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  • Steven Kinkade, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant fire chief for training, and Tech Sgt. James Hickman, 56th CES fire fighter, demonstrate how to use an automated external defibrillator Sept. 20, 2016, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Proper use of an AED is a core requirement for the CPR recertification class. (U.S. Air Force Photos by Airman 1st Class Pedro Mota)

    Luke fire fighter retrain life saving skills

    According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases claim more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Every 90 seconds someone dies from cardiac arrest. Early recognition and high quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation is crucial to saving lives.On Sept. 20, 2016, the Luke Air Force Base Fire Department's leadership team held a
  • Staff Sgt. Garrett Christensen, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron logistics NCO in charge, displays safety gear from his current job as a fire fighter and his dream job of a fighter pilot April 14, 2016 at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Christensen has been selected for Basic Officer Training School with the ultimate goal of becoming a fighter pilot. (U.S Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Staci Miller)

    Firefighter to fighter pilot

    Firefighting takes teamwork, guts, commitment and the courage to go into harm’s way. Similarly, being a fighter pilot requires precision, skill and bravery to fly into combat and face off against an enemy.
  • Airman 1st Class Demetrius Smith, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron heavy equipment operator, checks the oil on a street sweeper at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Jan. 5, 2016. The street sweepers get utilized primarily for the airfield and secondly for the streets on base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James Hensley)

    Keeping airfield clean, aircraft flying

    There is one group of Airmen, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron heavy equipment operators, whose efforts have the potential to save the Air Force millions of dollars in aircraft repairs and keep pilots safe in flight."Whenever jets are flying we have a sweeper on standby just in case there is any FOD which could interfere with aircraft taking off," said
  • Sherri Biringer, Bryant Fitness Center fitness specialist supervisor, engages contestants as they weigh-in to start off their entry into the 2016 Luke Biggest Loser competition, Jan. 4, 2015 at Luke Air Force Base. The Luke Biggest Loser competition is a weight-loss competition stressing healthy sustainable weight-loss and exercise habits which rewards successful contestants with prizes and the chance to be featured as the face of Bryant Fitness Center’s Facebook page. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ridge Shan)

    Annual Biggest Loser Competition Kicks Off

    The Biggest Loser weight loss competition and fitness program run by the personal trainers of the Bryant Fitness Center began Jan. 4, 2016, at Luke Air Force Base.The 6th annual competition lasts from January until April and offers both a kick start to a healthier lifestyle and prizes for competitors who lose the highest percentage of body fat by
  • Senior Airman Melissa Franks, 56th Aerospace Medicine Squadron flight medicine medical technician, runs on the track at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Franks can run 1.5 miles in 9:15 and has placed first in all the 5-kilometer runs she’s attended at Luke in the female category. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Grace Lee)

    She has a need for speed

    She runs the 1.5-mile run in 9:15 and she's placed first on all the 5-kilometer runs she's attended. Like a machine, she zones out and focuses on the task at hand--running."I've been running for 15 years," said Senior Airman Melissa Franks, 56th Aerospace Medicine Squadron flight medicine medical technician.  "I started running as a means to get in
  • Senior Airman Christina Varland, 56th Component Maintenance Squadron administration specialist, participates as a mentor for the Transition Assistance Program for Survivors camp in Scottsdale, Arizona Dec. 5, 2015. TAPS is different from other grief programs in that the directors make a point to match the children with active-duty mentors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Staci Miller)

    Gone, never forgotten

    Losing a loved one who served in the military can be devastating to a child, but one program aims to show children they're not alone and are still part of the military family.Thunderbolts from Luke Air Force Base participated as mentors in the Transition Assistance Program for Survivors camp Dec. 5 in Scottsdale."TAPS provides an opportunity for
  • Rango, 56th Security Forces Squadron military working dog, licks Staff Sgt. Justin Gonzalez, 56th Security Forces Squadron MWD handler, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov. 17, 2015. It’s important for MWD handlers to develop a good working relationship with their dogs to strengthen the bond between them, Gonzalez said. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James Hensley)

    MWD handlers--more than just dogs

    While most view dogs as pets, a select few Airmen view them as partners and the difference between life and death for more than just themselves. These Airmen are trained to deploy with Military Working Dogs who detect explosive devices in order to save the lives of other deployed members.One Airman came into the Air Force with the goal of becoming
  • Courtesy graphic

    Air Force Academy LEAD visits Luke

    The Air Force has officers to lead the enlisted core, and through programs such as the Leaders Encouraging Airman Development, enlisted Airmen can commission to second lieutenant. An Air Force Academy representative came to Luke Air Force Base, Nov. 17, 2015, to provide information about opportunities for young Airmen looking to commission in the
  • Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn Straight, 56th Medical Group aerospace medical technician, took her grandfather’s advice and joined the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Devante Williams)

