Where is Luke Air Force Base Located?
Luke Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located in Glendale, Arizona, approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Phoenix, Arizona. The base is situated in the Sonoran Desert, at an elevation of 1,300 feet (400 meters) above sea level.
History of Luke Air Force Base
Luke Air Force Base was established in 1941 as a training facility for the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). During World War II, the base played a crucial role in training pilots and airmen for combat duty. After the war, the base continued to serve as a training facility, transitioning to the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1947.
Mission of Luke Air Force Base
Luke Air Force Base is home to the 56th Fighter Wing, which is responsible for training pilots and maintaining the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the primary fighter jet used by the USAF. The base is also a major training hub for the Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II, the next-generation fighter jet.
Aircraft and Squadrons
Luke Air Force Base is home to the following aircraft and squadrons:
- F-16 Fighting Falcon: The primary fighter jet used by the USAF, with three squadrons: 63rd Fighter Squadron, 62nd Fighter Squadron, and 61st Fighter Squadron.
- F-35A Lightning II: The next-generation fighter jet, with one squadron: 61st Fighter Squadron.
- A-10 Thunderbolt II: A ground-attack aircraft, with one squadron: 61st Fighter Squadron.
- OV-10 Bronco: A turboprop-powered close air support aircraft, with one squadron: 45th Operations Group.
Facilities and Amenities
Luke Air Force Base has a range of facilities and amenities, including:
- Runway: The base has a 10,000-foot (3,048-meter) runway, capable of accommodating large aircraft.
- Hangers: The base has several large hangars for aircraft maintenance and repair.
- Simulator Training: The base has advanced simulator training facilities for pilots and aircrew.
- Medical Center: The base has a full-service medical center, providing medical care to military personnel and their families.
- Base Exchange: A convenience store and shopping facility, offering a range of goods and services.
- Fitness Center: A state-of-the-art fitness center, offering workout equipment and fitness classes.
Accommodations
Luke Air Force Base offers a range of accommodations for military personnel and their families, including:
- Base Housing: The base has a range of housing options, including apartments and single-family homes.
- Off-Base Housing: The base is surrounded by a range of off-base housing options, including apartments, houses, and condominiums.
- Hotels: There are several hotels near the base, offering a range of accommodations and amenities.
Demographics
Luke Air Force Base is home to approximately 10,000 military personnel, including officers, enlisted personnel, and civilians. The base also has a range of dependents, including spouses, children, and pets.
Economic Impact
Luke Air Force Base has a significant economic impact on the surrounding community, with:
- $1.4 billion in annual economic impact.
- 4,000 jobs supported by the base.
- $1.2 billion in payroll.
Conclusion
Luke Air Force Base is a significant military installation in the United States, located in Glendale, Arizona. The base is home to the 56th Fighter Wing, training pilots and maintaining the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-35A Lightning II. The base has a range of facilities and amenities, including a runway, hangars, simulator training, and medical center. Accommodations are available for military personnel and their families, and the base has a significant economic impact on the surrounding community.
