Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), the President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate, visited the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) to observe enhancements he worked to pass into law last Congress.
Hatch’s legislation expanded the UTTR by 625,000 acres, allowing the US Air Force to safely test next generation weapons, such as the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. The area Hatch flew over today is consistently used for testing and training with weapon systems that combat ISIS and other overseas threats.
“I applaud the upgrades made to the UTTR at Hill Air Force Base, and I’m honored to have taken part in the enhancement of this important facility,” Hatch said. “The long-term viability of the UTTR and Hill Air Force Base—one of Utah’s largest employers—depends on constant development. I will continue to champion improvements for the UTTR to meet our national security needs, generate additional funding for Utah’s public schools, and protect Utahns’ access to public lands surrounding the UTTR.”
Background:
- UTTR enhancement passed into law. [LINK]
- Op-ed: Hatch: Air Force’s Utah test range needs to expand. [LINK]
- Fact Sheet: Hatch’s Fight to Bring the F-35 to Hill. [LINK]
- Hatch introduces NDAA amendment to protect the UTTR. [LINK]
