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  • Heritage, tradition, celebration important to remember, pass on

    An important anniversary was honored in September as in preceding years, and it is something I'm proud to celebrate. It's our Air Force's birthday and celebrating it helps us recall our heritage as well as symbolize our current mission. Our service's birthday gives us an event to honor the service and sacrifice of Air Force men and women. I have
  • It's My Base

    It's 'my' base

    I have the best job in the Air Force. As the support group deputy, I get to enable the wing mission and I look forward to working at "my" base every day. Part of my Monday routine is to cruise the base and look for problems that popped up over the weekend. I regularly see people who have made Luke "their" base and their home. For instance, I

  • Leaders: Be successful, have fun along journey

    In your military career you experience many educational milestones -- basic training, technical school, PME and one other major milestone -- your responsibility as a supervisor. I classify this as a milestone because becoming a supervisor is an educational event that continues throughout your career. I remember several supervisors distinctly. I

  • Past leadership traits still relevant for future

    Under the authority of the National Security Act of 1947, the U.S. Air Force was born on Sept. 18, 1947, when W. Stuart Symington became our first Secretary of the Air Force. Contemplating our 60th Anniversary theme, "Heritage to Horizons... Commemorating 60 Years of Air and Space Power," we can see similarities between the challenges our early

  • Transformation to a warrior

    In October of 2006, I found out that I was deploying to Iraq. I was not happy. Are you surprised? Read on to learn the rest of the story. My husband and I are both active duty stationed here at Luke. We had a plan already developed for the future, and deploying was not part of it. I was going to finish my degree, we were going to expand our family

  • Deployment challenges foster greater commitment to service

    Having just returned from my second joint (U.S. Army) deployment, I'm filled with the same feelings of pride and satisfaction as when I returned from Baghdad, Iraq, in 2004. Deployments are mentally and physically challenging and typically strain family relationships. The combination of working long hours, being exposed to enemy fire and

  • America's freedom gained through other's courage

    What is courage? The American Heritage Dictionary defines it as "the state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self- possession, confidence and resolution." July 4 was a profound date for all of us, and it was fantastic we got to celebrate and commemorate our 231-year history as a nation. It's
  • 56th Fighter Wing CV, Col Reed

    56th welcomes new CV

    The 56th Fighter Wing welcomed Col. Henry Reed as the new vice wing commander Wednesday. Colonel Reed comes to Luke from the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., where he was deputy commander. "I see my mission here as twofold," said Colonel Reed. "First, support the wing commander and execute his vision. Second, enable our
  • Col. David Orr, 56th Fighter Wing vice commander, gets a traditional soaking following his final flight at Luke June 4.

    "Iron" Orr bids Thunderbolts farewell

    Thunderbolts -- thanks for providing this not-so-young-guy the most fulfilling professional experience of my Air Force career! Your example of excellence not only secures a thriving 56th Fighter Wing mission today, but it ensures the United States of America will continue to lead the way to secure our liberties on the frontlines of freedom. It's a

