Luke Air Force Base

Luke Air Force Base at a glance

Luke Air Force Base is a fighter-pilot training installation in the western Phoenix metropolitan area. The 56th Fighter Wing's public mission centers on training fighter pilots and developing combat-ready Airmen. The wing also oversees Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field and has stewardship responsibilities for the Barry M. Goldwater military training range, linking the main installation with a broader training environment.

Official Luke reporting describes the transition of the U.S. pilot-training mission toward the F-35A after decades of F-16 instruction. Training supports U.S. personnel and international partners, so the aircraft and course associated with a particular student or unit should be read in context. The base's name honors Phoenix-born aviator and Medal of Honor recipient Frank Luke Jr.

Also searched as: Luke AFB, Luke Field.

Sources: Luke AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview; Flying Forward: Luke's U.S. pilot training mission transitions to F-35; 56th Operations Group: Luke Air Force Base

Mission and major activities

• Trains fighter pilots and supporting Airmen.
• Supports U.S. and international fighter-training programs.
• Oversees associated training locations and range stewardship.

Sources: Luke AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview; 56th Operations Group: Luke Air Force Base

Location and community

Luke is in Glendale in the West Valley of Maricopa County, west of central Phoenix. Nearby communities include Surprise, Goodyear, Avondale and Peoria.

Sources: Luke AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview

Before you arrive

Use these questions with your sponsor or gaining organization. They are a starting point for planning, including assignments, courses and training periods that differ from a routine permanent change of station.

1. Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
2. Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
3. Before choosing a home, compare the commute, lease terms, school needs and your household budget. Ask the housing office about the options that apply to your situation.
4. Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
5. Make a short list of contacts for medical care, schools, childcare and family support, where applicable to your assignment.

Official PCS planning resources   Housing allowance information

Sources: Flying Forward: Luke's U.S. pilot training mission transitions to F-35

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for Luke Air Force Base and ask which services your household can use. For a training site, rotational location or Reserve component assignment, confirm arrangements with your unit rather than assuming the services of a large residential installation are available.

From this mission to your next career

The mission at Luke Air Force Base suggests the following areas to consider when describing your experience. These are LockLeed career suggestions based on the public mission, not a list of vacancies or qualifications held by everyone assigned here.

Write down the equipment, systems, processes and teams you personally supported. Add a specific result you can discuss publicly, then match that evidence to the civilian role you want. Keep operational details and sensitive information out of your application.

Official transition resources   Explore SkillBridge programs

Frequently asked questions

Sources and editorial notes

Installation facts above are drawn from the official sources below. Career suggestions and planning questions are LockLeed editorial guidance. Use official offices for current policies, eligibility and arrangements.

1. Luke AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overviewSupports: overview, mission, local context
2. Flying Forward: Luke's U.S. pilot training mission transitions to F-35Supports: overview, planning note
3. 56th Operations Group: Luke Air Force BaseSupports: mission, overview

Reviewed 2026-09-30. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Map points are approximate and are not routing or reporting instructions.