Luke Air Force Base | Buckeye

Luke Air Force Base (Luke AFB), located in Glendale, Arizona, about 15 miles west of downtown Phoenix, is one of the most significant U.S. Air Force installations, both historically and in present-day operations. Established in 1941, the base was named after 2nd Lieutenant Frank Luke Jr., a World War I fighter pilot and Medal of Honor recipient, remembered for his valor and skill in aerial combat.

Luke AFB’s primary mission is to train fighter pilots and maintainers for the U.S. Air Force and allied nations. It serves as the home of the 56th Fighter Wing, which is the largest fighter wing in the world. The base operates cutting-edge fighter aircraft, primarily the F-35A Lightning II and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. These jets represent the forefront of air combat technology, and Luke AFB is where pilots receive the intensive training necessary to master their operation in various combat scenarios.

The base hosts multiple fighter squadrons under the 56th Operations Group, including the 61st, 62nd, 63rd, 308th, 309th, 310th, 312th, 425th, and 550th Fighter Squadrons. Each squadron plays a specialized role, such as formal training on the F-35A or F-16, international pilot training (including students from NATO allies like the Netherlands, Denmark, and Singapore), and integration of active duty and Air National Guard units. This diverse squadron structure supports a broad mission scope and international collaboration.

Luke AFB is not just a pilot training center; it also manages vast training areas critical for realistic combat preparation. The Barry M. Goldwater Range, covering 1.7 million acres in the Sonoran Desert, provides a highly versatile space for live-fire exercises, air-to-air combat training, and ground-attack practice. Complementing this is the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, which acts as an emergency landing site and additional training area, enhancing the operational readiness of pilots.

Historically, Luke AFB played a pivotal role during World War II, functioning as the largest fighter pilot training base in the U.S. Army Air Forces. It graduated more than 12,000 pilots during the war, contributing significantly to the Allied air effort. The base’s reputation as the "Home of the Fighter Pilot" endures, reflecting its ongoing commitment to producing highly skilled aviators.

In recent years, Luke AFB has become central to the integration of the F-35 Lightning II into U.S. and allied air forces. This next-generation stealth fighter demands advanced training infrastructure and expertise, both of which Luke provides. The base recently welcomed the first Belgian F-35A jets, highlighting its role in supporting NATO partners and strengthening international defense ties.

Luke AFB operates year-round, providing a comprehensive training environment that combines classroom instruction, simulator training, and extensive flight hours. The base supports a wide community of military personnel and their families, offering robust facilities such as housing, schools, recreational amenities, and medical services.

Overall, Luke Air Force Base stands as a cornerstone of U.S. and allied airpower, blending historic legacy with modern technological advancements to maintain air superiority worldwide. Its continuous focus on elite pilot training, international cooperation, and operational excellence ensures that it remains a vital asset to national security and global military partnerships.