F-35 Performs First Night Flight

The first night flight in the history of the Lockheed Martin F-35 program was completed on Jan. 19, 2012 in the skies above Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Piloted by Lockheed Martin Test Pilot Mark Ward, AF-6, an F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, launched at 5:05 p.m. PST and landed after sunset at 6:22 p.m.
F-35 Night flight video courtesy of Lockheed Martin.

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY RELEASED TODAY FOR F-35 AT LUKE AFB

6 ship F-35 static display at Edwards AFB courtesy of Lockheed Martin

The long awaited draft EIS was announced today which sets in motion the process for determining the likelihood of stationing up to 6 squadrons of F-35′s at Luke AFB. The F-35A is the Air Force’s variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, which will replace the F-16 Falcon, F-15 Eagle and the A-10 Thunderbolt as the military’s new multi-role fighter…

Key Dates to Remember:

January 20, 2012 - Public release of the F-35A Training Draft EIS
TBD - Public hearings for Luke AFB, Arizona
TBD - Public comment period for F-35A Training Draft EIS closes
TBD - Release of Final F-35A Training EIS
TBD - Issuance of USAF F-35A Training EIS Record of Decision

Honorary Commander Feature: Mr. David Haddad

David Haddad - Fumar Cigars

This month, Fighter Country Partnership newsletter features Mr. David Haddad, president of Fumar Cigars, Inc. He was inducted into the Luke Air Force Base’s Honorary Commanders program in November 2010 assigned to the 309th Fighter Squadron–the “Wild Ducks.” He and his partner, Honorary Commander, Mr. James “Bubba” Moffett, owner, Crescent Crown Distributing, hit the ground running committing themselves to supporting programs that benefit military families not only at Luke Air Force Base but the military as a whole.

FCP finishes 2011 with the Fiesta Bowl Parade & Patriot All-American Event

2011 could not have finished on a more perfect note. Having the privilege to host Luke AFB in the Fiesta Bowl parade annually reminds us of how patriotic the United States is, and it is ALWAYS nice to be reminded of that with the challenging times our country has seen recently. FCP Blue Blazers and Ambassadors had the responsibility of handling the American Flag balloon in front of our Luke AFB Airmen.

Hundreds of F-35 aircraft suppliers coordinate with Teamcenter

The first phase of F-35 collaboration linked 5,000 users at facilities with security safeguards to ensure compliance with USA International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). To date, more than 6,500 users across the extensive supplier…

Community Support Key to Arrival of F-35 in Yuma

The Yuma community received some reassurance Tuesday that the Marine Corps Air Station will be at the forefront of military technology in the coming years.
A representative of the local base, Lt. Col. Geoffrey Olander, told a community support group that indications are that MCAS Yuma will get its first F-35 Joint Strike Fighters in May 2012…

New F-35 program head named as Vice Admiral David Venlet

The Pentagon will name Vice Admiral David Venlet, commander of the Naval Air Systems Command, to run its F-35 fighter plane program, an influential defense analyst with knowledge of the plan, said on Tuesday. Venlet will get the job after U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he would restructure…

Vermont Air Guard being considered for the new F-35 fighter jet

With the Vermont Air National Guard among the contenders to receive new fighter jets, Raymonde Perron of Winooski asked the pilots whether they could keep the noise down when they fly overhead. Perron and LaMothe attended an open house Monday at the O’Brien Community Center

Understanding the real dollar impact of Luke and other military operations in Arizona

Beyond what these brave soldiers do in protecting our nation each and every day, their contributions to our state cannot be overlooked. Their operations impact our everyday economic lives; this is the untold, and oftentimes overlooked, Arizona story.

Goodyear’s city council recognizes the importance of Luke Air Force Base and the F-35 mission

Over the past two decades, the city of Goodyear has taken bold steps to ensure development around Luke Air Force Base’s Southern Departure Corridor remains compatible with Luke’s mission.

El Mirage Residents Support F-35, Future missions at Luke Air Force Base

The impression is that many El Mirage residents are opposed to Luke being considered for the follow-on mission of the F-35. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Support Building for Statewide F-35 Luke Forward Campaign

Statewide support is rapidly building for Luke Air Force Base and the new F-35 training mission since Gov. Jan Brewer and West Valley mayors launched the Luke Forward campaign.