Location
Luke AFB is located in Glendale, Arizona. Located in the Valley of the Sun, individuals stationed at Luke Air Force Base enjoy a dry, moderate climate that is the envy of many, particularly in the winter. The west valley area of Maricopa County where Luke Air Force Base is located is a fast growing area.
History
Luke Air Force Base is named for the first aviator to be awarded the Medal of Honor – 2nd Lt Frank Luke Jr. Luke’s 56th Fighter Wing was first activated on January 15, 1941, as the 56th Pursuit Group. The 56th left for England January 6, 1943. During the following two years, pilots of the 56th destroyed more enemy planes and listed more aces than any other Army Air Force group in the 8th Air Force, including the top two aces in Europe. The combat and support operations of the wing in Southeast Asia were numerous and varied. The 56th was reassigned to Luke Air Force Base on April 1, 1994.
Mission
“Train the world’s greatest F-16 fighter pilots and maintainers, while deploying mission ready warfighters.” Luke Air Force Base is assigned to the Air Education and Training Command. Other commands represented at Luke Air Force Base include the U.S. Air Force Reserves and the Air Combat Command.
Population Served
Luke AFB currently serves more than 85,000 personnel consisting of 4,599 Active Duty, 818 Reservists, 1,206 Air Force Civilian Employees, 1,200 Students, 6,700 Family Members, and 68,900 Military Retirees.
Base Transportation
Contact your sponsor to make arrangements for pick up. If you need commercial transportation, taxis, limousines and Super Shuttle vans are available. Be careful in your selection of this transportation since it can be expensive.
Sponsorship
Once you receive your notification of assignment, you should request a sponsor through your local Unit Personnel Office (UPO) or through your local Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC). If you have concerns, once you have requested a sponsor, contact your A&FRC for assistance.
Your sponsor should meet you upon arrival. You should arrange where you will meet your sponsor prior to arrival. However, if your sponsor does not meet you, contact your unit of assignment during duty hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday). If you arrive after duty hours, contact the Lodging Office at 623-856-3941. This office is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can arrange to have your mail delivered to the following address while you are enroute PCS: Your Name, General Delivery, Luke AFB, AZ 85309-9999.
Temporary Quarters
Fighter Country Inn (lodging) is open is open around the clock. Families will stay in one of the Temporary Lodging Facilities for up to 30 days based on availability. Single airmen arriving after duty hours or on weekends are lodged in visiting airmen’s quarters (VAQ) until the first duty day. You are encouraged to make temporary quarters’ reservations prior to arrival through your sponsor or by calling 623-856-3941 or DSN 312-896-3941.
Relocation Assistance
The staff of the Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) provide comprehensive relocation services. Contact the A&FRC at 623-856-6550 and DSN 312-896-6550. One of the most important services offered at the A&FRC is information and referral. If you don’t know who to call, call us. We’re never the wrong place to go or call!
The A&FRC provides a newcomers’ briefing (Wing Orientation) twice a month. The A&FRC participates in the First Term Airmen Center briefings. These two briefings provide a warm welcome for new arrivals and an orientation to the local area and local issues. The A&FRC also hosts “Heartlink”, an interactive and fun spouse orientation. Information on the local community, schools, crime statistics, automobile insurance and more are available upon request at the A&FRC. The Family Services section provides a comprehensive loan closet where members can borrow common household items until incoming personnel’s personal household good shipments arrive.
Critical Installation Information
Airlines usually will not ship pets in or out from April to September. It is simply too hot and it would endanger your pets. If you are relocating during this timeframe, you will need to make arrangements other than shipping your pets by air. Contact your sponsor if you have questions.
If you plan to purchase a home, it is important to note that home prices have fluctuated substantially in the last few years. This has also had an impact on rental prices since more people are renting until they can save enough to afford the down payment.
Bring enough money to ensure you can meet the needs of your relocation. If you intend to live off base, you may need money for deposits. There are costs for buying food items that you may have shipped, but haven’t arrived. If arriving from overseas, you may need a new vehicle, down payment, auto insurance, etc. There can also be unexpected expenses that you couldn’t have foreseen. Plan ahead.
Frequently Called Numbers on Base
Base Operator: DSN 896-1110 Comm: 623-856-7411
Luke Child Development Center 623-856-6339, 623-856-6338, DSN 312-896-6339, or DSN 312-896-6338.
Family Child Care Office 623-856-7472 or DSN 312-896-7472
School Age Program 623-856-7470, 623-856-7471, DSN 312-896-7470, or DSN 312-896-7471
Family Support Center (FSC) (623) 856-6386 or DSN 896-6386
Fighter Country Inn 623-856-3941, 623-935-2641, DSN 312-896-3941
Balfour Beatty Communities 623-388-3515