Middle schoolers learn about Air Force operations and F-35s at Hill AFB

Nearly 80 middle school students visited an Air Force Reserve unit specializing in F-35 operations at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, where they met airmen and got a close-up look at their work and equipment, according to a service news release.

The students, from Bear Lake Middle School in Montpelier, Idaho, toured the 419th Fighter Wing this month. The school’s principal, Master Sgt. Janet Passey, said she wanted the students to see the professionalism, teamwork and mission that airmen carry out every day.

“I wanted them to leave inspired and aware they could be part of something bigger than themselves,” said Passey, who also serves with the 419th Security Forces Squadron.

Airmen showed the students how their equipment works, including the F-35 aircraft, and explained the roles they perform in their daily missions. The students also took part in a hands-on simulator activity focused on firearm safety and fundamentals.

“I learned that there are more jobs there than you normally hear about,” one student said. “It requires a lot more people for the Air Force to meet its mission.”

Air Force