Page 7 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt – January 2025

Thunderbolt 2024 Year in review January 2025 7
Thunderbolts to Thunderbirds
Two Airmen currently assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, were selected to join the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, for the 2025-2026 show seasons. Joining the Thunderbirds will be U.S. Air Force Capt. Nick Belinski, 309th Fighter Squadron instructor pilot, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christian Martinez (left), 56th Fighter Wing protocol specialist. Martinez will support the team in scheduling, while Belinski will serve as the narrator and advance pilot.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson
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September
U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Senior Airman Mason Hargrove
Final F-16 class graduates
U.S. Air Force graduated pilots pose for a photo in front of an F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned
to the 309th Fighter Squadron, during the
final 309th FS graduation for F-16 pilots, Sept. 20, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
After nearly five decades as a training hub for F-16 pilots, the 56th Fighter Wing is shifting exclusively to F-35A Lightning II training.
This change will involve updating programs, remodeling infrastructure, and dismantling F-16 equipment to prepare for F-35 operations.
October
Honorary Commanders inducted
Luke AFB celebrates 77th Air Force birthday
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mason Hargrove
U.S. Air Force Col. David Berkland (left), 56th Fighter Wing commander, cuts the cake with Airman Preston Jones, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance apprentice, at the 77th Air Force Ball, Sept. 13, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
The evening featured an array of traditions and presentations, a video presentation on the history of Luke AFB was shown, followed by a group of enlistees taking the oath of enlistment and the traditional cake-cutting ceremony.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jakob Hambright
Eighty-one honorary commanders were welcomed into the 2024-2026 class during a reception and in- duction ceremony, where they met their assigned Air Force commander counterparts, and were ushered into the program by being presented with their of- ficial honorary commander coin. U.S. Air Force Col. Dave Berkland, 56th Fighter Wing Commander, gives remarks during the 2024 Honorary Commander in- duction ceremony, Sept. 26, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The honorary commander program seeks to build relationships with the surrounding communities by connecting local and civic leaders with various unit commanders. There were 81 civic and local lead- ers inducted as part of the class of 2024.
Singapore leadership visit Luke
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Berkland,
56th Fighter Wing commander, speaks to Lt. Col. Yong Chin Tan, 425th Fighter Squadron commander, during the arrival of Singapore Armed Forces Vice Adm. Aaron Beng, Chief of Defense Force, Oct. 9, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The 425th Fighter Squadron
is home to the longest operating overseas detachment for the Republic of Singapore
Air Force. These visits contribute to Luke AFB’s longstanding commitment to advancing international partnerships. Beng was appointed Chief of Defense Force on March 24, 2023.
U.S Air Force photo by Airman Belinda Guachun-Chichay
13th CABS train for unity
U.S. Air Force Senior Air-
man Sean Berry, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems specialist, teaches Airmen how to operate a por- table generator Oct. 1, 2024. Activated at Luke AFB, Ari- zona in August 2024, the 13th CABS held its inaugural train- ing event from Oct. 1 to Oct.
3, showcasing the Air Force’s commitment to its personnel as its most valuable assets. By uniting as a cohesive team, Airmen can maximize their performance in high-pressure situations.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson