Australian F-35’s Arrive at Luke Air Force Base as Part of the JSF Training Program

Article by Steven Valinski

December 28, 2014

Back in 2012, when Luke Air Force Base was selected to be the training base for the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, many expectations were defined. One of these expectations was that Luke Air Force Base would also serve as the F-35A JSF International Partner Training site.

The 2nd RAAF F-35A arrives at Luke AFB on December 22, 2014. Photo courtesy of USAF / SSGT Staci Miller, 56th FW

The 2nd RAAF F-35A (A35-001) arrives at Luke AFB on December 22, 2014. Photo courtesy of USAF / SSGT Staci Miller, 56th FW

On March 10, 2014, Luke Air Force base received it’s first F-35A designated for the reactivated 61st Fighter Squadron (61 FS). Recently, another milestone was reached when the first international F-35A arrived at Luke AFB. On December 18, 2014 the first Australian F-35A (A35-002) arrived, followed by a second F-35A (A35-001) which arrived on December 22, 2014. According to Brig. Gen. Scott Pleus, Commander of the 56^th Fighter Wing: “Australia is the first of 10 nations that will not only become part of the Luke community, but will share in calling the West Valley (just outside Phoenix, Arizona) a home away from home.” According to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Air Commodore Gary Martin, RAAF Air Attaché to the U.S.: “this is a 30 year partnership that we are just starting here”. The RAAF expects to have 12 aircraft overall at Luke and train along with the 61^st FS.

Located just outside Phoenix, Arizona, Luke Air Force Base’s mild year-round temperatures and close proximity to a number of bombing/gunnery ranges make it an ideal location for training on the Lockheed-Martin F-35A Lightning II JSF. Eventually, 144 F-35A’s are expected to be assigned to Luke AFB.

Steven Valinski

Owner-Chief Publisher at Aviation Photography Digest

Steven is from Long Island, New York and now resides in sunny Mesa, Arizona. Steven’s love for aviation began when he was a child with a fascination for WWII aircraft. This love of aviation was further fostered by his uncle, a long-time Trans World Airlines (TWA) employee who had a passion for all forms of aviation.

Steven’s interest in photography began when he was 16 years old when he received his first SLR camera, a Minolta XGA. It makes sense that eventually his passion for aviation and photography would merge into a love for aviation photography.

In addition to being the web designer, webmaster and chief editor of Aviation Photography Digest, Steven has been published in numerous magazines worldwide.

Steven has an M.S. from Boston University and uses Nikon photographic equipment.

Steven is a Nikon NPS member.

Steven can be reached at: [email protected]