Luke Air Force Base

FLYING HIGH

Luke Air Force Base celebrates its 80th anniversary with an eye on growth and increasing its economic impact

PARTNERS IN TIME

By ERIN THORBURN

His educational credentials and military assignments are as extensive as they are diverse. Luke Air Force Base Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, commander of the 56th Fighter Wing holds several master’s degrees, has received seven major awards and decorations, and has served in posts across the globe — from South Korea to Iraq, and nearly everywhere in between. His experience, dedication and commitment help reflect what makes Luke AFB a local economic driver, a national security stronghold and revered fixture of the West Valley — and state.

In honor and celebration of Luke AFBs’ 80th anniversary, Az Business and Brig. Gen. Kreuder discuss what makes the base an asset to the West Valley and Greater Phoenix.

Az Business: What is unique about Luke AFB and its place within the West Valley?

Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder: I am grateful the Air Force has given me opportunities to serve throughout the U.S. and in several locations in the Far East, Europe and the Middle East. Wherever they are in the world, our air bases must build and maintain strong, positive relationships with their local communities to ensure our airmen and families are welcome and their mission can continue over the long term.

Luke is right in the middle of a rapidlyexpanding area of the West Valley, yet has maintained an incredibly strong relationship with its community. In fact, it’s the best relationship I have seen in my military career. This is primarily due to the positive and proactive engagement of our local elected officials, city staff, civic leaders and others that see the value of Luke Air Force Base and its mission to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready airmen.

80 YEARS OF HISTORY

1918: During an 18-day period in which he flew only eight days, 2nd Lt. Frank Luke, Jr., a Phoenix native, destroys 18 enemy aircraft, becoming the first aviator awarded the Medal of Honor.

1918

1941: In March, Del Webb Construction Company breaks ground on Litchfield Park Air Base. In June, the base is renamed Luke Field for 2nd Lt Frank Luke, Jr.

1941

1945: During World War II, Luke Field was the largest fighter training base in the Army Air Forces, graduating more than 12,000 fighter pilots and earning the nickname, “Home of the Fighter Pilot.”

1945

Here’s why Luke Air Force Base’s brigadier general says the 80-year relationship between the military facility and the surrounding communities is something special

Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder

AB: In addition to a fifth squadron, how will the newly redesigned course for F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chiefs and the 372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 12, add to the existing role Luke AFB plays in producing combat-ready pilots and crew chiefs?

GK: The 372nd TRS, Det. 12, plays a critical role in producing combat-ready crew chiefs at Luke AFB.

In July 2020, the Air Force introduced a newly redesigned course for F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chiefs going through technical training called Right Time Training (RTT). After completing technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, F-16 crew chiefs will now proceed directly to their first duty station to attend RTT with the 372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 12, which saves the Air Force money by cutting travel to additional duty stations.

The six-week F-16 Right Time Training course allows airmen to learn basic flightline maintenance operations. The course features intensive instructor-led, hands-on training to familiarize the airmen with location-specific maintenance operations. With a small class size of up to five students, instructors can offer students a more personal experience. Smaller class sizes lead to better, faster and tailored training to the aircraft they are working on.

AB: How is Luke AFB an asset to the local community and the state?

GK: Luke’s total economic impact in the State of Arizona is about $2.4 billion annually. So, we clearly have a positive economic impact. But, I think there’s something else that makes Luke an asset to our surrounding communities and Arizona. Our airmen have all sworn to defend

1951

1951: In response to need for fighter aircrews generated by Korean Conflict, Luke is removed from the inactive list and designated as Luke Air Force Base, part of the Air Training Command (ATC) under the reorganized United States Air Force.

1957

1953

1953: The 3600th Air Demonstration Team is officially established at Luke and is known as the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. The squadron operated F-84G Thunderjets, as the aircraft had to be able to show how good training made a typical aircraft easy to handle.

1957: Luke AFB joins the supersonic age when the F-100 Super Sabre is assigned to the installation.

