HILL AIR FORCE BASE – Hill AFB leaders and airshow officials are preparing now to make next year’s airshow bigger and better by adding new demonstrations and by focusing on feedback received from 2022’s event.
The 2024 airshow, happening June 29-30, is centered around the Breaking Barriers theme, meaning we are all one community.
“Hill AFB recognizes the impact community inclusion plays in recruiting and retaining diverse talent,” said Lt. Col. Diana Bradfield, 75th Operations Support Squadron commander and the 2024 Air Ops Director. “The Airshow offers an opportunity to develop sustainable relationships, to increase understanding and keep mutual support.”
New at the 2024 show will be Tora, Tora, Tora. With a mixture of airpower assets, helicopters and pararescue specialists, this act teaches how the course of U.S. history was changed on December 7th, 1941.
Another new act scheduled to appear is Ten Stix, a multi-aircraft show with pyrotechnics, flying demonstrations, and jet vehicles performing all at the same time.
Hill’s own world-class F-35 Demo Team will display the unique aerial capabilities of the most advanced fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighter.
Numerous other civilian and military acts have already committed including the Air Force Thunderbirds, closing the show both days with their crowd-pleasing performance.
Kevin Ireland, Executive Director of The Utah Air Show Foundation has been associated with Hill’s airshow since the mid 90’s and said Warriors Over the Wasatch is one of the best airshows in the country.
“Most shows are only 2-3 hours long, but we decide many years ago we wanted a two-day, 6-hours-long show to really show off aviation to the Utah community,” Ireland said. “We are one of the largest in the west and perhaps on any military installation- definitely the largest event in Utah.”
To keep the biggest and best designation, airshow officials looked at spectator feedback received from the 2022 show and are focusing efforts to streamline on-and off-base parking, adding additional bus transportation and adding more food vendor options.
There are lots of family friendly opportunities planned again in 2024.
“STEM City, features an exciting display of hands-on booths and activities to encourage students and educate parents on opportunities in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math,” Barfield said. “Kids and adults can climb on and in different aircraft, talk to aviators from all over the United States and even climb a rock wall.”
Besides having impressive flying acts and military static displays, Warriors Over the Wasatch is also an open house, providing an opportunity for the community to see what Hill AFB military members, civilians and contractors do to enhance America’s security.
“There will be displays and things to see and do that show off all the great things that happen at Hill,” Ireland said. You can’t really get the entire airshow experience from your back yard.”
Barfield offers advice to enjoy the day and to make lasting memories.
“Take some time to plan out your day,” she said. “I highly recommend coming early and staying through the Thunderbird performance.”
Follow the two websites, Hill.af.mil and theutahairshow.com. All the information will be there to help you plan and have a great time at Breaking Barriers: Warriors over the Wasatch 2024, June 29-30.