The F-16 Legacy Continues: Training Moves to Holloman Air Force Base
For four decades, Luke Air Force Base has been the training ground for United States fighter pilots learning to fly the iconic F-16 Falcon. However, that era came to an end on Monday as the base transitions to the more advanced F-35A Lightning II aircraft.
But fear not, the F-16 is not disappearing entirely. Training for the beloved aircraft is relocating to Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, ensuring its legacy lives on.
Lt. Col. Mike Ress emphasized that this transition marks a modernization rather than an end to fighter training, stating, “it’s more of a transition, you know fighter training is not going away from Luke, the 309th fighter squadron is not going away, we’re just transitioning to the F-35 and it’s more of a modernization than an end.”
As the last U.S. training mission for the F-16 took to the skies, Ress expressed gratitude for the decades of service of the F-16, attributing its success to a collective team effort between the military and the community supporting Luke Air Force Base.
Following this week, the only F-16s seen flying over the Valley will be those operated by partner countries of the United States, maintaining a strong international presence in the skies.
Up to Speed
Stay updated with the latest news and compelling stories by subscribing to the 12News YouTube channel. Get your daily dose of information and inspiration directly to your device.
Stay connected with the free 12News+ app, available on both Roku and Amazon Fire TV. Stream live events, local news, weather updates, and more, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action.
For more ways to stay connected with 12News, download the app on your phone for instant access to breaking news, or add the 12News+ app to your streaming device to enjoy live events and programming at any time.
Connect with 12News on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to join the conversation and stay engaged with the community.