  • Full-scale exercises prepare MDG to help in disasters

    A massive earthquake in Hawaii leaves thousands severely wounded, overwhelming all possible resources on the island. Of the wounded, 300 are placed on military aircraft and head for Phoenix to receive care. A little known mission of the 56th Medical Group is to act as the Phoenix area federal coordinating center for the National Disaster Medical
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-17 Jul
We’ve showed you tips for beating the heat, but make sure you look out for your furry friends, too! 🐶☀️ #summersafety #petsafety
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-16 Jul
Thunderbolts - have you heard there were updates to AFI 36-2903? Check out some of the major changes in this short video and then get smart on all of them by reviewing the full list here: https://go.usa.gov/xU9kX
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-16 Jul
Krav Maga instructors visited Luke Air Force Base last week to teach our Security Forces #defenders combative techniques that they can use in their daily operations to ensure the safety of themselves and our personnel. Upon completion of the seven-day Krav Maga training, the members became instructor certified to teach military and government employees.
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-15 Jul
Did you know the AFMS - Luke - 56th Medical Group​ operates a pharmacy in Scottsdale 2 days a week to better serve the beneficiaries in the east valley? Here’s what you need to know: 1️⃣ open Mon & Thur 0900-1500 2️⃣ located at 7301 E 4th St, Suite 7 Scottsdale AZ 3️⃣ call 623-856-3450 for assistance 4️⃣ to refill a prescription call 623-856-3969
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-13 Jul
Each week an Airman is recognized from the 56th Fighter Wing as the Thunderbolt of the Week for their outstanding performance and dedication to duty. Join us in congratulating the amazing Airmen of Thunderbolt nation!
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-12 Jul
Have you seen those scenes in movies where the computer geniuses track the bad guys trying to break into a network and stop them?! Well we just got our own version...kind of. 💻⛔️🔍 Luke's network security was recently upgraded with the Mission Defense Team reaching initial operating capability. The MDT monitors base network traffic and communicates any threats, anomalies, or suspicious activity. Learn more about how the Air Force is transforming Communication Squadrons to optimize #cyber security for weapons systems and networks.
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-11 Jul
“What this program is going to do is provide the stability for the AMU to produce a consistent turn-pattern of aircraft..to produce more pilots, more efficiently, with a higher quality of training.” As part of an effort to increase #F35 maintenance effectiveness and efficiency the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit created a team of unified maintenance Air Force specialties called Lightning Integrated Technicians. Learn how these #Airmen have exceeded Air Education and Training Command mission capable rates with fewer technicians than traditional manpower constructs. https://go.usa.gov/xUBHb
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-10 Jul
The U.S. Air Force F-35 Heritage Flight Team is heading to the UK to take part in the #RAF100 festivities this weekend!
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-10 Jul
Thunderbolts - don't make dinner plans for Thursday night...come out to Club Five Six and take part in the PF Chang's food truck!
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-09 Jul
We recently had the honor of hosting Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Donovan. During his visit he gained insight into #F35 training operations and served as the guest speaker for the 61st Fighter Squadron F-35A basic course graduation. ⭐️ Fun Fact! Under Secretary Donovan graduated from the 426th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron at Luke in 1983 as an F-15 Eagle pilot and his initial instructor pilot was an exchange officer from the Royal Australian Air Force. The #61FS continues the legacy of #Mateship and strengthening alliances today. 🇺🇸 🇦🇺 Read more here: https://go.usa.gov/xUWUC
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-07 Jul
“As you progress in your career and you advance in rank, you find that your responsibilities change and your role in the organization changes. You take what you get and you learn from it. Every experience you have, you take something away.” For DeLand, Fla. native Capt Kristi Machado her journey from college graduate to Enlisted Airman to Force Support Officer is one of optimism and pragmatism that led her to becoming the leader she is today. Read more here: https://go.usa.gov/xUjtp #KnowYourMil
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-05 Jul
Chief Wright just announced an update to the Enlisted Force Structure. Take a few min to review and if you have any questions let us know and we’ll do our best to get them answered.
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-04 Jul
Hope everyone is celebrating big (and safe!) today! 🎇🇺🇸
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-03 Jul
We had a blast at LukeEvents Freedom Fest Friday night! If you couldn't make it or need more fireworks in your life here are a few place around the West Valley you can find them tomorrow night! 🎇Westgate Firework Fest | 5-9pm 🎇⚾️Surprise Fourth of July baseball game and fireworks | game starts at 5:30pm, fireworks 8:30pm 🎇Goodyear's Star-Spangled 4th | 6-10pm 🎇Buckeye's Old-Fashioned Independence Day Celebration | 7-9pm 🎇Red, White and Boom! at The Wigwam | 6-8:30pm 🎇Tolleson 4th of July Celebration | starts at 4pm 🎇Peoria's All-American Festival | fireworks at 9:15pm *some events are free and some require tickets so give them a quick google search to get all the details!* 📸: A1C Alex Cook
