New class of fighter pilots ready to hit skies

Fourteen wide-eyed aviators entered the 62nd Fighter Squadron "Spikes" July 17, 2006, for Air Force F-16 initial qualification training.  They hailed from all parts  of the country and walks of life, but had one goal in common - to become the world's best fighter pilots.They began the demanding 

Luke promotes vehicle mishap awareness

In the month of January, the 56th Fighter Wing experienced 21 documented vehicle accidents, ranging from minor fender benders to serious collisions. In addition, many more were not reported to security forces. On Feb. 1, two Thunderbolts experienced potentially fatal vehicle accidents; one

Annual turkey shoot winner declared

The 62nd Fighter Squadron dominated the skies Feb. 2 and won Luke's semiannual turkey shoot competition. The Barry M. Goldwater Range and its airspace were used to create a war-like scenario, which gave pilots realistic training and an opportunity to showcase precision flight."The competition

Luke AFB, Phoenix to host Air Force Week

The Air Force selected Luke AFB and the Phoenix metro area to host "Air Force Week" from March 19-25. Gen. William R. Looney III, commander, Air Education and Training Command, officially announced Air Force Week Jan. 8 with a four-ship F-16 flyover at Westgate City Center to a crowd of

Passing the torch

Luke Airmen continue to deploy

By early spring, approximately 300 Airmen from the 56th Fighter Wing will be deployed to various locations in the desert, supporting the global war on terror. The Airmen were tasked to support Air Expeditionary Force Cycle 5. Today's deploying Airmen are often placed in high-threat locations they

February is American Heart Month

As the song goes, "Ya Gotta Have Heart," especially during the month we celebrate Valentine's Day. Perhaps that's why February has been tagged American Heart Month by the Centers for Disease Control. Keeping a heart happy includes keeping it healthy.Here, the CDC provides some wake-up stats and

Flu season expected to peak soon

At Luke, the number of reported flu cases has been relatively low, but doctors' offces throughout the Valley are starting to see an increase of patients who are aflicted. "The flu is progressing our way," said Maj.Laura Moore, 56th Medical Group allergist and director of the immunizations clinic.

Luke commander speaks to Civil Air Patrol cadets

The 2007 Arizona Wing Cadet Conference of the Civil Air Patrol Awards Banquet featured Brig. Gen. Tom Jones, 56th Fighter Wing commander, as keynote speaker Jan. 14. In his speech, General Jones commended the cadets for being part of an outstanding organization. He reflected on his cadet experience

Sneaking Suspicions

While the mental vision of Sept. 11, 2001, has faded from the minds of most Americans, Luke's Air Force Offiice of Special Investigations, Detachment 421, reminds us the enemy is still lurking and every military base is a valuable target. As a means to educate people how they can fight the war on