1958: The base was transferred from Air Training Command to Tactical Air Command.

1958

the Constitution of the United States and decided to be a part of something larger than themselves. All the feedback we receive shows our local communities are proud to have Luke airmen and their families living amongst them throughout the West Valley.

Our family members are equally valuable to the community. They not only provide our Airmen the emotional and mental support required to execute the mission, but many also provide financial stability for their family in the form of employment outside the base. I am confident you will find our military spouses and dependents bring the same motivation, determination and skill to their civilian workplace as our airmen do at Luke. This has proven to be an invaluable asset to businesses throughout the West Valley and Arizona as a whole.

AB: Aside from its impressive eight decades of longevity, what makes Luke AFB and its 80th Anniversary significant?

GK: It’s rare to find a long-standing, strong partnership of 80 years nowadays. The importance of our surrounding community is indescribable and immeasurable. The support is not only felt by our Airmen, but is also tangible in every interaction we have with the citizens of the West Valley.

For example, the city of Glendale has shown its commitment to our military members and the Luke AFB mission time and time again. One way we see this partnership directly is the major consideration in ensuring that any economic development surrounding the base is compatible with Luke’s mission. That partnership extends beyond our host city Glendale to surrounding communities and stakeholders, as can be seen in the Luke AFB Targeted Growth Management Plan.

Focusing on a study area based on a 20-minute drive from the base, the Plan looks at four key areas: education, workforce and economic development, housing and transportation and outlines specific steps all stakeholders can take to support Luke and its service members.

Luke is a major economic engine for the entire West Valley, allowing cities to attract businesses that can play a role in the direct supply chain to the base and those that cater to service members and their families. We also attract businesses with our highlytrained workforce, which includes service members who have separated from the military.

Luke is a unique asset for economic development. Recently, the base hosted corporate officials from Red Bull’s home office in Austria. This “meet-the-neighbor” day was a chance for base leadership and corporate partners to learn more about each other and discover possible partnerships in the community.

Luke AFB values the partnership with Glendale and the entire West Valley and the opportunity to grow together.

AB: What gives you pride about being the leader of Luke AFB?

GK: Thanks to the outstanding relationship we enjoy with the West Valley and the State of Arizona, Luke Air Force Base and its mission will continue to grow over the next decade. We are looking for ways to further integrate with our local community and make it even easier for our airmen to get on- and off-base quickly to get to local businesses and enjoy all the benefits of living in the West Valley.

Regarding our mission, we are innovating at all levels at Luke and on the Barry M. Goldwater Military Training Range in Southern Arizona, as we find better ways to train the next generation of fighter pilots and ensure our airmen remain combat-ready and can defend our Nation far into the future. However, although we have the most advanced aircraft and technology in the world right here at Luke, it is our airmen that remain our greatest weapon and asymmetric advantage over any adversary. I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding support Luke and our airmen receive from our local communities and the State of Arizona.

1964: Luke continues its tradition of providing fighter training for allied nations when an F-104 program for German air force pilots and an F-5 program for pilots from other nations begins.

1964 1971 1974: The first of the “Superfighters,” the F-15 Eagle, is assigned to the base. 1982

1971: The base receives the F-4C Phantom II and assumes its role as the main provider of fighter pilots for Tactical Air Command and fighter forces worldwide.

1974

1982: The F-16 Fighting Falcon comes to Luke and fighter pilots begin training in the new F-16 aircraft Feb. 2, 1983.

SOARING ECONOMY

The influence of Luke Air Force Base goes far beyond its multi-billion-dollar economic impact

By ERIN THORBURN

Many people living in the West Valley have their ears well-attuned to the rumblings of F-16s and F-35s. Sometimes, you can see their fly-bys, too, from different Valley vantage points. For those fortunate enough to hear and/or spot Luke Air Force Base aircraft, it leaves quite an impact. As Luke AFB celebrates its 80th anniversary, the military base continues to evolve and impact the Greater Phoenix region in more ways than ever, particularly by fueling a healthy economy — with even greater economic impact expected in the years to come. And that’s saying a lot since Luke AFB already boasts and annual economic impact of $2.4 billion — the equivalent of hosting five Super Bowls each year (pre-pandemic).

