Our mission at Fighter Country Partnership (FCP) is to sustain a high level of support for the men, women and families of Luke Air Force Base and to protect and enhance its mission, to train the world's best pilots, maintainers and support personnel.
March 17, 2008
IDENTITY OF FALLEN PILOT
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- An Air Force student pilot, 2nd Lt. David J. Mitchell, 26, from Amherst, Ohio, and assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron was killed in an F-16C aircraft when it crashed at approximately 12:17 p.m. Friday in a remote area three miles south of Alamo Lake, Ariz.
Lieutenant Mitchell was on a two ship student air-to-air training mission in the Gladden Bagdad military operating area approximately 80 miles northwest of Phoenix. He had a total of 237 flight hours of which 26 were in the F-16. There was no live ordnance on board.
He arrived to Luke as a student pilot in November 2007. He was here for basic course student pilot training from the 180th Fighter Wing, Toledo Air National Guard, Ohio. Luke trains Air National Guard pilots, as well as active duty, Reserve and sister-service pilots as part of its Basic Course Fighter Training program.
A safety investigation and accident investigation board of officers will be convened to determine the cause of the accident. This was the first Luke aircraft crash since Dec. 4, 2006, that occurred on the Barry M. Goldwater Range in which the pilot safely ejected.
“It is with deep regret that I make this announcement, and I want to extend my sincerest condolences to the pilot’s family,” said Brigadier General Tom Jones, 56th Fighter Wing commander. “This is an exceptionally difficult time for David’s family, and all of Luke Air Force Base mourns the loss of this great Airman.”
Mar. 15, 2008
MISSING PILOT FOUND
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- An Air Force student pilot assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron was killed in an F-16C aircraft when it crashed at approximately 12:17 p.m. Friday south of Alamo Lake, Ariz. The pilot’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as we grieve the tragic loss of this outstanding Airman,” said Brigadier General Tom Jones, 56th Fighter Wing commander. “Anytime we lose an Airman, our entire Air Force family feels the loss.”
A press conference is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. March 15 in the 56th Fighter Wing conference room at Luke AFB. If you are interested in attending the conference, please contact the public affairs office to register.
A board of officers will be convened to investigate the accident.
AIR FORCE ANNOUNCES INCOMING AETC COMMANDER
by Tech. Sgt. Mike Hammond
Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
2/28/2008 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Air Force leaders today named the commander of Air University as the future leader of Air Education and Training Command.
President George W. Bush nominated Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz for appointment to the grade of general and assignment as commander of AETC, which is responsible for the free world's largest training system.
read more
Fighter Country Partnership
Chairman of the Board :
Charley Freericks, DMB Associates, Inc.
Vice Chair :
Jackie Meck, Buckeye Irrigation District Manager
Treasurer:
Steve Becker, Credit Union West
Secretary:
Patrick McDermott, APS
Executive Committee:
Stephen S. Cleveland
Ken Quartermain, Langley Holdings
Col. (Ret.) Sam Young, The Arizona Republic
Executive Director/CEO:
Steve Yamamori
Directors:
Lisa Atkins, Greater Phoenix Leadership
Lt. Gen (USAF Ret.) Dick Bethurem
CMSGT (USAF Ret.) Edwin Blanchard
Andy Delph, Central Bindery
Tamie Fisher, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Lt. William G. Schemers, City of Phoenix Police Department
William E. toops, Pueblo Publishing
Commander:
Brig. Gen. Noel T. Jones, 56th Fighter Wing Commander
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