Luke Air Force Base Concludes Final F-16 Training Mission

Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona, has officially transitioned its fighter pilot training from the F-16 Falcon to the more advanced F-35A Lightning II. The change marks the end of a 40-year era for the F-16, a pivotal aircraft in U.S. military aviation.

On Monday, the last training mission for the F-16 took to the skies, highlighting the aircraft’s legacy and the collaborative efforts that supported its operations over the years. Lt. Col. Mike Ress emphasized this transition as a modernization step rather than a complete withdrawal of fighter training from Luke Air Force Base.

Following this transition, training for the F-16 will continue but will relocate to Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. From now on, only partner nations of the United States will operate F-16s at Luke, underscoring the base’s ongoing commitment to international military collaboration.

As the base shifts focus, community support remains vital. Ress noted the importance of both military personnel and local community contributions to the F-16’s successful four-decade run. This transition not only signifies a technological upgrade but also reflects the evolving landscape of air combat training.