The Thunderbolt – Luke AFB


Featured Headlines

Local

F-16 Fighting Falcon Heritage Aircraft gets new look with vintage style

The former 56th Fighter Wing flagship F-16 Fighting Falcon, tail number 89-2056, got a paint job and is taking its new look to the skies above Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.

Local

New Air Traffic Control Trainer Course better prepares Airmen to control the skies

The Air Force recently developed an Air Traffic Control Trainer Course, the first trainer course designed for a specific career field, to improve retention rates. The three-day course, implemented first at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., trains Airmen who have completed their year of on-the-job training and are preparing to train the newest controllers coming from technical school.

Local

Base’s roster of F-35s increasing; spike in noise complaints

Luke Air Force Base's roster of F-35s has grown and that means more noise around the pilot-training installation on the west side of metro Phoenix.

Technology

Metals Technology: Innovating the future of airpower

From aircraft parts to specialized tools, the Airmen at the 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., aircraft metals technology flight manufacture and fix any asset that comes their way.

Air Force

‘Alcatraz Gang’ POW leaves legacy of hope

In May of 1966, 21 days after his F-4 Phantom II was shot down over North Vietnam, Sam Johnson arrived at the Hōa Lò Prison. Within hours, he was beaten unconscious by his brutal captors. The unspeakable pain Johnson endured when his broken arm and dislocated shoulders were wrenched backwards was only the beginning. Johnson…


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Air Force

Air Force makes updates to enlisted evaluation policies

Posted  January 23, 2019

The Air Force recently updated evaluation policies for enlisted Airmen, refining the process and requirements for enlisted performance reports. The revised policies are in response to feedback from the field and are geared towards increasing flexibility for commanders and empowering performance within the enlisted corps. “We are continuously making strides to reform our talent management…

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Local

Sheila Heen teaches Thunderbolts the art of feedback

Posted  September 29, 2017

Sheila Heen, Harvard Law School professor and negotiation expert, came to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Sept. 25 to speak with Thunderbolts about the art and science of feedback.

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Air Force

Yesterday’s Air Force: Pilot training

Posted  May 23, 2017

This episode of Yesterday’s Air Force takes a look back at the history of the Air Force’s Pilot Training Program, from its humble beginnings in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, to its modern day pursuit of air superiority.

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Events

Year in Photos – May 2015

Posted  January 7, 2016

Senior Airman Devante Williams Brig. Gen. Scott Pleus, 56th Fighter Wing commander, and Charles Lilly, lithograph artist, unveil the new fighter wing lithograph May 21 at Luke Air Force Base. The presentation took place during the 56th Fighter Wing change-of-mission ceremony. Senior Airman Devante Williams Brig. Gen. Scott Pleus, 56th Fighter Wing commander, speaks with…

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Air Force

AZ Air Guard trains with 48th Fighter Wing in United Kingdom

Posted  June 18, 2018

Several Airmen from the 161st Air Refueling Wing at Goldwater Air National Guard Base, Phoenix, Ariz., conducted an overseas training mission with the 48thFighter Wing at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, May 21 to June 8.   

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Latest Digital Edition

 

To view the latest digital edition of Thunderbolt click here:

Thunderbolt

Click on the link above to read the Feb. 1 issue on your computer or mobile device. Here are some stories we have prepared for you this week:

  • EMS works behind the scenes to put aircraft in the sky: page 3
  • Stressed on the job? Resiliency skills can help: page 5
  • Sam Johnson, the Hanoi Hilton and the “Alcatraz Gang”: page 8
  • Photo feature: Team Luke honors Dr. King: pages 10 & 11
  • Using your cell behind the wheel in Glendale will cost you: page 12
 

Pick up a copy!

 

Find out where to pick up a print copy of The Thunderbolt by checking our Distribution List

 

Chapel Corner

 

The Luke Chapel team is committed to ensuring spiritual care for the entire family. Chapel offices are in the Luke Community Chapel at 139th Avenue and Shooting Star Street. All services are Sunday unless noted. For more information, call 623-856-6211.

COM-Chapel on the Mall
LCC-Luke Community Chapel

Worship schedule

Catholic Mass
Saturday is at 5 p.m. at LCC
Sunday is at 8:30 a.m. at LCC
Sunday is at 5:30 p.m. at the LCC

Protestant worship

Contemporary/Gospel service at 10:30 a.m at LCC and Traditional service at 9:00 a.m. at COM

Buddhist Study Group meets every 4th Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

Other faith groups
For information, call 623-856-6211.

Chapel activities

Religious education

Catholic religious education is 10:30 a.m. to noon in Bldg. 1150
Protestant religious education is 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in Bldg. 485

Weddings

Weddings are conducted in COM and must be scheduled months in advance

Singles ministry

Bible study is 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Oasis in Bldg. 636
Singles meet for dinner at 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the Oasis

Youth events

Catholic youth group is 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at LCC

Club Beyond/Young Life Military

For information, call Alicia Siefert at 623-856-6211.
Officer Christian Fellowship (Singles) Monday night bible study and fellowship.