In addition to housing some of the nation’s most prized fighter jets, Luke Air Force Base is home to upwards of 6,900 active duty and reserve airmen, as well as civilian employees. In 2012, the Department of Defense (DoD) designated Luke AFB as the training home of 144 new F-35A Lightning II fighter jets. According to a recent report by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), this mission expansion will cause population on the base to grow from 16,663 to nearly 24,000 people by 2026. Luke’s population is not only a key local and state economic driver, but it also helps support valuable employment opportunities and entices businesses near and far to relocate to Arizona.

Basic training (in Luke’s economic impact)

According to the same MAG report, by 2026, defense spending at Luke AFB will result in 13,900 jobs, $820 million in compensation and a $1.5 billion increase in gross regional product to the study area. In turn, this will generate nearly $4 billion that will be added into the region’s economy, according to Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC).

“Luke Air Force Base has — and will continue to be — a significant economic driver for not only the West Valley and Greater Phoenix, but Arizona as a whole,” Camacho says. “The ramp-up of the F-35 program will bring 2,324 new personnel to the base, along with 4,717 dependents.”

With this exponential growth, also comes direct spending by the Air Force, including major defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing — both with facilities in the West Valley — and from local businesses that provide support services.

“According to MAG’s Targeted Management Growth Plan (TGMP),” Camacho says, “at full buildout of the F-35

1987

1991: A decision to make Luke AFB the service’s primary F-16 training base leads to the reassignment of the F-15 and four years later, in 1995, the F-15E is reassigned.

1987: The reserve function at Luke changes when the 302nd Special Operations Squadron deactivates its helicopter function and the 944th Tactical Fighter Group is activated to fly the F-16C/D. 1991

1994 1996

1994: The first female fighter pilot in USAF history, 1st Lt Jeannie M. Flynn, completes F-15E basic course with the 555th Fighter Squadron. 1994: After 24 years at Luke, the 58th Fighter Wing is replaced when the 56th Fighter Wing, one of the most highly decorated units in USAF history, is reassigned from scheduled-to-close MacDill AFB, Florida, to Luke AFB. 1996: President Bill Clinton visits Luke, the first presidential visitor since President Gerald Ford visited the base in 1974.

LUKE AFB

MISSION EXPANSION

144 NEW F35A LIGHTNING II AIRCRAFT

2,324

NEW PERSONAL

4,717

DEPENDENTS

7,041

TOTAL POPULATON INCREASE

16,663

EXISTING BASE POPULATION 23,704

TOTAL BASE POPULATION BY 2026

program, six percent of the study area’s labor force will be related to the defense industry. And, five percent of Arizona’s zip codes have a higher concentration of defense contracts than the national average, with one zip code in the study area being 32 percent higher.”

“Additionally,” adds Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers, “base personnel contribute to the local economy by spending money on housing, education, food, cars, entertainment and much more. That support of local businesses helps the West Valley specifically, and the entire state, to draw and attract even more employers to Arizona.”

To help bolster further economic development, the West Valley received a growth planning grant from the federal government, managed by MAG, working with local stakeholders. The plan focuses on four targeted areas: housing and transportation, economic development, workforce development and education.

Saluting skilled labor of Luke personnel

One thing that sources for this story unanimously agree upon and stress is the significance that the addition of skilled labor from the personnel separating from Luke AFB and transitioning into the local civilian workforce. And the statistics reinforce the point.

“Annually, 600-plus personnel separate from Luke AFB,” says Sintra Hoffman, president and CEO of WESTMARC. “These separations are due to retirement or plans for next career steps. Either way, these individuals bring a minimum of four years of experience in their field.”

