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Luke Air Force Base Guide

Updated on May 10th, 2024

Joe Wallace

Luke Air Force Base is in Glendale, Arizona, and is a short drive from Phoenix, Arizona. Named after the first aviator to be awarded the Medal of Honor, 2nd Lt Frank Luke Jr., Luke AFB is home to the 56th Fighter Wing, said to be the largest in the Air Force.

Luke AFB is responsible for the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field and nearly two million acres of the Goldwater Military Training Range.

Luke Air Force Base History

Table of Contents

Luke Air Force Base began in 1941 as Litchfield Park Air Base. When flight training classes began there, it had been redesignated as Luke Field. It became a large fighter training base during World War Two, training pilots in aircraft operations for the P-40 Warhawk, P-51 Mustang, and P-47 Thunderbolt.

Like many such bases, at the end of World War Two, Luke Field was deactivated only to be placed back in service during the Korean War.

The base would change hands a few times, being transferred from Air Education and Training Command (AETC) to Air Tactical Command, only to revert to AETC in the 1990s. In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, Luke AFB would fly combat air patrols around New York and Washington D.C.

Luke Air Force Base also supported expeditionary operations as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, Luke AFB is home for the 56th Fighter Wing. The AETC base operates the largest F-16 Wing in the USA.

Luke AFB Surrounding Area

Luke Air Force Base is close to many popular attractions, including Major League Baseball in Phoenix, the Out Of Africa wildlife park in Camp Verde, AZ, and the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.

You can also take in the Chandler, AZ-based Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse or make a trip to experience Biltmore Fashion Park. For lovers of the great outdoors, the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest National Park are a must-visit.

On-base, and off there are various golf options for those who love the links; the Luke AFB Golf Course and the Wigwam Golf Resort are two options to explore, with four courses between them.

Luke Air Force Base Mission and Units

Luke AFB supports the 56th Fighter Wing. Its critical missions and units have included:

56th Medical Group
56th Mission Support Group
56th Fighter Wing Staff Agencies
56th Operations Group
56th Maintenance Group
54th Fighter Group
944th Fighter Wing
21st Fighter Squadron (21 FS)
309th Fighter Squadron (309 FS)
310th Fighter Squadron (310 FS)
425th Fighter Squadron (425 FS)
56th Communications Squadron (56 CS)
56th Component Maintenance Squadron (56 CMS)
56th Comptroller Squadron (56 CPTS)
56th Contracting Squadron (56 CONS)
56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron (56 EMS)
56th Fighter Wing (56 FW)
56th Force Support Squadron (56 FSS)
56th Logistics Readiness Squadron (56 LRS)
56th Maintenance Group (56 MXG)
56th Maintenance Operations Squadron (56 MOS)
56th Medical Group (56 MDG)
56th Medical Operations Squadron (56 MDOS)
56th Medical Support Squadron (56 MDSS)
56th Mission Support Group (56 MSG)
56th Operations Group (56 OG)
56th Operations Support Squadron (56 OSS)
56th Training Squadron (56 TRS)
607th Air Control Squadron (607 ACS)
61st Fighter Squadron (61 FS)
62nd Fighter Squadron (62 FS)
63rd Fighter Squadron (63 FS)
944th Fighter Wing
DET 1 ACC Training Support Squadron
DET 12/372 Training Squadron
OLAD, 29th Training Systems Squadron

In-Processing and Check-In

When arriving during regular duty hours, check-in at your Unit Personnel Office or Command Support Staff. You must report in uniform, and you will be required to begin your in-processing with a visit to the Military Personnel Section in Building 1150.

Those traveling on PCS orders with permissive TDY for house hunting should know that, unlike some other bases, you will take your PTDY after in-processing, not upon arrival and check-in.

Coordinate with your sponsor to check in on weekends, holidays, or after duty hours.

Child Care At Luke AFB

There are two basic childcare options at Luke Air Force Base. One is the Child Development Center, and the other is care in Family Child Care (FCC) homes on base.

