Page 6 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt January 2026

6
July
Freedom Fest 2025
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay
Luke Air Force Base community members walk to the 2025 Freedom Fest, July 3, 2025, at Luke AFB, Arizona. Freedom Fest brings the Luke AFB community togeth- er to celebrate Independence Day. Independence Day is a holiday that celebrates American patriotism, often with parades, fireworks, and family gatherings.
August
Air Force Chief of Chaplains visits Luke
January 9, 2026 2025 Year in review Thunderbolt
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Luke Hosts Quarterly Weapons Load
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elias Carrero
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt Taylor Christensen, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load team member, examines training ordnance during the 56th Fighter Wing’s third quarterly load competition, July 11, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The load competition featured teams of three weapons load specialists working together to load various munitions onto an F-35A Lightning II or F-16 Fighting Falcon in quick and efficient manner while upholding all regulations and safety standards.
Luke command chief readies general’s jet
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elias Carrero
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jason Shaffer (center), 56th Fighter Wing command chief, and Airman First Class Ninort Audisho (left), 310th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, greet Brig. Gen. David Berkland (right),
56th Fighter Wing commander, on the flightline, July 16, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. As Shaffer prepared to retire, this hands-on training was one of the last duties he volunteered for as command chief, highlighting the importance of multi- capable Airmen.
U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Elias Carrero
Chaplain (U.S. Air Force Maj.Gen.) Trent Davis, Department of the Air Force chief of chaplains, learns about F-35A Lighting II equipment from Airman 1st Class Ethan Christobal, 56th Operational Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment specialist, during a squadron visit, Aug. 22, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The visit reinforced the Chaplain Corps’ role in ensuring Airmen are spiritually fit, mission- ready, and supported in both their professional and personal lives.
Luke EOD Airmen earn Air Force Team of the Year
U.S. Air Force courtesy photo from Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Frontino
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Frontino (right), 56th Civil Engineer Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of explosive ordnance disposal operations, Staff Sgt. Jacobo Vasquez Cuartas (left), 56th CES EOD team leader, and Senior Airman Kevin Hodgson (middle), 56th CES EOD team member, pose for a photo, May 13, 2025 at Camp Williams, Utah. The Air Force EOD Team of the Year award is presented annually to the top performing EOD unit, recognizing technical excellence, cohesion, and mission readiness.
Chiefs get professional development command
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgts. Keith Scott (left), 19th Air Force command chief, Nathan Chrestensen (middle), 56th Fighter Wing command chief, and Jamie Newman (right), Headquarters Air Mobility Command chief, pose in front of an F-35A Lightning II, July 25, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Their visit focused on professional development and understanding the base’s mission and personnel. Luke AFB con- sistently delivers combat-ready Airmen and airpower essential for national defense.