    Pediatric Clinic Airman aims for success

    The U.S. Air Force has been a stepping stone for many Airmen. Some people join the Air Force to travel the world while others join for the money and medical benefits. Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn Straight, 56th Medical Group aerospace medical technician, had a different mindset before committing her life to the Air Force.Straight worked a full time job
  • Luke Thunderbolts look for common ground with other members during the ice breaker at the Lightning Leadership Gold Course at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Nov. 19, 2015. With a variety of Thunderbolts coming from across base, the course was focused on connecting with one another and becoming better leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Devante Williams)

    Lightning Leadership course opens to all personnel

    Airmen from across the base gathered to learn about leadership techniques in a professional development program designed to promote leadership through a series of guided discussions on Nov. 19, 2015."Lighting Leadership Gold is about learning and growing together," said Master Sgt. Ida Bushey, 56th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor. 
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U.S. Air Force
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-04 Jul
Hope everyone is celebrating big (and safe!) today! 🎇🇺🇸
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U.S. Air Force
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
SAFAQOTI-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
@transformaf-20 Sep
Our @LockheedMartin #wingmen work tirelessly alongside our maintenace #Airmen to prepare safe and reliable #F35s to… https://t.co/gUqmxsNA4c
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-19 Sep
Chiefs from across @AETCommand gathered at Luke last week to learn how we are changing the Air Force with innovativ… https://t.co/oAxvhQteJT
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-18 Sep
RT @AF_Academy: The #CaptainMarvel trailer is finally here. Now, we're not saying we make superheroes but she's not wearing a @WestPoint_US…
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-18 Sep
We build the foundation of MultiDomain Ops by training Command and Control warriors in the 607 Air Control Squadron! https://t.co/6lVelWPxme
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-18 Sep
RT @AirmanMagazine: Currently the @usairforce has 312 operational squadrons. Looking forward, @SecAFOfficial says to implement the National…
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-17 Sep
The designation of #ace is one of the greatest in fighter pilot culture. It is reserved for those who have shot dow… https://t.co/AcngQirssA
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-17 Sep
Cheering for our #Airman’s to be named the winner at #ASC18 👏🏼👏🏼 https://t.co/mnxcuDcPpv
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-17 Sep
RT @usairforce: .@SecAFOfficial: The #USAF we need to implement the National Defense Strategy has 386 Operational Squadrons. #ASC18 https:/…
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-15 Sep
Congrats to 56 SFS defender SrA David Hightower on earning 2nd place out of 56 USAF and partner defenders for “Top… https://t.co/VqPAiPUJUo
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-14 Sep
Later that day, Luke’s sq received another tasking. Luke made the attack w/Wehner providing cover. After Luke hit t… https://t.co/7eWcccDV6R
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-14 Sep
The morning of Sept 14 1918, Luke and two others strayed from formation pursuing an Observation Balloon. Through a… https://t.co/SziIIXDOuM
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-14 Sep
The next chapter of Lt Frank Luke Jr’s #18in18 legacy includes his best friend Lt Joseph Frank "Fritz" Wehner. Beca… https://t.co/dcjjfFKz66
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-14 Sep
We're so proud of SrA Hightower! Only 6 individual awards given for all who participated and he grabbed one! https://t.co/gwbdiAUc1r
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-14 Sep
RT @DeptDefence: .@Aus_AirForce pilots & maintenance personnel have undergone munitions loading training for the F-35A joint strike fighter…
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-13 Sep
Our pilots have a lot to worry about when they step to their jet. The Aircrew Flight Equipment #Airmen make sure ea… https://t.co/53sEkgE9u1
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-13 Sep
We're thinking of everyone on the east coast impacted my Hurricane #Florence. Stay safe! https://t.co/4MtJkOM7cL
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-12 Sep
Thunderbolts - plan accordingly for traffic diversions next weekend! https://t.co/jYiDMG8npE
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-12 Sep
100 yrs ago today Lt Frank Luke Jr’s #18in18 legacy began. Luke broke formation to pursue the heavily defended Obse… https://t.co/DH7ZCcjYBW
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-12 Sep
RT @AETCommand: #ICYMI - the 2018 #AFDefenderChallenge is underway at @JBSA_Official-Camp Bullis this week. Check out the imagery from the…
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U.S. Air Force
@transformaf-11 Sep
#Thunderbolts gathered this morning to remember the lives of the 411 first responders lost on Sept 11, 2001. #DYK… https://t.co/hzKL1PbIXe

F-35 Heritage Flt Team