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Thunderbolt NEWS Dec. 18, 2015 5
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Luke announces F-35 heritage flight program

Heritage Flight season been selected to be the first F-35A heritage ent and future as part of the heritage flight Air Force Base’s 25th Anniversary Airshow
flight pilot. air show season.” “75 Years of Airpower” from April 2-3, 2016,
The Air Force Heritage Flight program in Glendale, Arizona.
features modern U.S. Air Force fighter air- “It’s an honor to be able to bring the F-35 The F-35 will be featured at numerous
craft flying alongside World War II, Korean to the public,” he said. “I’m also excited to air shows throughout the country, begin- Courtesy of 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
and Vietnam era aircraft in a dynamic dis- have an opportunity to honor our past, pres- ning with its debut performance at Luke
play of our nation’s airpower history. Airman 1st Class Ridge Shan

“These flights will allow all Americans to
learn more about the F-35 and at the same
time see just how far airpower has come
over the years,” said Brig. Gen Scott Pleus,
56th Fighter Wing commander. “I think
it’s very important for everyone to have a
chance to watch the F-35 fly and see first-
hand what a great capability this fighter jet
will give to the U.S. and our partner nations.
We’ve flown thousands of sorties and hours
in this jet already and are excited to be able
to show it to the public.”

“The F-35 will be the backbone of the
U.S. Air Force fighter fleet and represents
the future for the U.S., our partners and
allies. Being a part of these heritage flights
provides a unique insight into the past and
the future,” Pleus said.

The heritage flight team will attend the
Heritage Flight Conference at Davis Mon-
than Air Force Base in Tuscon, Arizona,
in preparation for taking part in heritage
flight demonstrations during the 2016 air
show season. It also enables flying dissimi-
lar aircraft in close formation.

Maj. William Andreotta from Luke has