Thunderbolt


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Northrop Grumman photograph Air Force

X-47B launch a pivotal moment in Naval aviation

Northrop Grumman photograph An X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator launches from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is the first aircraft carrier to successfully catapult launch an unmanned aircraft from its flight deck. The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator completed its first ever carrier-based catapult launch from…

Air Force photo by MSgt. John Nimmo DoD

F-35A instructor pilots qualify in aerial refueling

Air Force photo by MSgt. John Nimmo An F-35A Lightning II approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker during aerial refueling May 13, 2013, near Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The initial cadre of Air Force F-35 instructor pilots at the 33rd Fighter Wing recently qualified in aerial refueling for the joint strike fighter. The 33rd FW is…

Lockheed Martin photograph World

Turkish industry takes off in support of F-35

Lockheed Martin photograph Murad Bayar, Turkish Undersecretary for Defense Industries, and Steve O’Bryan, Lockheed Martin F-35 VP, Program Integration and Business Development, stand together after an F-35 Industry Recognition Event at IDEF 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey, May 8.  Undersecretary Bayar expressed his support for the F-35 program and the Turkish Industry, which could realize more…

boeing-787c U.S.

Boeing rolls out 787 Dreamliner at increased production rate

Boeing has rolled out of the factory the first 787 Dreamliner to be built at the increased production rate of seven airplanes per month. The airplane, which rolled out earlier this week, is the 114th 787 to be built overall and the 100th 787 to be built at the Everett, Wash., factory. Boeing’s 787 program…

Lockheed Martin photograph Air Force

C-130J worldwide fleet soars past a million flight hours

Lockheed Martin photograph Lockheed Martin delivered three C-130J Super Hercules to the Iraqi Air Force, two months ahead of schedule, the third of which departed the Marietta, Ga., Dec 12, 2012. The Iraqi Air Force will use the airlifters for intra-theater support for its troops and to provide humanitarian relief operations in various locations. The…

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Salutes & Awards

Thunderbolt of the Week March 30, 2012

Posted  March 31, 2012

Hometown: Vandalia, Ill. Years in service: Two Family: Father, Brad; step-mother, Alyssa; mother, Monica; brothers, Joshua and Tristan; and sisters, Makaela and Isabella Education: Community College of the Air Force in information systems technology Inspirations: People who are willing to work…

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Staff Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.
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Health & Safety

ASTS receives life-like training tool

Posted  March 31, 2012

The newest member of the 944th Aeromedical Staging Squadron allows operators to create “real-life” situations for medical training. Laerdal SimMan 3G, a new mannequin, is a life-like patient able to produce audible breathing and bowel sounds, and heartbeats. He can sweat, cry and bleed. Even…

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Commentary

Moral courage takes action despite consequences

Posted  March 31, 2012

Physical courage is a quality rightfully associated with military members. Tales of battlefield heroics from Greek mythology through present day are replete with names synonymous with great physical courage. Hearing names such as Hercules, Perseus, Levitow, and Sijan summon powerful images of…

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Staff Sgt. Denise Willhite
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Local

Out-of-town visitors

Posted  March 31, 2012

Maj. Justin Robinson, 69th Fighter Squadron pilot, explains the control panel of an F-16 to Ambassador Sichan Siv during a recent visit to Luke Air Force Base as part of a San Antonio civic leader tour. The group joined the 433rd Airlift Wing from Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. The group of 23 arrived on…

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Local

Four pilots selected for test pilot school

Posted  March 31, 2012

Four pilots and two alternates were recently selected from Luke Air Force Base to attend the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and the U.S. Naval Air Test Center at Patuxent River, Md., after a nearly nine-month selection process. “This was my first application,” said Major…

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Local

James Ray

Posted  March 31, 2012

A civilian who works in the 56th Force Support Squadron at Luke Air Force Base has been an FBI agent, a flight attendant, a detective and a suicidal prisoner. He’s even been a hit man. Twice. His name is James Ferris, and he has played each of those parts as an actor. You won’t find his…

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Sports

SFS squeaks by 56th MDOS 57-53

Posted  April 13, 2012

 

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Health & Safety

Safety first for Green Knights

Posted  April 13, 2012

As an avid rider for more than 30 years, it never surprises me to see the “other” drivers not paying attention to the task at hand. It is important for us as two- and four-wheel vehicle operators to be aware of, not only what we’re doing, but what others are as well. We live in…

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Sports

Sports Shorts – April 13, 2012

Posted  April 13, 2012

Soccer game The Phoenix Monsoon, a semipro team, is coming to Luke Air Force Base to play against the Luke Falcons at 7 p.m. Thursday at the soccer field on the base track. For more information, call Benjamin Lemus at (623) 856-7965. Pitch, hit and run A MLB pitch, hit and run competition is at…

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Local

Gimme’ some O

Posted  April 13, 2012

Staff Sgt. Angela Gonzalez, 56th Operations Support Sqadron continuation training instructor, demonstrates how to connect an oxygen hose to a pilot’s G-suit at Luke Air Force Base. Continuation training instructors also teach water survival, proper ejection techniques and help pilots identify hazardous or venomous animals on the ground.

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56fw.pa@luke.af.mil
(623) 856-7011

The commander’s Action Line is your direct line to me with questions or suggestions about subjects of concern to the entire Luke Air Force Base community.

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