Midweek Sortie 34: Luke AFB—The Arizona Base That Built Generations of Fighter Pilots

Luke Air Force Base has transformed thousands of young aviators into combat-ready fighter pilots—from the propeller-driven warbirds of World War II to today’s stealthy F-35.

“Luke’s mission has not changed. We train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen.”

—Brig. Gen. Dave Berkland, 56th Fighter Wing commander

A photo of the main gate at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Luke AFB and Scott AFB, Illinois, were recently selected for a pilot study to help the Air Force consolidate and reduce the facility footprint at installations across the enterprise. Scott was selected as a large installation and Luke as a small installation. The large and small effort will help with a broader application of possible concepts across the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force)

Before the sun even thinks about rising, the Arizona desert lies in darkness, but at Luke Air Force Base, the day is already on the move. Out on the flight line, under a wash of floodlights, crews are bustling around sleek F-35A Lightning IIs.