Passing the Torch: a commander’s final flight crosses paths with student pilot’s first in the F-35

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Berkland, 56th Fighter Wing commander, instructs a student pilot before their first flight at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, July 15, 2026. The mission of the 56th FW is to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen, leading the way in modern airpower to secure tomorrow’s victories. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Magen M. Reeves)

PHOTO BY: Staff Sgt. Magen Reeves

VIRIN: 260715-F-YO405-1001.JPG

FULL SIZE: 2.26 MB

Additional Details

CAMERA

NIKON Z 6

LENS

NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

APERTURE

28/10

SHUTTERSPEED

1/60

ISO

1250

IMAGE IS PUBLIC DOMAIN

This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. If you would like to republish please give the photographer appropriate credit. Further, any commercial or non-commercial use of this photograph or any other DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at https://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations, which pertains to intellectual property restrictions (e.g., copyright and trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters.

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