Sixteen More Are Expected By The End Of The Year

Escorted by two F-16 fighting Falcons, Luke Air Force Base's first F-35 Lightning II arrived a little after 11 a.m. March 10, from the Lockheed Martin factory in Fort Worth, Texas. "This is a day that has been a long time coming," Col. John Hanna, the 56th Operations Group commander, said at a press conference after the jet landed. "It's the result of many years of hard work by countless people in the military and in the community."

The aircraft is the first of 144 that will eventually be assigned to Luke AFB. Approximately 16 U.S. F-35s are expected by the end of 2014, and the full contingent of aircraft should arrive incrementally over the next decade. "Having F-35s at Luke (AFB) ensures the long-term viability of our mission and safeguards the long-term presence of the base as a community partner and an economic engine in the West Valley," Hanna said.

The event will be hosted by Undersecretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning, and Gen. Robin Rand, the commander of Air Education and Training Command. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer is expected to be among the speakers at the ceremony. Other elected officials, community leaders and distinguished visitors, including representatives from partner nation air forces, are also expected to attend.

(USAF Image)

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