After Securing Critical Enhancements, Hatch Flies Over Test and Training Range

Press Release

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 gave the Air Force the authority to temporarily close over 650,000 acres surrounding the existing range to safely test next generation weapons, such as the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. The area Hatch flew over yesterday 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. As threats against our great country change so too must our ability to test and train against new threats. 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."

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