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  • Vice commander reflects on Iraq experience

    In mid-September Col. David Orr, the 56th Fighter Wing vice commander, returned to his position at Luke, after spending 125 days in the desert. He commanded the 407th Air Expeditionary Group located at Ali Base, the only major U.S. airfield in southern Iraq. The mission of the 407th AEG is to

  • Cleaner, safer oxygen cleaning system

    Luke has become a test bed for a cleaning system that would not only save the Air Force money and maintenance hours, but could also protect the environment, particularly the ozone. The Oxygen Equipment Cleaning System being tested here cleans the F-16's oxygen system to include the liquid oxygen

  • Civil Engineering Squadron shines at headquarters

    Air Education and Training Command recently declared the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron the recipient of five 2006 AETC civil engineering awards. "These awards signify the squadron's exceptional performance in the many aspects of Luke's civil engineering," said James Fitzpatrick, 56th CES deputy. "Our

  • Thunderbolt of the Week: Senior Airman Benjamin O'Mara

    Organization: 56th Operations Support Squadron, Radar Approach Air Traffic ControllerHometown: Hastings, Mich.Years in service: Three Education: Pursuing a Community College of the Air Force degree in airway science Previous assignments: Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.Inspirations: My uncle, a retired

  • Luke rallies to support Gilbert family

    LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- A Luke pilot killed in action in Iraq last week was fondly remembered by Air Force leaders and friends as a warrior-patriot who made a difference in everything he did. Maj. Troy L. Gilbert's F-16 crashed on Nov. 27 in Anbar Province, 20 miles northwest of Baghdad. He

  • Nascar driver, crew chief take to the air

    Driver Clint Bowyer, a 2006 rookie driver in the Nextel Cup racing series, and his crew chief, Gil Martin, took time out from their busy racing schedule Nov. 8 to visit Luke and experience speed the real way - in the seat of an F-16. The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing was in town for

  • Getting good night's rest key to safe driving

    As the holiday season approaches, driver fatigue is a problem that should be foremost in the minds of motorists and travelers. Falling asleep behind the wheel is, unfortunately, not uncommon, and the accidents that result are as lethal as those caused by driving drunk. Like alcohol, fatigue slows

  • AFSO21 changes Luke's external fuel tank roles

    The 56th Maintenance Group recently spearheaded an Air Force Smart Operations 21 F-16 external fuel tank project using LEAN tools and listening to the voice of the customer which resulted in saved time and money. A team formed in July made up of staff sergeants and below was tasked with unraveling

  • Thunderbolts open hearts through giving

    A long-standing tradition that helps Airmen and their families in need remains an uplifting and heartwarming program, according to Luke's First Sergeant council.The Council, headed by Master Sgt. Vincent Stephenson, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant, is currently working behind the scenes

  • Thunderbolts open hearts through giving

    A long-standing tradition that helps Airmen and their families in need remains an uplifting and heartwarming program, according to Luke's First Sergeant council.The Council, headed by Master Sgt. Vincent Stephenson, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant, is currently working behind the scenes