News - Category 19th Air Force

Feb. 24, 2026
12th FTW 2025 Annual Award Winners

Col. Peter Lee congratulated Airmen and civilian professionals across the 12th Flying Training Wing following the announcement of the wing’s annual award winners, recognizing their sustained excellence in support of the mission to train warfighters for America.Lee extended his congratulations to
Feb. 24, 2026
Wilsbach outlines strategy for confronting adversaries, Air Force success

In his first major address since becoming Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Ken Wilsbach highlighted readiness and how the service is responding to a complex and ambiguous strategic environment.
Feb. 19, 2026
Silent Linchpins: Non-Destructive Inspection Airmen power Luke’s mission through

Behind the jet engines and the constant tempo of flight training, a team of Airmen work to ensure every aircraft that leaves the runway is structurally sound and safe to fly at the 56th Fighter Wing.
Feb. 18, 2026
Piazza Named Hidden Hero by The Chamber

Lt. Col. Michael “Slice” Piazza was recognized as a Hidden Hero by The Chamber for his leadership and innovation in advancing pilot and weapon systems officer, combat systems officer, introduction to fighter fundamentals and T-7A Red Hawk training at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.Piazza, a member
Feb. 13, 2026
F-35 IIFTU graduates international class, reinforcing allied readiness at Luke AFB

The F-35 International Intelligence Formal Training Unit graduated its most diverse class in program history during a ceremony on Feb. 11, 2026. Class 2026002 included seven students from five partner nations, featuring the first-ever graduates from Poland and Germany.
Feb. 5, 2026
Laughlin reinvents pilot production with rapid crew swaps

Laughlin is the first undergraduate pilot training (UPT) base to implement Rapid Crew Swap (RCS) procedures, an innovative approach shaped by the deliberate application of Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints.
Feb. 3, 2026
'Flag Dave' gets a ride in the jets he has greeted for two decades

For more than two decades, pilots passing through Fort Smith Regional Airport in Arkansas have come to expect a familiar sight on the ramp: a man dressed head to toe in red, white, and blue, standing proudly with an American flag raised high. To the world he is Dave Burns. To the military flying
Jan. 29, 2026
Luke, Holloman Demonstrate Global Fighter Operations During Community Leader Visit

Airmen assigned to Luke Air Force Base and Holloman Air Force Base conducted integrated training between fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft this week to strengthen combat readiness and highlight Luke’s role as the U.S. Air Force’s premier fighter training installation supporting the service’s
Jan. 28, 2026
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Visits Luke Ahead of Future RCAF F-35 Training

The United States ambassador to Canada visited Luke Air Force Base this week to observe F-35 training operations and meet with Airmen and leaders supporting U.S. and partner-nation pilot training. The visit comes as Luke prepares to support future Royal Canadian Air Force F-35 pilot training, with
Jan. 27, 2026
Combined F-16 and F-35 Training Reinforces Combat Readiness, Lethality and Interoperability

F-16 Fighting Falcons from Holloman Air Force Base and F-35A Lightning II aircraft from Luke Air Force Base have started week-long joint training missions designed to strengthen interoperability and reinforce the Air Force’s ability to execute complex, forward-deployed combat operations.