Page 1 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, November 2021

“We train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat ready Airmen”
Nov. 2021 Vol. 20, No. 11
INSIDE
Luke hosts Gila Bend honorary commander overnight
Two F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, soar Oct. 21, over Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Arizona. Luke AFB hosted an overnight event at Gila Bend for 55 honorary commanders where they observed strafing and bombing demonstrations of F-35s, F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs.
Photos by Airman 1st Class Dominic Tyler
U.S. Air Force military and honorary commanders from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, observe a bomb- ing and strafing demonstration by an A-10 Thunder- bolt II assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, Davis- Monthan AFB, Arizona, Oct. 21, at Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Arizona. Luke AFB hosted an over- night event for 55 honorary commanders, where they received a first-hand look at the mission of Gila Bend and the Barry M. Goldwater Range. Luke AFB’s Hon- orary Commander program provides an opportunity for local, regional and national community leaders to learn more about the wing’s mission and priorities, as well as become empowered unofficial spokesper- sons for the Department of the Air Force, Airmen and Space professionals and their families.
An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, performs a strafing demonstration for Airmen and honorary commanders from Luke AFB, Arizona, during a tour Oct. 21, at Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Arizona. During their visit, 55 honorary commanders gained insight into the operations of Gila Bend and the Barry M. Goldwater Range and its importance in the train- ing of multiple military installa- tions in the surrounding area.
Adrianne Rankin, 56th Range Management Office archaeologist, briefs military and honorary commanders from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, on Native American petroglyphs during a tour Oct. 21, at the Chris Glyph’s Archeological Site, Arizona. Rankin educated the visitors on Native American history of the Barry M. Goldwater Range, including facts about Native American petro- glyphs, legends and culture dating back thousands of years.
StorIES
Dog tag history, 3 A war story, 4 Luke competes, 6 Wellness Room, 12
FEAtUrE
56th EMS whEEl and tirE tEaM
See Pages 8 & 9
Staff Sgt. Collette Brooks
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