56th Fighter Wing

56th Fighter Wing
Active1947–1952; 1961–1964; 1967–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleFighter Training
Part ofAir Education and Training Command
Garrison/HQLuke Air Force Base
Nickname(s)Thunderbolts
Motto(s)Cave Tonitrum Latin Beware of the Thunderbolt
DecorationsPresidential Unit Citation
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm
Commanders
Current
commander
Brig Gen. David J. Berkland
Deputy CommanderCol. Matthew R. Johnston
Command ChiefCMSgt Jason Q. Shaffer
Notable
commanders
Philip Breedlove
Ronald Fogleman
Joseph Ralston
Robin Rand
Carrol Chandler
Perry J. Dahl
Henry Viccellio Jr.
Insignia
56th Fighter Wing emblem (approved 19 April 1967)[1]
Tail code at Luke AFBLF

The 56th Fighter Wing is a fighter wing in the United States Air Force. It is the world's largest Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II wing and one of two Air Force F-35 training locations. Additionally, it is one of two active-duty F-16 training bases. The 56th graduates dozens of F-35 and General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots and 300 air control professionals annually.[2]

Additionally, the 56th Fighter Wing oversees the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field and the Barry M. Goldwater Range, a military training range spanning more than 1.7 million acres of Sonoran Desert.[2]

  1. ^ Robertson, Patsy (13 July 2015). "Factsheet 56 Fighter Wing (AETC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on 11 August 2016. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Luke Trifold" (PDF). 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs. December 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2016.