The 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, marked the conclusion of an era on February 26, 2025, with the final local training sortie of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. This marked the end of the storied legacy of the F-16 at Luke, which began pilot training for the aircraft back in February 1983. Over those 42 years, the base has been fundamental to preparing thousands of airmen, with more than 20,000 pilots graduating from its F-16 training programs.
Brig. Gen. David Berkland, commander of the 56th Fighter Wing, emphasized the importance of this transition, stating, "The F-16's final flight at Luke signifies a transition, not an end. It's a tribute to the aircraft's legacy and the Airmen who mastered it, building a foundation of lethality directly supporting the Combat Air Force." This sentiment was echoed by others who recognize the F-16 as more than just aircraft; it symbolizes decades of training, effort, and service to the nation.
The F-16, which arrived at Luke AFB in December 1982, has been pivotal to the operational readiness of the U.S. Air Force and allied nations. The training program concluded with the last graduation of F-16 student pilots from the 309th Fighter Squadron (FS) back in September 2024, just months prior to the last flight.
Lt. Col. Michael Ress, the commander of the 309th FS, piloted the final sortie. This last flight marks not just the end of using F-16s for training but also the beginning of the squadron’s transition to training on F-35A Lightning II aircraft, positioning Luke AFB to remain at the forefront of modern aerial combat capabilities.
The transition to the F-35A is significant as the base aims to shift its training paradigm to meet contemporary air combat requirements. Brig. Gen. Berkland noted, "Now, we focus on Luke's future as the premier F-35 training wing, ensuring continued air dominance and unmatched combat capability." This modernization reflects broader trends within the U.S. military to embrace next-generation aircraft technology.
While the 309th FS prepares for the shift, the 425th FS will continue using F-16s, training Republic of Singapore Air Force pilots and maintainers until their own transition to Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, is completed over the upcoming years.
Despite the emotional attachment many may have to the F-16, this transition is critically necessary. The needs of modern air warfare demand advanced capabilities, and the F-35A is engineered to deliver just those advantages. The enhancements included with the F-35 program will assist the Air Force not only to keep pace but to take the lead with cutting-edge technology.
On the maintenance side, the Air Force has ensured the proper care of the final F-16 models at Luke by the 309th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. This unit will conclude its responsibilities with the F-16s by divesting the remaining aircraft next month, allowing the squadron to focus entirely on adopting F-35 training protocols.
Luke AFB's long history with the F-16 has laid down a legacy of excellence. Many of the pilots receiving their training here have gone on to serve valiantly across the globe. This new chapter on F-35 training is not merely about changing aircraft; it is about continuing the commitment to air superiority and ensuring the U.S. military retains its competitive edge.
With the upgrades and advancements coming with the F-35, the potential for enhanced operational capacity is substantial. The jet incorporates advanced stealth technology, networking capabilities, and enhanced weapons systems, addressing the modern threats faced by the U.S. and its allies.
Transitioning to newer functions will demand rigorous retraining and adaptation for both personnel and equipment, but with this transition aims to bolster not just local but global air capabilities.
The closing of the F-16 chapter resonates deeply with those who trained on them and worked tirelessly to maintain these aircraft. The enthusiasm for the incoming F-35s offers optimism for the future, both at Luke AFB and beyond, as they embrace the evolution of air combat strategies.
While the departure of the F-16s signifies one era's end, it also heralds the launch of innovative training practices and state-of-the-art aerial combat preparation for the next generation of aviators. Luke AFB remains committed to producing pilots who will face tomorrow's challenges confidently.