Luke AF Child Development Centers (CDCs) provide full-time, part-time, and limited walk-ins (offered on a space-available basis) on base. CDC fees are set based on family income.

Active duty families and Department of Defense civilians given child care priority and waiting lists may apply. The following documents are required to sign up for CDC care:

Program Patron Registration AF Form 1181
Medical Evaluation Form
Current Immunizations
USDA Meal Benefit Eligibility Form

Luke AFB also provides options via the Family Child Care (FCC) program, which has on-base providers offering licensed and inspected child care from private homes on a full-time, part-time, and hourly basis.

Luke AFB Housing

If you are PCSing to Luke AFB with your family, contact the Housing Management Office within 30 days. Don’t enter into legally binding housing agreements until you have checked in.

Housing on Luke AFB is a privatized public/private operation run by Balfour Beatty Communities. Unaccompanied/single airmen in ranks E-3 and below plus E-4s (with less than three years in uniform) may be required to live on base in dormitories.

Waiting lists may apply for privatized on-base housing, but help is available to locate off-base homes in the area. Call (623) 856-7643 or DSN 896-7643 for assistance.

Related: BAH Calculator

PCS and TDY Lodging

The Fighter Country Inn provides temporary lodging for Luke Air Force Base. Due to high demand during PCS and TDY season, book as soon as you get orders by calling (623) 856-3941 or DSN 896-3941 for reservations.

During peak travel season, you may be given a Statement of Non-Availability, which authorizes you to stay off base at the government’s expense. Without this Statement, you will NOT be reimbursed on your travel voucher for such PCS or TDY-related lodging expenses.

Unaccompanied airmen PCSing to Luke AFB and arriving after duty hours may be housed in “hospitality quarters” until assigned to a squadron dormitory.

Transportation

There are several airports in the area; coordinate your arrival with your sponsor as local traffic conditions during rush hour, tourist season, and PCS/TDY season may complicate your arrival.

The nearest airports to Luke Air Force Base include:

Phoenix Sky Harbor
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway
Prescott.
Flagstaff Pulliam

Of these, the last two are the farthest away, 75-to-100 miles each. The usual ride-sharing, taxis, and shuttles may all be available, but demand may complicate your trip from the airport depending on when you arrive.

Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License

Luke AFB does not issue base decals, but you must carry an unexpired ID and proof of insurance to drive on base. Expect 100% ID checks and random searches when driving on base. All privately owned vehicles must conform to Arizona state law, including minimum insurance requirements.

Luke AFB Schools

Luke AFB does not have on-base Department of Defense schools. School-age children will attend school districts based on their home address/zip code on or off base. In addition to the school districts below, there are opportunities for fully-online learning. Ask the Luke AFB School Liaison Officer if you need to know more about this option.

Local school districts include:

Avondale Elementary School District #44
Litchfield Elementary School District
Dysart Unified School District

To attend public schools in Arizona, students must submit proof of all required immunizations or an exemption form.

Colleges and Universities

The Luke Air Force Base Education Center offers help with college and professional military education. You can take Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) and College Level Examination Programs (CLEP) tests here. Nearby colleges include:

Northern Arizona University
Estrella Mountain Community College
Webster University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Park University

Related: Military Tuition Assistance

Contacts

Luke Air Force Base
14185 West Falcon Street
Luke AFB, AZ 85309

623-856-6550
(DSN) 312-896-6550

Important Luke AFB Contact Numbers

Emergencies – 911
Airman Family Readiness Ctr – 623-856-6550
Armed Forces Bank – 623-535-9766
Base Taxi – 623-856-6866
Balfour (Family Housing) – 623-388-3515
Child Development Center – 623-856-6338
Dorm Management – 623-856-7841
Education Center – 623-856-7722
Equal Opportunity – 623-856-7711
Family Readiness – 623-856-6550
Housing Assistance – 623-856-7643
Housing Facilities – 623-856-3007
Housing Maintenance – 623-935-2676
ID Cards – 623-856-7875
Legal Assistance – 623-856-6901
Lodging Office/Switchboard – 623-856-3941
Maintenance Control Center – 623-856-5469
Marine Corps 24-hr Duty Desk – 602-421-5806
Military Pay – 623-856-7028
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator – 623-856-4878
(TMO) Household Goods – 623-856-6425
(TMO) Passenger Travel – 623-856-7035

Related: Ultimate GI Bill Guide

Military Bases and VA Facilities in Arizona

Find a listing of military bases, as well as VA resources and veteran facilities in the state of Arizona. If you are traveling to Arizona on PCS orders, look up the BAH in your new duty location using our BAH Calculator.

