HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – Tech. Sgt. Matthew Hix is one of the newest F-35 crew chiefs in the 419th Fighter Wing. Like most Airmen working with the strike fighter, Hix began with the F-16 and transferred his skillset to accommodate the Air Force’s new weapon of choice.

“It’s much different from working with the F-16,” Hix said. “With almost 14 years of experience on the F-16, it was quite a change, but it’s exciting to be on the cutting edge of Air Force technology, helping to protect the U.S.”

When he’s not at work, launching the most advanced aircraft in the world, Hix can be found snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains of Utah with his two sons. He recalls one instance, a few years back, when a bear and her two cubs stole his food supplies from a bear bag with still one and half days left on his five-day hike.

Hix has been married for six years and recently completed his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is a full-time Air Force reservist in the 419th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

The “In Focus” series is a monthly feature that puts the spotlight on some of the 419th Fighter Wing’s best and brightest Citizen Airmen. Find it first on Instagram @419fw