Luke getting more F-35s

Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., will receive three additional squadrons of the F-35A, the Defense Department said. The 72 additional jets will give the base in Glendale six squadrons totaling 144 F-35As, more than any other Air Force installation. All F-35A pilots will train at either Luke or at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., location of the current schoolhouse for instructor pilots. The first three F-35A squadrons are scheduled to begin arriving at Luke AFB next year. Luke’s selection continues its tradition of pilot training. It’s currently the site of active duty F-16 pilot training, along with the training for Fighting Falcon pilots from partner countries. Foreign F-35A pilots also will train at the base. (Sources: Air Force Times, Fighter Country Partnership, 06/27/13)