Page 5 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt – February 7 2025

Thunderbolt News February 7, 2025 5 http://www.luke.af.mil Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt
Belgium Air and Space commander visits Luke
By Senior Airman Jakob Hambright
56th Fighter Wing
The 56th Fighter Wing leadership team, along with the 312th Fighter Squadron, hosted Maj. Gen. Thierry Dupont, commander of the Belgium Air and Space Component, during his visit to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 13-16, 2025.
As Belgium prepares to transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the F-35A Lightning II, the nation is focused on ensuring its pilots and maintainers are fully equipped to oper- ate and sustain the fifth-generation aircraft effectively.
“The relationship between Belgium and the United States is built on decades of trust and cooperation,” said Dupont. “As Belgium transitions to the F-35 platform, it is vital that we continue to learn from one another to maintain mission readiness and ensure global preparation.”
During his visit, Dupont toured various facilities, met with leadership, and observed training operations conducted by the 56th FW and the 944th Fighter Wing. The discussions focused on enhancing interoperability, sharing best practices, and leveraging the advanced training environment provided at Luke AFB to support Belgium’s F-35 program.
Luke AFB serves as a critical training hub for U.S. and allied F-35 pilots. Belgium
programs not only enhances their operational capabilities but also strengthens our collective ability to respond to global challenges,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Johnston, 56th Fighter Wing deputy commander. “This col- laboration ensures robust deterrence and the ability to decisively respond to security threats around the globe.”
As part of the visit, Dupont observed live training missions, including joint operations scenarios involving Belgian and U.S. pilots. He also toured the 312th FS, where F-35
pilots receive state-of-the-art instruction and engaged with Belgian personnel currently embedded at Luke AFB.
“The training environment here is unparal- leled,” said Dupont. “The ability to integrate our pilots into a diverse and dynamic op- erational setting prepares them to excel in complex, multinational missions.”
Luke AFB continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the capabilities of allied air power, ensuring readiness and cooperation in sup- port of global peace and security.
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Belgian Air and Space Component Maj. Gen. Thierry Dupont (center right), BASC commander, and Lt. Col. Jason Wall (center left), 312th Fighter Squadron commander, participate in a ribbon cut- ting ceremony for the 312th FS’s new building, Jan. 16, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The newly renovated building will house the 312th FS and Bel- gium’s newest F-35A Lightning II pilots.
is among several international partners par- ticipating in the F-35 program, with its first aircraft delivered in 2024.
“The integration of allies into our training
U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Jakob Hambright
Belgian Air and Space Component Maj. Gen. Thierry Dupont (left), BASC commander, greets Lt. Col. Pierre-Yves Libert (right), 312th Fighter Squadron senior national representative, after his flight during a base visit, Jan. 15, 2025, at Luke
Air Force Base, Arizona. During his visit to Luke AFB, Dupont observed the training mission of the 312th FS and the 56th Fighter Wing, while also interacting with U.S. and Belgian Airmen who are helping train Belgium’s first F-35 pilots.