Page 3 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt – September 2024

Thunderbolt News September 2024 3 http://www.luke.af.mil Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt
Luke AFB welcomes ACC Command Chief
By Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson
56th Fighter Wing
U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Dave Wolfe, Air Com- bat Command, visited the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, July 25-26, 2024.
Wolfe toured the world’s pre- mier fighter wing to gain insight on their mission, on how the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen are trained, and sparked dialogue on develop- ing Airmen for the era of Great Power Competition.
Upon arrival, Wolfe received briefings on range management and the Luke 2035 plan, which provides a breakdown of the planned evolution of the base.
Part of this plan includes an initiative called Agile Panther, a strategy that will double F-35A Lightning II pilot production across the entire F-35 Formal Training Unit enterprise by 2028, reducing the gap between re- quirements and production while maintaining quality.
“Initiatives like the ones un- derway at Luke AFB reflect the critical advancements that are necessary to meet the pacing challenges we face,” said Wolfe. “It is essential we ensure our Air Force remains innovative and responsive in an increasingly competitive global environment.”
During breakfast at the Hens- mann Dining Facility with the first sergeants on base, Wolfe provided guidance on the impor- tance of their role and answered questions about agile combat employment.
“Agile combat employment and being a mission ready Airman involves peripheral vision,” said Wolfe. “It is finding out what you are going to need to do that’s outside your comfort zone when the time comes and working now to be prepared for it.”
Senior noncommissioned of- ficers from various career fields across base met with Wolfe for a professional enhancement semi- nar to provide mentorship on
Courtesy photos
U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Dave Wolfe, Air Combat Command, speaks to Luke Air Force Base senior noncommissioned officers from the 63rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit, July 26, 2024, at Luke AFB, Arizona. During his visit Wolfe recognized outstanding Airmen and their supervisors who went above and beyond to accomplish the mission while immersing himself in various units across the base, including the 56th Maintenance Group and the ACC Training Support Squadron Detachment 9.
U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Dave Wolfe, Air Combat Command, listens to Luke Air Force Base senior noncommissioned officers from the 63rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit, July 26, 2024, at Luke AFB, Arizona. Wolfe toured the world’s premier fighter wing
to gain insight on their mission, on how the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen are trained, and sparked dialogue on developing Airmen for the era of Great Power Competition.
U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Dave Wolfe, Air Combat Command, speaks to Luke Air Force Base senior noncommissioned officer inductees
for a professional enhancement seminar, July 26, 2024, at Luke AFB, Arizona. During
the seminar, Wolfe provided mentorship on subjects including career progression, leadership skills, and comprehensive Airman fitness.
subjects including career progres- sion, comprehensive Airman fit- ness and leadership skills.
“The impact you can have as a Senior NCO to shape others and solve problems is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its own set of hurdles,” said Wolfe. “You must be prepared to fully meet the Air Force’s demands with unwavering commitment.”
Wolfe recognized outstanding Airmen and their supervisors who went above and beyond to accomplish the mission while im- mersing himself in various units
across the base, including the 56th Maintenance Group and the ACC Training Support Squadron Detachment 9.
Finally, Wolfe attended the SNCO Induction Ceremony on base, where he spoke about his visit.
“It’s a pleasure to come visit another amazing part of our Air Force,” said Wolfe. “This was my first visit to Luke in my entire career, and I am impressed by the professionalism, the attitude, and initiatives that feed ACC and the rest of the Air Force.”
U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Dave Wolfe, Air Combat Command, engages with Luke Air Force Base first sergeants, July 26, 2024, at Luke AFB, Arizona. Wolfe answered questions about ACC priorities and provided guidance on the importance of their role.