LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 56th Fighter Wing hosted more than 50 honorary commanders for a simulated overnight deployment at the Barry M. Goldwater Range on Jan. 22, 2026, providing participants a firsthand look at the capabilities and precision of airpower operating across southern Arizona.
The event offered the wing’s honorary commanders an opportunity to observe mission execution in a realistic training environment while gaining a deeper understanding of how the range supports combat-ready airpower. Throughout the day, participants observed live strafing and bombing runs conducted by F-35 Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing.
“This experience gives our honorary commanders a true appreciation for the scale, complexity and professionalism involved in modern air combat training,” said Col. John Ryan, deputy commander of the 56th Fighter Wing. “Seeing it up close reinforces how critical the range is to our mission.”
In addition to flight operations, honorary commanders participated in a simulated deployed environment designed to mirror conditions Airmen may face in forward locations. As part of the scenario, participants received demonstrations and hands-on training from medical personnel focusing on tactical combat casualty care procedures, as well as demonstrations from Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape.
The 2026 iteration of the honorary commander overnight marked a first for the program. Participants stayed overnight in field tents and ate meals ready-to-eat, adding a new level of realism to the experience and highlighting the conditions Airmen routinely operate in during deployed operations.
“This year we wanted to push the experience further,” said Staff Sgt. Zoie Cox, 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs. “Living in the field, even briefly, helps bridge the gap between what our Airmen do every day and what our community leaders usually see.”
Wing leaders emphasized the honorary commander program plays a vital role in sustaining Luke Air Force Base’s mission by fostering strong relationships with community partners.
“Our mission does not succeed in isolation,” said Ryan. “Without the continued support of our surrounding communities and partners, our ability to train and prepare the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen would be significantly impacted.”
Execution of the event was made possible through close coordination between the 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office, Community Initiatives Team and the Fighter Country Foundation, whose combined efforts ensured a safe, engaging and successful experience for all participants.
Honorary commanders concluded the event with an increased understanding of the operational demands placed on Airmen and the essential role community support plays in enabling Luke Air Force Base to execute its mission.
“This was an incredible experience,” said Todd Schneider, honorary commander of the 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “The sound of freedom, the training, the men and women on the base keeping the jets flying, not only for our country but for our allies, are outstanding.”
Schneider added that, as a local businessman, he plans to advocate for the importance of Luke Air Force Base and the Barry M. Goldwater Range to the region and the nation’s security interests.
Community support enables continued access to critical training airspace and ranges, ensures long-term mission viability, and strengthens trust between Luke Air Force Base and the region it serves.