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Train the world’s greatest F-35 and F-16 fighter pilots April 8, 2016
Vol. 16, No. 14
INSIDE
STORIES
Cadets soar in AZ, 3
From dice to advice, 4
Tuskegee Airmen, 6
Warn kids about drugs, 7
5k color run, 13
INDEX
Action line ............................. 2
Briefs..................................... 3
Spotlight ................................ 4
Diversions ........................... 16
Sports.................................. 19
QUOTE OF THE WEEK Airman 1st Class Shan Ridge
“Be dependable, competent, ef- The Red Bull Demonstration Team performs during the Luke Air Force Base 75 Years of Airpower air show.
ficient and aggressive. Understand
how and where you fit into the Luke Celebrates 75 Years of Airpower
wing’s mission and why your job is
important. Finally, be the Airman
who finds a way to ‘yes.’”
Col. Robert Novotny
48th Fighter Wing commander
Story by aerial demonstration team and F-16 pilots in the Air Force. munities and allowed Airmen
56th Fighter Wing the first-ever performance and “This was my first air show,” the opportunity to interact with
PUBLIC AFFAIRS appearance by the F-35 Heri- and thank those community
tage Team, which featured the said Jowellyn Thomas, Good- members for their unwavering
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, F-35 Lightning II flying along- year resident who attended the support.
Arizona -- Luke opened its side the original Lightning, the air show. “It was breathtaking
doors to a record 425,000 people P-38. and I’m really looking forward “The partnerships we have
during its “75 Years of Air- to the next one!” and the friendships we share
power” air show April 2 and 3. When they weren’t flying, the are absolutely vital to what we
The show provided a glimpse F-35 Heritage Team members Putting together an air show do at Luke AFB” said Brig. Gen.
into the history of the Air Force were busy handing out and with more than 40 static dis- Scott Pleus 56th Fighter Wing
with jets such as the World War signing photos for thousands of plays and 11 aerial acts takes commander. “All year long we
II A-26 Invader and a glimpse visitors to the base. a team effort. get unending support from our
into the Air Force’s future with elected leaders, businesses and
Luke’s own F-35 Lightning II. Another highlight of the “From successfully screening those who live throughout the
show was the close air sup- our guests to supporting the Valley — and once every two
“Simply stated, the air show port demonstration, during best air acts from around the years we get the opportunity to
was a tremendous success,” said which the F-16 Fighting Falcons world, my hat goes off to each give something back in the form
Lt. Col. Christopher Bacon, air showed off their combat capabil- and every member of my air of an air show. It is our way of
show director. ities. This “live” demonstration show team and the countless saying ‘thanks’ for allowing us
featured pyrotechnic explosions volunteers who made it hap- to be a part of this great com-
The show was headlined by to simulate bombs was a crowd pen,” Bacon said. munity.”
the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds favorite and highlighted the fact
Luke AFB trains 97 percent of The turnout highlighted the
tremendous support for Luke
AFB from the surrounding com-
Go to luke.af.mil for Luke Facebook link Use your smartphone to
connect to our website!
