Luke F-35 mission scores 100th sortie

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Tanya Wren
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Luke Air Force Base launched its 100th F-35A Lightning II sortie at approximately noon on Tuesday, August 26.

"Flying the 100th F-35A sortie at Luke is a tremendous accomplishment," said Maj. William Andreotta, 61st Fighter Squadron chief of standardization and evaluations. "It is also a tribute to all the hard work and dedication put forth by the men and women of the 61st FS and 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit."

The 61st AMU has been dedicated to keeping the new fighter technology in flying condition.

"With every new weapon system comes a learning curve, and our maintenance team has done an exceptional job maximizing the balance between training opportunities and keeping pace with flying operations," said Lt. Col. Benjamin Smith, 56th Maintenance Group deputy commander.

Luke recently welcomed its seventh F-35 jet on Aug. 20, bringing the F-35 program into full swing.

"Being a part of Luke's transition from F-16s to F-35As has been an incredible and rewarding experience," Andreotta said. "Every day we fly we are paving the way for a new era at Luke."