Bird strike Q&A

US Airways Flight 1549 made national news last week when pilots had to land the jetliner in the Hudson River after both engines went out after an apparent bird strike. Here at Luke Air Force Base, precautions are taken to reduce the likelihood of bird strikes and the Thunderbolt had the chance to

Luncheon brings awareness of King’s message

It would have been Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 80th birthday as Luke Air Force Base celebrated the life of the civil rights leader with a luncheon held at the Desert Star Club on Jan. 15. The event, which was led by master of ceremonies Ben Bruce, 56th Fighter Wing ground safety manager, included

Hero of Hudson River crash landing trained at Luke

The pilot who crash-landed a crippled airliner in New York's Hudson River Jan. 15, saving 155 lives on board, is an Air Force Academy graduate who received his pilot training in the Air Force. Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger steered U.S. Airways Flight 1549 toward the river when both engines failed

OG crushes 607th 16-6

The 56th Operations Group knocked the 607th Air Control Squadron out of the park 16-6 during an intramural softball game Jan. 14 at the base softball fields. Despite the OG barely having enough players to field a team, they were able to rise to the challenge and overcome the 607th. "With the OG

Slant roofs improve quality of life in dormitories

Four Luke Air Force Base dormitories were recently updated with a $1.3 million project to improve the quality of life for Airmen, reduce electricity usage during summer and prolong the integrity of the roof. The slanted roof additions have been on the "to do" list for more than 10 years and were

61st FS named ‘Top Dogs’ of all AETC fighter squadrons

One of Luke's eight fighter squadrons was recognized this week as the top fighter squadron in all of Air Education and Training Command. The "Top Dog" of the 61st Fighter Squadron, Lt. Col. Philippe Malebranche received the award during the AETC Symposium last week in San Antonio. "It is an honor

Weather boss visits Luke

Base athletes tackle CrossFit

The recent opening of the new CrossFit center with instructors that challenge members in a high intensity setting, enticed three fitness buffs to give it a try Jan. 8. Members of the 56th Medical Operations Squadron orthopedics clinic Tony Gurrola, is an avid long distance runner; Shawn Baker, a

Two Luke SFS Airmen stand out

The Air Force recognized two Thunderbolts from the 56th Security Forces Squadron in December for their exceptional performance and accomplishments. Capt. Ryan Robin and Master Sgt. Chad Lewis garnered the 2008 Outstanding Security Forces Air Reserve Component Award both in the company grade officer

5th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visits Luke

Chief Master Sgt. (ret) Robert Gaylor, the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, was welcomed to the 944th Fighter Wing during his visit to Arizona Jan. 10. Chief Gaylor spent the morning touring the wing, injecting his upbeat attitude and energizing members of the wing. The chief spent the