Digital and Print Publication for Luke AFB, serving the West Valley region of Phoenix, AZ. An AerotechNews.com Publication. – March 18, 2022
Hello, everyone, and welcome to a very special issue of Luke AFB Thunderbolt – a look at the history and heritage of Luke Air Force Base. Named for World War I flying ace Frank Luke, Jr., Luke Field was established in 1941 and produced 17,321 graduates from fighter training programs during World War II alone. Luke became a full-fledged Air Force base during the Korean War. From the AT-6 Texan in 1941 to the F-35A Lightning II aircraft that flies today, Luke has been home to numerous fighter aircraft and produced more than 61,000 graduates from fighter training programs for the U.S. and its allies, earning its nickname, “Fighter Country.” So settle down for a good read, and click on the link below for a free digital copy of Thunderbolt, viewable on your computer or mobile device.
Here are some highlights from this special edition:
- 2nd Lt. Frank Luke Jr. — the legendary “Arizona Balloon Buster”: page 2
- Luke’s historic role in the Air Force mission: page 3
- Luke AFB origins of the USAF Thunderbirds: page 4
- Nearly 40 years of Fighting Falcons over Luke: page 5
- Photo Feature: Luke history in pictures: pages 8 & 9
All this and much more, in this special edition of Luke AFB Thunderbolt! Hard copies of the paper will be available at various distribution points on base and in surrounding areas starting March 18th. Pick one up when you’re out and about, or visit our website, www.aerotechnews.com, for much more military and defense industry news. “Like” our page for daily news updates – we now regularly cross-post news and features from the military bases we serve throughout the desert Southwest, as an extension of our military and defense community. As always, THANK YOU for your support – it’s our privilege to serve you! Be safe and be well. #aerotechnews #lukeafbnews #lukethunderbolt