7 Things You Didn’t Know About Luke Airforce Base
Located in Maricopa County, Luke Air Force Base serves as an active-duty F-16 Fighting Falcon (among other vital purposes) and has an incredible history. This includes being the most extensive fighter training base in the Air Corps during WW2.
Military personnel regularly fly in and out of Phoenix airports to visit this army base. When they do, they need reliable transportation getting them to and from airports, the base, and other spots in and around Phoenix—that’s where All Valley Transportation comes in.
Along with telling you about the best transportation options for getting to Luke Air Force Base, this article will also outline some of the things you might not know about this popular AF base.
Here are seven things you may not have known about Luke Airforce Base (Luke AFB):
1. Not just anyone can go
Before you plan a trip there, it’s important to note what the Luke AFB website explains about visitors:
“Base access control is designed to restrict and/or control entrance to properties and/or installations to only those authorized persons and their guests. Persons authorized access will be either escorted or unescorted.”
So, if you want to visit, you’ll need to take the necessary steps and get permission from the base.
2. You might be able to visit the Luke Air Force Base Airpark
If you can’t visit the base itself, you might be interested in trying to see the Luke Air Force Base Airpark, which is certainly worth doing!
Again, this activity isn’t readily available to the general public. However, you can arrange group tours through the base public affairs office if you know someone on the base who can vouch for you.
3. History and namesake
In 1940, the U.S. Army sent a representative to Arizona to choose an Air Corps training field site to provide advanced instruction in conventional fighter aircraft.
The city of Phoenix leased over 1400 acres (5.8 km2) of land to the government for $1 per year, effective March 24, 1941. The Del. E. Webb Construction Co. started excavating for the initial building at what was first known as Litchfield Park Air Base in late March 1941.
Out of respect for the heroic actions of a fallen pilot, an existing airfield in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, yielded its name so that Arizona’s military base could be rechristened Luke Field.
In June of the same year, advanced flight training in the AT-6 Texan began at Luke Field. Class 41 F, the first group of 45 students, arrived on June 6, 1941, even though only a few buildings were ready.
The first class graduated from Luke Field on August 15, 1941, after ten weeks of training. They flew out of the Sky Harbor Airport before the Luke runways were ready.
Do you need transportation to or from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport for Luke Air Force Base? Get a quote from us today.
4. Luke AFB is a significant economic driver in Arizona
Many people don’t realize what an important economic driver Luke Air Force Base is for the state of Arizona.
The base contributes an estimated $2.4 billion to the economy annually, and its personnel participate in various civic and charitable activities that benefit the local community.
5. Luke AFB has F-16 Fighting Falcons
One of the most exciting features of Luke AFB is its fleet of 170 assigned F-16 Fighting Falcons. These supersonic multirole fighter jets are some of the most advanced warplanes in the world. They are used for airshows all around the country.
6. You can visit Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum
If you can’t visit Luke AFB, the Commemorative Air Force AirBase Arizona Museum is an excellent option that’s much more accessible to the general public.
The museum is located on the grounds of Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, Arizona. It features static aircraft displays of vintage and modern military planes and a wide range of aviation artifacts and memorabilia.
At the museum, you’ll find an extensive collection of replicas, exhibits, artifacts, and photographs about WWI through Vietnam-era aviators who flew for their countries around the world.
Entry costs $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, and kids under five get in for free. In addition, kids, members, active military, and disabled veterans get in for free.
7. All Valley Transportation can get you there
All Valley Transportation can get you there no matter where you need to go. Our professional drivers are dedicated to providing excellent service and comfortable travel at any time of day.
If you are a member of the military or are visiting Luke AFB for other reasons, trust All Valley Transportation to get you there. Our team is committed to making your journeys in and around Phoenix as easy and stress-free as possible.
Are you planning on arriving at a local airport for you Luke Air Force Base stay or visit?
Here are some useful airport tips that may help:
- Why you should book airport transportation services in advance
- Sky Harbor International Airport Travel Checklist
- Valley Wide Commutes to Sky Harbor Airport