The careers for which Hoffman refers include engineering, finance, law, healthcare, and more. All of these professions directly align with the targeted industries in the West Valley Pipeline Workforce strategy.

Approximately 90 percent of the defenserelated jobs created in the region by the projected expansion of the Luke Air Force Base will be in Glendale, Surprise, Goodyear and Avondale, according to the Maricopa Association of Governments.

“We’re finding many in-demand jobs seek employees with a skill set that is transferable from military positions,” Camacho says. “There are many possibilities because of the evolving ecosystem of job opportunities in Greater Phoenix. Pipeline AZ (pipelineaz.com) has skills-matching technology and virtual hiring fairs that pair incoming job seekers to real-time openings and coaches them through the transition. This includes dedicated tools for the military to help lattice their skills

2000

2001: Terrorist attacks in New York and Washington result in the highest level of force protection at Luke, launching 27 combat air patrol missions over Phoenix.

2011: It is announced that the F-35 Lightning II will replace the F-16 as the primary training aircraft at Luke.

2011 2013: The Air Force announces that Luke AFB will house a total of 144 F-35A Lightning IIs.

2000: Luke produces its 50,000th fighter training graduate since 1941 as 1st Lt. Joshua G. Padgett completes the basic course with the 62nd Fighter Squadron. 2001 2013

Chris Camacho Sintra Hoffman

to in-demand jobs and find new career opportunities that might not have been originally thought of.”

Weiers, who has found great privilege in working with active duty service members as well as veterans, highlights another program that helps link separated personnel from Luke.

“One of the most exciting things happening not only at Luke but throughout the Department of Defense is the ‘Skill Bridge’ program,” he says.

Under Sky Bridge, military members who are separating from service, may leave active duty 180 days in advance to participate in internship programs with prospective employers. These service members continue to be paid by the military as part of the program, as they transition to new careers.

In addition to the population of Luke’s military personnel who remain in the Valley to enter the civilian workforce, their family members are also contributing — and adding value — to the local labor market.

“Family members possess skills and credentials that add to our local workforce, thus positioning this region to capture companies seeking to locate in the Phoenix metro area,” Hoffman says.

Eric Orsborn Jerry Weiers

Wingman perks and privileges

For as much money as Luke AFB pumps into the economy and promotes economic development (directly and indirectly), the local landscape does its part to provide a place for military families to thrive (whether active, veteran or separating family members).

“Buckeye and the West Valley provide many benefits to former active Luke AFB personnel,” says Eric Orsborn, mayor of Buckeye. “Many prefer to remain living close to the military facility for access to Phoenix and medical services. Buckeye provides these benefits, as well as a relatively low cost of living, affordable housing, recreational opportunities and a great quality of life. In addition to these offerings, Greater Phoenix, the West Valley and specifically Buckeye offer a wonderful place to raise a family and provide endless opportunities for career growth and investment into one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States.”

And homes will be needed. Luke’s projected growth — in the next six years alone — will necessitate 1,713 housing units. And, most — 90 percent — of Luke AFB personnel prefer to live off base.

According to the Luke Air Force Base Targeted Growth Management Plan released in June 2020, ample off-base housing is projected to be available to qualifying military families (Rank E-5 and above). The report explains that nearby West Valley homes are also priced appropriately for military personnel of all ranks (and their partners and families).

Furthermore, the TGMP states that, “Vacant residential units contribute to the bulk of housing supply, annually contributing an average 83 percent of the overall housing supply in the study area.”

“Housing is more affordable than other parts of Maricopa County,” Hoffman says. “The West Valley is also rich with education opportunities, ranging from high-performing K-12 school districts to community college and university options.”

“Educational opportunities range from the community college level to post-graduate studies, with Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Grand Canyon University and Midwestern University, as examples,” Weiers adds. “The West Valley is also home to an array of tech schools, including Universal Technical Institute, proving more post-service training opportunities.”

