Restaurants

La Choi’s Noodle Parlor (3.3 miles) – Chinese

Dakine Grindz Restaurant (4.2 miles) – Hawaiian and Filipino

Beto’s Mexican Food (2.7 miles) – Mexican, open 24 hours

Activities

George Eccles Dinosaur Park (12 miles) is a 5-acre park with more than 100 dinosaur replicas and a museum with hands-on activities.

Flowrider Utah (10 miles) is an indoor surfing facility that offers lessons for both surfing and bodyboarding.

The Ogden Nature Center (11 miles) is a 152-acre nature preserve and education center with walking trails, bird watching and plenty of live exhibits.

fitness at hill afb
Darrell Leslie, 75th Civil Engineering Group, jumps rope at Hill Air Force Base, Utah’s fitness track April 8, 2020. With the base’s gyms closed due to COVID-19, military and civilian airman are still finding ways to work on their fitness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs)

Housing at Hill Air Force Base 

First things first – call the Military Housing Office as soon as you receive orders. The office can help with filing the appropriate paperwork to get on the housing wait list. 

Boyer Hill Military Housing offers on-base residences for those stationed at Hill. 

The MHO can assist you in finding off-base housing as well.

Unaccompanied housing is offered for unaccompanied Airmen in the ranks of E-1 to E-3 and E-4 with less than 3 years of service. Each Airman is provided a private sleeping room, furnishings, bed linens and supplies required for comfortable living. Unaccompanied Airmen in the rank of E-4 with greater than 3 years of service and above can live in the local community.

Schools Near Hill AFB Utah 

Because Hill AFB is so large, there are plenty of schools to choose from! In fact, mil-kids in the area are served by more than 90 elementary schools. That’s to say nothing of the 25 junior high schools and 15 high schools. There are also five alternative schools in the area. School assignment is based on where you live. Call the School Liaison Office for more information. 

dance at hill afb
Ali Arbuckle, dressed as Cinderella, and her date retired Tech. Sgt. Rudolf Horak dance during the Hill Air Force Base 2015 Air Force Ball held Sept. 19 at the Eccles Conference Center in Ogden, Utah. Arbuckle dressed as Cinderella to raise support for a nonprofit group. (U.S. Air Force photo/Alex R. Lloyd)

Frequently Asked Questions

What planes are at Hill AFB?

At Hill AFB, you can find the F-35A Lightning II, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F-22 Raptor, the A-10C Thunderbolt II, the T-38 Talon, and the LGM-30G Minuteman III.

What county is Hill AFB in?

Hill AFB is in Davis County, Utah.

Does Hill AFB have a vet?

Yes, you can reach the Hill AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility at (801) 777-2611.

What is Hill AFB known for?

Hill AFB is known for the Ogden Air Logistics Center, which provides aircraft maintenance and repair work.