Page 7 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, March 2021

6 March 2021 News http://www.luke.af.mil PAST & PRESENT MILITARY AND DEPENDENTS
Thunderbolt
www.aerotechnews.com/lukeafb
F-15EX completes first flight

FOR YOUR SERVICE

by Senior master Sgt. preparing for F-15EX; while this will be
JeNNiFeR ShiRAR a challenging time, we know that we’ve
got a fantastic community supporting Your plasma is urgently needed to help create medicines
173rd Fighter Wing
us and an outstanding team here at the
kiNGSLeY FieLD, ore. — The first 173rd Fighter Wing.” for people with immune deficiencies.
F-15EX completed its initial flight in St.
Louis Feb. 2. The fighter jet took off and Download the BioLife Plasma Services App
landed from St. Louis Lambert Interna-
tional Airport, Missouri.
It was announced in August 2020 that
the 173rd Fighter Wing will begin tran- Show your MILITARY ID
sitioning as the F-15EX formal training
unit in 2024.
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“Being selected as the F-15EX formal for an extra 50 BONUS
training unit is an outstanding mission
for the 173rd Fighter Wing,” said Col.
Jeff Edwards, 173rd FW commander.
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to train pilots. The community support
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over three decades, in the F-4 (Phantom), Military personnel and Military dependents present this coupon along with your Military ID prior to the initial donation and
F-16 (Fighting Falcon), F-15C (Eagle), cannot have made any prior plasma donations at any BioLife Plasma facility. Initial donation must be completed between
and now soon to be F-15EX.” 10.1.20 and 12.31.20. Donation fees will be paid in the following order $10, $20, $10 and $10. Subsequent donations must be
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Mission Design Series, the F-15EX OFFER CODE 67021- 1002
features an increased payload capacity, Copyright © 2020 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. All rights reserved.
fly-by-wire controls, a digital cockpit,
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Edwards notes the long service life HONORING OUR
of the F-15EX airframe — 20,000 flight ®
hours. “That’s a long time, about double Photos Courtesy of Boeing/Eric Shindelbower
the service the life of an F-15C,” Edwards The first U.S. Air Force F-15EX fighter aircraft
said. “Not only is the airframe designed took its maiden flight Feb. 2, in St. Louis. The
to last for a long time, the F-15EX also 173rd Fighter Wing is scheduled to become HEROES
has an ‘open mission system’ which al- the F-15EX Fighter Training Unit in 2024.
lows the computer and avionics software
to be more adaptable and more easily
updated in the future. This adaptability
is key, as we know that technology is That team is led by Lt. Col. Nick Huet, F-22 Raptor and F-15C instructor pilot. in the same cadet squadron at the Air As a "Thank You" to those who have or are
continuing to accelerate.” 173rd FW F-15EX conversion officer. “Ul- “I work with designated representa- Force academy,” Edwards said. “It’s awe- currently serving in the military, or as a firefighter,
When asked about what it was like timately, it’s very rewarding to have the tives from all groups within the wing some to see him flying the F-15EX and
watching the first F-15EX flight, Ed- opportunity to work on behalf of our wing and together we navigate the conversion being on the leading edge of the future police officer, or a teacher we'd like to give you a
wards says he was very impressed. “Of to help secure a long-lasting mission for process,” Huet said. “As the first base to of the Eagle.” special discount on a brand new home!
course, I’m a big fan of the Eagle, so it’s Kingsley (Field ANGB) and all the folks receive the F-15EX, our conversion will Two F-15EX fighters should be deliv-
not difficult for me to get excited about that call this base home,” Huet said. set the standard for all bases to follow — ered to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida by
seeing the first F-15EX flight! Seeing “Lt. Col. Huet is an outstanding plan- my game plan is for Kingsley to establish the end of the first quarter of 2021. Eight Apply 1% of the base price of a new home from
the F-15EX fly for the first time really ner, strategic thinker, and instructor a bed down model that no other wing will pre-production aircraft were ordered in
left me thinking: ‘Wow! We are going to pilot,” Edwards said. “As we transition be able to match!” July 2020, to allow the military and the Woodside Homes Arizona toward the home
be flying that jet soon at Kingsley (Field to the F-15EX, it was important to select During the first F-15EX flight, the manufacturer to test and fully define options of your choice.
ANGB), and it’s going to be awesome!’” an officer who had a vision for where we aircraft was piloted by Matt Giese, Boe- their applications. The Air Force plans to
Edwards adds that there is a lot to needed to go to be ready for F-15EX — Lt. ing F-15 chief test pilot, who checked the eventually acquire at least 144 F-15EX
do as the unit prepares to accept the F- Col. Huet has that vision.” avionics, advanced systems and software. fighters. Choose from hundreds of upgrades and create
15EX aircraft in 2024. “We will be in a Prior to this position, Huet has held Proving again that the “eagle drivers’’ “The F-15EX will secure the future of your own wonderful place to call home because
_
transition period over the next several many roles including director of operations, come from a small community, Edwards Kingsley (Field ANGB) for many more
years as we train F-15C pilots while also U.S. Air Force Weapons School graduate, and Giese go way back. “Matt and I were years,” Edwards added. you've done the same for us.

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PrEVAiLED (from Page 3) Non-Commissioned officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Field Grade officer of the Year: Maj. Alexander Terry Barson Sara Fritz
John Howe, 944th Maintenance Squadron Esson, 944th Operations Group, Detachment 2
were presented bronze eagle awards by their leadership. Senior NCo of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. James Junior Civilian of the Year: Mr. Dale Haretuku, 924th
Despite the restrictions on large gatherings and hav- Pumarejo, 924th Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Squadron MyNewHome-Arizona@woodsidehomes.com
ing to adjust time-honored traditions to mitigate the First Sergeant of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Senior Civilian of the Year: Ms. Nicole Martens,
spread of illness, the members of the 944th FW came Michael Kuehler, 944th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 414th Fighter Group 623-469-0153
through with resilience. Virtual cheers and celebration instructor Weapon Systems officer of the Year: Lt. At the end of the ceremony the 944th FW Command
of the 944th FW team spanned the continental United Col. Eric Ostendorf, 307th Fighter Squadron Chief expressed her excitement for this coming year. In an effort to continually improve our plans and designs, Woodside Homes reserves the right to make modifications in materials, plans and specifications without prior notice. Prices are subject to
change without notice. This advertisement is for illustration purposes only and not part of a legal contract. Models do not reflect racial or other demographic preferences. Eligibility: The program
States as the wing’s top performers were recognized. instructor Pilot of the Year: Maj. Joshua Jones, 944th “This was a great group of candidates and a phenomenal provides a credit towards home options in the amount of 1% of the base price of the new home. This discount program is available for active and retired military, and currently full-time employed
The winners are: Operations Group, Detachment 2 selection of winners,” said Chief Master Sgt. Catherine firefighters, police officers, and teachers with current teaching certificates/degrees. Confirmation of service/employment required. The home must be used for a personal residence. The program is
Airman of the Year: Staff Sgt. Kristy Riley, 924th Company Grade officer of the Year: Capt. Danielle Buchanan, 944 FW command chief. “If we had this level of valid for sales contracts signed from 1/1/2021 to 12/31/2021. The program may be discontinued at any time without notice. If you are working with a REALTOR, they must accompany and register WoodsideHomes.com/Arizona
you on your first visit. See sales professional for full details. 01/2021
Fighter Group Clark, 944th Aeromedical Staging Squadron excellence in 2020, I can’t imagine what 2021 has in store.”