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Visiting Air Force three‑star urges Utah senators to sustain support for Hill Air Force Base
Summary
A visiting three‑star Air Force general told the Utah Senate that Hill Air Force Base is a strategic defense asset and an economic engine (cited $3.4 billion in activity, 22,000+ workers), and he asked lawmakers for continued support for STEM education and sustainment facilities.
A visiting three‑star Air Force general addressed the Utah Senate on the strategic and economic importance of Hill Air Force Base, thanking lawmakers for prior investments and urging continued support for military sustainment, STEM education and infrastructure.
The general described Hill Air Force Base as more than an employer: “It’s a place where air power is created and sustained,” he said, and he highlighted the base’s contribution to state economic activity, citing roughly $3.4 billion in annual economic impact and more than 22,000 personnel tied to the installation and its nine associated locations.
He introduced senior base leaders — Brigadier General Stacy Hawkins (Ogden Air Logistics Complex commander), Colonel Jen Hammerstead (70th Air Base Wing commander) and Chief Ronnie Koontz (Command Chief Master Sergeant) — noting they represent the workforce that keeps the installation running and supports deployed airmen. The general framed Hill AFB as part of a national sustainment enterprise that includes other logistics centers and thanked the legislature for funding projects such as a software sustainment facility and the Utah Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Initiative.
The general linked those investments to national security needs, arguing that sustainment work increasingly involves software and STEM skills: “Today, we repair pieces of metal. Tomorrow, we’ll repair ones and zeros,” he said, urging lawmakers to support STEM education pipelines from K‑12 through university.
He closed by inviting senators to the Hill Air Force Base air show and asking for continued partnership between the base and state government. The visit concluded with senators applauding and resolving the committee of the whole back to the floor.
Next steps: No formal action was taken on the visit; lawmakers set no immediate legislative requirement but were urged to continue funding and collaboration with Hill AFB.
