Welcome to the annual Mission Update Edition of Desert Lightning News! This edition of the newspaper will highlight Davis-Monthan Air Force Base’s impacts to the local community, country, and the world. The U.S. Air Force’s core values of “Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do!” will be exemplified throughout this edition of Desert Lightning News.

ABOUT DAVIS-MOTHAN AIR FORCE BASE

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is named in honor of Lieutenants Samuel H. Davis and Oscar Monthan, two Tucsonans and World War I era pilots who died in separate military aircraft accidents. Davis, who died in a Florida aircraft accident in 1921, attended the University of Arizona prior to enlisting in the Army in 1917. Monthan enlisted in the Army as a private in 1917, was commissioned as a ground officer in 1918 and later became a pilot. He was killed in a crash of a Martin bomber in Hawaii in 1924.

355th FIGHTER WING MISSION

Provide attack airpower, expeditionary combat support, and medical forces ready for worldwide deployment to combatant commanders. Produce highly-trained A-10C pilots to meet the Combat Air Forces, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve requirements. Support 12th Air Force (AFSOUTH) operations, an Air National Guard air sovereignty mission, four combat operations groups, and the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group. Ensure the readiness of all forces to fly, fight and win in support of the Joint fight.

355th FIGHTER WING VISION

A premier Fighter Wing comprised of resilient Warrior Airmen, armed with precise tools and training; powered by a culture of leadership and innovation; prepared to provide responsive combat airpower which exceeds Combatant Command expectations for excellence.