Luke AFB and 161st LRS Execute $15.5M Munitions Offload

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing and the 161st Logistics Readiness Squadron operate K-Loaders and tractor trailers to transport munitions cargo from a Boeing 747 during a Special Assignment Airlift Mission, Dec. 19, 2025, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona. These assets represent a $15.5 million investment in lethal capability, expanding the 56th FW’s munitions stockpile to ensure Luke Airmen are prepared to project power across the Indo-Pacific at a moment's notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Luke AFB and 161st LRS Execute $15.5M Munitions Offload

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing and the 161st Logistics Readiness Squadron, move munitions cargo off a Boeing 747 during a Special Assignment Airlift Mission, Dec. 19, 2025, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona. These assets represent a $15.5 million investment in lethal capability, expanding the 56th FW’s munitions stockpile to ensure Luke Airmen are prepared to project power across the Indo-Pacific at a moment's notice. This strategic movement of over 1,000 tail kits from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, supports the Seventh Air Force's "Super Squadron" initiative. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Luke AFB and 161st LRS Execute $15.5M Munitions Offload

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing and the 161st Logistics Readiness Squadron operate K-Loaders to transport munitions cargo from a Boeing 747 during a Special Assignment Airlift Mission, Dec. 19, 2025, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona. These loaders symbolize total force integration between Luke Airmen and the 161st Logistics Readiness Squadron. This mission ensures the seamless transition of $15.5 million in munitions from the flightline to the stockpile, directly fueling the high-end training needed for Pacific theater stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Luke AFB and 161st LRS Execute $15.5M Munitions Offload

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing coordinate the transfer of cargo pallets, Dec. 19, 2025, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona. This Special Assignment Airlift Mission serves as a critical logistics link between Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, and the United States, facilitating the global repositioning of over 1,000 tail kits. By integrating advanced munitions into local operations, Luke Air Force Base ensures F-35A Lightning II pilots are trained with lethal capabilities required for high-end conflict in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Luke AFB and 161st LRS Execute $15.5M Munitions Offload

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Erik Swanberg (left), 161st Logistics Readiness Squadron air transportation operations center section supervisor, Chief Master Sgt. Chad Fenske (middle), 56th LRS senior enlisted leader, and Master Sgt. Rene Constante (right), 161st LRS air terminal function section chief, prepare a K-Loader for cargo pallets, Dec. 19, 2025, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona. The 56th Fighter Wing and 161st LRS received over 1,000 tail kits through a Special Assignment Airlift Mission, strengthening Luke Air Force Base's stockpile and supporting F-35A Lightning II pilot training. This delivery demonstrates ongoing efforts to ensure mission readiness at the 56th FW. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Luke AFB and 161st LRS Execute $15.5M Munitions Offload

A K-Loader lowers cargo pallets from a Boeing 747 as Airmen from the 56th Fighter Wing and 161st Logistics Readiness Squadron manage the offload during a Special Assignment Airlift Mission, Dec. 19, 2025, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona. The $15.5 million munitions transfer was a coordinated effort that ensured seamless logistics and readiness between the 56th FW, the 161st LRS, and supporting units. This operation expanded munitions stockpiles and enhanced the ability to rapidly support operations across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Luke AFB and 161st LRS Execute $15.5M Munitions Offload

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Van Rossem, 161st Logistics Readiness Squadron traffic management office superintendent, pushes a cargo pallet of munitions tail kits during Special Assignment Airlift Mission, Dec. 19, 2025, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona. Airmen from the 56th Fighter Wing and 161st LRS unloaded over 1,000 tail kits from a Boeing 747, adding $15.5 million in munitions to Luke Air Force Base. This strengthens the base's supply and helps train F-35 pilots for missions in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Luke AFB and 161st LRS Execute $15.5M Munitions Offload

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Erik Swanberg, 161st Logistics Readiness Squadron air transportation operations center section supervisor, secures a cargo pallet of munitions tail kits during Special Assignment Airlift Mission, Dec. 19, 2025, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona. 56th Fighter Wing Airmen collaborated with the 161st LRS to offload 42 cargo pallets from a Boeing 747, moving over 1,000 tail kits from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, to support the Seventh Air Force's "Super Squadron" initiative. This strengthens the 56th FW’s stockpile, keeping the wing ready to project power in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Luke AFB and 161st LRS Execute $15.5M Munitions Offload

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Erik Swanberg, 161st Logistics Readiness Squadron air transportation operations center section supervisor, secures a cargo pallet of munitions tail kits during Special Assignment Airlift Mission, Dec. 19, 2025, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona. This mission was a joint effort to offload more than 1,000 tail kits from a Boeing 747, supporting the Seventh Air Force’s “Super Squadron” initiative in the Pacific. The addition of $15.5 million in lethal capability to the stockpile ensures Luke Air Force Base is equipped to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Luke AFB and 161st LRS Execute $15.5M Munitions Offload

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Chana Lawlor, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron passenger travel non-commissioned officer in charge, loads a cargo pallet of munitions tail kits during a Special Assignment Airlift Mission, Dec. 19, 2025, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona. This logistics movement involved the arrival of a Boeing 747 from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, carrying over 1,000 tail kits. The offload adds $15.5 million in lethal capability to the 56th Fighter Wing's stockpile, directly enabling the 425th Fighter Squadron to conduct advanced GBU-38 training and preparing F-35 pilots to project power across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Luke AFB and 161st LRS Execute $15.5M Munitions Offload

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt Corey Klucker, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron air terminal function non-commissioned officer in-charge, operates a 10K forklift with cargo pallet of munitions tail kits during Special Assignment Airlift Mission, Dec. 19, 2025, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona. This mission facilitated the receipt of 42 cargo pallets from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, to support the global repositioning of assets for the Seventh Air Force's "Super Squadron" initiative. The integration of these munitions into the Luke Air Force Base stockpile enables the 425th Fighter Squadron to conduct GBU-38 training for the first time while ensuring F-35 pilots maintain a vigilant, lethal posture in line with National Security Strategy goals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Luke AFB and 161st LRS Execute $15.5M Munitions Offload

Published Jan. 8, 2026
By A1C Belinda Guachun-Chichay
56th Fighter Wing

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing and the 161st Logistics Readiness Squadron operate K-Loaders and tractor trailers to transport munitions cargo from a Boeing 747 during a Special Assignment Airlift Mission, Dec. 19, 2025, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona. These assets represent a $15.5 million investment in lethal capability, expanding the 56th FW’s munitions stockpile to ensure Luke Airmen are prepared to project power across the Indo-Pacific at a moment's notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)