Page 19 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt April 7, 2017

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ground-attack and aerial roles. first F-4 was assigned in 1971.
more than 58,800 graduates from fighter training programs for the U.S. and its allies and has earned the title fighter country.
e first of the super fighters, the Eagle, was assigned to the base 74 followed in 1982 by the sec-
super fighter, the F-16 Fighting on. Then the F-15E Strike Eagle ed in 1988. The 56th Training g was re-designated a fighter Oct. 1, 1991, making Luke the ce’s primary F-16 training base. 991, the F-15 was reassigned, four years later, the F-15E was
“With the community support we have received over the years, it looks like we’ll be here a long while,” Gri- set said. “The F-35 program sets up the future for Luke Air Force Base to remain very significant as part of AETC.”
igned.
March 10, 2014, the first F-35A
Today, the 56th Fighter Wing, a unit which historically had some of the world’s greatest fighter pilots, continues the mission that has been identified with Luke since 1941: train- ing warrior Airmen while building the future of air power.
Jan Brewer, former governor of Arizona, spoke with Luke Air Force Base members March 14, 2014, during the F-35 Lightning II unveiling celebration at Luke AFB. The former governor’s speech showed government support between Luke and the surrounding communities.
ed at Luke starting the next pe- in the base’s history.
om the AT-6 Texan in 1941, to the
Courtesy photo
The 56th Fighter Wing flag with its many campaign and awards streamers was unfurled for the first time April 1, 1994, when the wing took over host unit duties.
Senior Airman Devante Williams
Lightning II aircraft is flown today, Luke een home to a number
Courtesy photo
first trainer aircraft
ghter aircraft. Since , Luke has produced
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Thunderbolt April 2017 19
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