SALT LAKE CITY, Utah -- As Utah’s Legislative General Sessions continue, many legislators took some time to visit with military members during the Utah Defense Alliance’s annual Meet the Military breakfast at the Utah State Capitol Feb. 3, 2023.
Members and representatives from military installations around Utah came to display what their installations offer. For the members of the 75th Security Forces Squadron, it allows them to showcase one of their newer equipment, the RoboDog.
“It’s imperative for the community to see the Air Force and the other branches adapting to the technological changes that the world is going towards,” said Staff Sgt. Austin Cavenaugh, the NCOIC of supply and logistics with the 75th SFS. “With the RoboDog, it keeps personnel at a safe distance; out of harms way by being able to go through terrain where vehicles and personnel can’t reach.”
Representing Hill Air Force Base was leadership and members of the 419th Fighter Wing, 75th Air Base Wing, and 388th Fighter Wing. The Wings were able to converse with legislative members about the relevancy of the base to the local community.
“It’s incredibly relevant that we, as reservists, are a part of the local community. We were raised here, we wanted to serve here,” said Senior Airman Taylor Lloyd, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the 419th Explosive Ordnance Disposal. “Interacting with local leaders as a reservist that calls Utah their home is a good feeling knowing that the local community supports what we do here at Hill.”
Hill AFB is home to F-35A Lightning II, These advanced aircraft are flown and maintained in a Total Force partnership between the active duty 388th Fighter Wing and Air Force Reserve 419th Fighter Wing. The wings are currently conducting mission-essential operations only.