Page 3 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt – January 2025

Thunderbolt 2024 Year in review January 2025 3 http://www.luke.af.mil Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt
March
Luke Days 2024 big success
Luke renames FTC for beloved pilot, mentor
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jakob Hambright
The renaming of the Skip Hopler Fighter Training Center was revealed during a ceremony, March 29, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. U.S. Air Force Retired Lt. Col. Edwin “Skip” Hopler was a former fighter pilot and instructor responsible for the training of over 17,000 F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots. The late and retired Hopler was a renowned fighter pilot and instructor, serving 21 years as an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, which included two combat tours in Vietnam. In 1988, Hopler retired as a pilot but continued serving as an instructor at Luke AFB. He was directly responsible for the training of over 17,000 F-16 pilots, before he followed the Air Force into the F-35 Lightning II training program.
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Noah D. Coger
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dominic Tyler
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nathan Malafa, U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” commander and advanced pilot No. 1, signs a ball cap for a Make-a-Wish Foundation participant following a demonstration during the Luke Days air show on March 22, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
All-female weapons competition
Two U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, assigned to the A-10 Demonstration Team, perform in a combat arms demonstration during Luke Days 2024, March 23, 2024 at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Luke Days demonstrates the Air Force’s continuing progress in building
the future of airpower with military and civilian air acts including the U.S Air Demonstration team the “Thunderbirds,” F-35A Lightning II, static displays, science, technology, engineering, and math exhibits, and military operations demonstrations.
Women pilots take flight
U.S. Air Force pilots and crew chiefs assigned to the 310th Fighter Squadron, pose for a photo, March 5, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. In honor
of Women’s History Month, the 310th FS organized an all- women flight crew. Luke AFB honors the contributions
of women serving in the military
and DOD civilian forces, celebrating the richness and diversity of their achievements
in March and throughout the year.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Katelynn Jackson
U.S. Air Force Luke Air Force Base weapon special- ists pose for a photo following an all-women weap- ons load competition, March 15, 2024, at Luke AFB, Arizona. The load competition featured seven women from the 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit and one
from the 56th Component Maintenance Squadron, including three weapons load crew members who performed as competitors and four members who performed as evaluators. This competition not only enhances training but was one of several Women’s History Month events which contributed to advancing quality of life for Luke Airmen.
Haboob Havoc 2024
A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing, Luke
Air Force Base, Arizona, performs a strafing run during Haboob Havoc 2024, April 24, 2024, at Barry M. Goldwater Range, Arizona. Haboob Havoc is an annual total force exercise that brings together multiple fighter squadrons from numerous bases to practice skills and test abilities in various mission sets.
April
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mason Hargrove
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Noah D. Coger