Beyond the job opportunities, housing, education and other perks available to Luke personnel and their families, are a host of entertainment, recreation, sports and other diversions. And, as the base continues to grow and the economy prospers, even more offerings for military personnel and their families are likely to come to fruition.

“I remember going out to Luke Air Force Base as a young boy,” Weiers says. “I was mesmerized by the aircraft and the entire operation, and I am extremely proud that it has grown into the world’s largest Air Force base right here in Glendale.”

2015

2015: Luke Air Force Base ushers in a new era as it officially changes its mission to include training for F-35 Lightning II fighter jets.

2016

2016: Luke Air Force Base celebrates its 75th anniversary by presenting the “75 Years of Airpower” airshow, which attracts more than 150,000 spectators. 2020: Luke Air Force base honors Arizona’s front line coronavirus workers with an impressive 50-minute flyover that covers the Valley.

2020: The Senate authorizes $5.3 billion for 60 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, which means Luke AFB will build a fifth squadron.

2020

A LOOK AT THE 56TH FIGHTER WING — LUKE AIR FORCE BASE

THE HISTORY:

Luke Air Force Base is named for the World War I flying ace and Phoenix native Lieutenant Frank Luke Jr., the first aviator to receive the Medal of Honor. Lieutenant Luke scored 18 aerial victories, 14 against German observation balloons, before being killed at the age of 21 on Sept. 29, 1918. MISSION:

The 56th Fighter Wing’s mission is to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat ready airmen. As part of Air Education and Training Command, and home to 26 squadrons with both F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-35A Lightning II aircraft, the 56th Fighter Wing is the largest fighter wing in the Air Force.

LUKE AFB ECONOMIC IMPACT

The 56th Fighter Wing includes four groups; 26 squadrons; a $200 million budget; $10 billion in F-15, F-16, and F35A aircraft; and services 102,000 medical beneficiaries. Here is Luke AFB’s economic impact on Arizona:

DIRECT: $974

MILLION INDIRECT: $761

MILLION INDUCED: $697

MILLION

TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT IN ARIZONA: $2.4 BILLION

LUKE AFB PERSONNEL

ACTIVE DUTY: 4,300

RESERVE: 1,300

CIVILIAN: 1,300

TRAINING CENTER

Since 1941, Luke AFB has graduated more than 61,00 pilots.

105 F-35 pilots annually 188 F-16 pilots annually 79 Intel specialists annually 98 F-35 maintainers annually 39 nurses annually 8 medical lab technicians annually 16 critical care/Emergency Trauma Fellowship annually

THE JETS

Luke AFB trains 75% of the world’s F-35 pilots.

F-35A Lightning II: Home to 94 F-35s F-16 Fighting Falcon: Home to 77 F-16s

LEADERSHIP

Wing Commander: Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder

Background: Brig. Gen. Kreuder commissioned in 1995 as a distinguished graduate of officer training school. His fighter assignments include duties as an instructor pilot, flight examiner, weapons officer, operations officer, squadron commander, vice wing commander, and air operations center commander. He is a command pilot with more than 2,700 hours in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, including 350 combat hours.

Vice Wing Commander: Col. Luke Casper

Background: Col. Casper earned his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He has flown the F-16 world-wide to include sorties in defense of the Republic of Korea and combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has served as squadron commander and combatant command division chief.

Command Chief: Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Weimer

Background: Chief Weimer entered the Air Force in March of 1993 and began his career as a weapons systems apprentice on AC-130 Gunships in August of 1993. In 1996, he cross trained as an MH-53 helicopter aerial gunner. After two tours in the MH53, Chief Weimer spent six years as a combat aviation advisor, training foreign militaries in helicopter operations.

ADDITIONAL COMMAND:

The 56th Fighter Wing oversees the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field and is steward of the 1.7 million-acre Barry M. Goldwater Military Training Range.