PCSing to Arizona

The State of Arizona offers veterans a variety of services and support via the Arizona Department of Veteran Services. These benefits include tuition waivers for qualifying veterans and financial assistance programs.

If you plan on shipping a pet as part of a relocation to Arizona, know that summer months can complicate air travel for pets due to extreme heat. Military OneSource notes, “Airlines usually will not ship pets in or out from April to September. It is too hot and it would endanger your pets.” It’s smart to plan an alternative form of travel for your animals when relocating to Arizona in the hottest months.

Air Force Bases in Arizona

Army Bases In Arizona

Fort Huachuca
USAREC, Phoenix Battalion
Yuma Proving Ground

Marine Corps Bases in Arizona

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma

Get more info on VA benefits for veterans, retirees, separating service members, spouses, dependents, and disabled veterans. Learn more about the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, monthly housing allowances, VA loans, and TRICARE.

Did you know? The State of Arizona offers tuition assistance to veterans and dependents of those wounded or killed in the line of duty. According to the Arizona Department of Veteran Services, “Veterans and surviving dependents eligible for the Tuition Waiver scholarship have tuition expenses waived for credits needed to obtain an undergraduate degree in any course of study.”

Learn more about Arizona veteran benefits

VA Facilities in Arizona

Are you a veteran or retiree looking for VA facilities in the State of Arizona? The following list includes addresses and contact numbers for VA healthcare clinics, vet centers, and VA National Cemeteries in the state.

VA Health Clinics In Arizona

Payson VA Clinic

903 East Highway 260
Suite 2
Payson, AZ 85541-4972
928-363-1081

Anthem VA Clinic

41810 North Venture Drive
Building B
Anthem, AZ 85086-3169
623-249-2300
Mental health: 928-776-6071

Cottonwood VA Clinic

501 South Willard Street
Cottonwood, AZ 86326-8120
928-649-1532
Mental health: 928-776-6071

Northeast Phoenix VA Clinic

11390 East Via Linda Road
Suite 105
Scottsdale, AZ 85259-4075
480-579-2200
Mental health: 480-579-2205

Thunderbird VA Clinic

9424 North 25th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85021-2714
602-633-6900
Mental health: 602-633-6900

Carl T. Hayden Veterans’ Administration Medical Center

650 East Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ 85012-1839
602-277-5551
Mental health: 602-222-2752 x2752

Phoenix Midtown VA Clinic

5040 North 15th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85015-3328
602-234-7080

Phoenix VA Clinic

1500 East Thomas Road
Community Resource & Referral Center (CRRC)
Suite 106
Phoenix, AZ 85014-5748
602-248-6040

VA Benefits Sites in Arizona

VetSuccess on Campus at Arizona State University

301 E. Orange St
Memorial Student Union, Lower Level, Room 75
Tempe, AZ 85287
480-727-5627

Phoenix VA Regional Benefit Office

3333 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85012
800-827-1000

Pre-Discharge Site, Luke Air Force Base

7282 N 137th Avenue
Luke Air Force Base, 56 MSS/DFB Building 1113
AZ 85309
800-827-1212

VA Vet Centers in Arizona

Phoenix Vet Center

4020 North 20th Street
Suite 110
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-640-2981

VA National Cemeteries in Arizona

National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

23029 N Cave Creek Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85024
480-513-3600

Other Military Bases in the Continental United States:

Look up the BAH in your new duty location by searching for your zip code’s housing allowance using our BAH Calculator. You can also review our complete list of Military Bases by State.