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-02 Jul
#DYK that servicemembers can register to vote by absentee ballot in whatever state they are a resident of? Watch this video from the Federal Voting Assistance Program - FVAP to learn more! You can also call the Luke A&FRC for help getting registered and requesting your ballot at 623-856-6550.
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-01 Jul
Every day we build fighter pilots. Airman Magazine recently spent time with the 54th Fighter Group to learn more about how we are helping the United States Air Force get after the complex issue of the pilot shortage.
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-29 Jun
Today we marked the end of our summer change of command season (13 this year!). Thanks again to all the outstanding leaders who departed for your contributions building the future of #airpower and welcome to all new commanders! Pics from all the ceremonies here at Luke (as well as many other events from around TBolt Nation) can be found on our Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/56fwpa/albums
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-28 Jun
Thunderbolts time for some #SummerSafety reminders! Even though we only hit 110 degrees 5 times so far in June (compared to 11 times from 2015-2017) it’s still hot enough to need to hydrate and wear your SPF every day. 🔥🔥🔥 What else do you do to stay cool?
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-27 Jun
Today Luke Air Force Base completed our 20,000th #F35 sortie! We continue to build the future of airpower with an amazing total force, partner nation and industry team! Congrats to all who played a part! 🇺🇸🇦🇺🇮🇹🇳🇴🇯🇵 944th Fighter Wing Air Force Reserve Luke AFB F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office F-35 Lightning II
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U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-27 Jun
Last week Thunderbolts climbed dirt hills and dove into muddy waters as they took on the Jump in the Mud 5k. Learn how one Thunderbolt got out of her comfort zone and got more than a good workout from it. #mudrun #5K #thunderbolts LukeEvents
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-23 Oct
The 56th Dental Squadron painted the rock in honor of Chief Wright’s visit! https://t.co/LRxAeLwlr1
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-23 Oct
RT @388fw: We flew our 10,000th operational @thef35 sortie yesterday in the @388fw and @419fw - all thanks to our pilots and maintainers. #…
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-22 Oct
RT @usairforce: #BREAKING: #USAF extends High Year of Tenure for E-4 through E-6: https://t.co/YAigB5peEe https://t.co/455ltEgUMc
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-22 Oct
RT @AETCommand: Revitalizing our squadrons is a top priority for the Air Force. Check out what the First Sergeant Academy at @HQAirUniversi…
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-22 Oct
If you aren’t following @SecAFOfficial for the latest info on our Air Force bows a great time to! https://t.co/uWZHCjdl0U
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-22 Oct
RT @AirmanMagazine: An F-35A Lightning II and P-51 Mustang fly in formation as part of a Heritage Flight display during the Bell Fort Worth…
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-22 Oct
RT @DeptDefence: The tenth F-35A Joint Strike Fighter to be delivered to the @Aus_AirForce has arrived at @usairforce Luke Air Force Base i…
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-21 Oct
More photos from @POTUS visit to Luke are available here: https://t.co/2QcqbxTRhp
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-20 Oct
RT @DepSecDef: Great discussion yesterday at @LukeAFB & great leadership from @POTUS Trump. The @DeptofDefense must work with Congress & de…
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-20 Oct
“We make the greatest military equipment in the world. American-made military products are more effective, more let… https://t.co/NwNuQi0by9
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-20 Oct
Team Luke was proud to host @POTUS, as well as @DepSecDef & @SecAFOfficial today to showcase defense capabilities.… https://t.co/nUh0tx5Y35
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-19 Oct
RT @DepSecDef: Happening now: Alongside @POTUS Trump, @SecAFOfficial, defense industry CEOs and local leaders at @LukeAFB, talking defense…
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-19 Oct
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-19 Oct
RT @abc15: No visit to @LukeAFB, even by @realDonaldTrump, is complete without a selfie. #abc15 https://t.co/axuqNkI3UM
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-19 Oct
RT @markknoller: Pres thanks military personnel at @LukeAFB, shaking hands and posing for multiple selfies. https://t.co/o9f7RjsKjS
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-19 Oct
RT @SecAFOfficial: Meeting some of the Airmen here @LukeAFB where we train more than 70% of the world’s #F35 pilots. #AirPower https://t.co…
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-19 Oct
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-19 Oct
RT @FoxNews: .@POTUS participates in a roundtable discussion with defense industry CEOs and local business leaders at @lukeafb https://t.co…
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-19 Oct
RT @WhiteHouse: President Trump Participates in a Defense Roundtable https://t.co/FywXuHOh1n
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U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-19 Oct

F-35 Heritage Flt Team