PARTNERS IN TRAINING

UNITED STATES NORWAY NETHERLANDS ITALY SINGAPORE AUSTRALIA

COURSE FOR THE FUTURE

Redesigned training for F-16 Fighting Falcon helps Luke AFB produce combat-ready crew chiefs

By ERIN THORBURN

In July 2020, the U.S. Air Force introduced a newly redesigned course for F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chiefs going through technical training at Luke Air Force Base. The 372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 12, plays a critical role in producing combat-ready crew chiefs at Luke Air Force Base by providing Right Time Training (RTT).

TOP GUNS: Staff Sgt. Darion Hubbard (far left), 372nd Training Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief instructor, and his F-16 Right Time Training class at Luke Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

The RTT class is a new initiative to provide small group, instructor-led hands-on training for F-16 crew chiefs after they compete technical training.

“Before RTT, new airmen traveled to Holloman AFB for their hands-on training first, then to their permanent duty station where they lost time for in-processing and specific airframe training,” says Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder. “This led to a gap in time performing their new jobs. Now, within 45 days of in-processing into their unit, they go to RTT then right back to their units.”

According to Kreuder, upon completion of RTT, airmen from Detachment 12 (the largest training detachment in the Air Force), are ready to “hit the ground running.” Essentially, they are fully equipped and able to operate on the flight line and generate sorties daily.

Luke AFB Staff Sergeant Darion Hubbard, F-16 FTD Instructor 372 TRS/Detachment 12, provides further insight into the benefits and nuances of the new redesigned program.

Az Business: How does the newly redesigned course for F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chiefs going through technical training and the 372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 12, play a critical role in producing combat-ready crew chiefs?

Staff Sergeant Darion Hubbard: This course was redesigned in an effort to ensure that new F-16 crew chiefs were more effective for mission roles assigned to their respective units upon the completion of this course. Prior to RTT, crew chiefs went through a course known as HOT (Hands-on Training)

Luke AFB Staff Sergeant Darion Hubbard

that included a few objectives that were unnecessary. And, new crew chiefs weren’t going to be performing these tasks when they would first arrive to their flight line units.

In the redesigned RTT course, these objectives were removed and other objectives were reviewed and improved in the rewrite and validation process of the RTT course. RTT also heavily reduces a significant amount of lost time for in-processing and other tasks associated with gaining a new airman in a unit.

AB: What makes Luke AFB unique and well-positioned for these types of training programs?

DH: Luke has been home to training both enlisted airmen, officers and partner nations for decades and has always been known as a highly-valued training hub. At Luke, the aviation community focuses on providing training to airmen and aviators while avoiding the uncertainty of weather conditions that would disrupt the training process that’s critical to providing combat-ready airmen.

Although many other bases will endure these stressors while simultaneously executing training, the environment at Luke is set perfectly for continuously improved training programs to be exercised and validated in the most effective way possible. This is how and why the first RTT class taught at Luke was critical to the course validation process and was one of the first few taught worldwide for a program that would affect all U.S. F-16 units.

The Detachment 12 at Luke AFB has, through this process, also become a valued contributor in setting the new standard for new F-16 crew chiefs Air Force wide.

AB: The new process saves the Air Force money by cutting an additional duty station from the process and allowing the airmen to focus on flight line operations. Can you explain how and why this is beneficial?

DH: In the HOT training process, airmen would complete their instructional training at Sheppard AFB, Texas, then perform temporary duty at Holloman AFB, before being assigned and transferred to their designated duty station. With the cost of traveling to Holloman and incurring daily costs for the span of a month or so, then traveling to their next duty station being cut out, the Air Force ultimately will reduce the overall cost put into producing combat-ready crew chiefs.

Airmen will now depart Sheppard AFB, travel directly to their first duty station, and begin the RTT course after their completion of initial maintenance orientation. After airmen complete the six week RTT course, they will then be returned to their respective units with no lost time in between training. This means that the newly gained knowledge is more effectively retained due to the continuation of performing their duties.