So before we get to the air show stuff, we wondered how Luke AFB got its name and looked into it in the base’s own history pamphlet, which states: “In September 1918, 2d Lt Frank Luke, Jr., made aviation history in World War I when he wreaked havoc on the aerial fleets of Germany. During an 18-day period, of which Luke only flew 8 days, he destroyed 18 enemy aircraft. Because he targeted the most dangerous prey, the heavily defended observation balloons, he became known as the “Arizona Balloon Buster.” He was the first aviator awarded the Medal of Honor. On June 6, 1941, Litchfield Park Air Base (AB) was re-designated Luke Field in his honor and memory.”

Luke is notable for many aviation accomplishments which also includes being the birthplace of the Thunderbirds, who were formally activated at Luke on the 25th of May, 1953, flying the Republic F-84 Thunderjet. So it seemed only appropriate to get down to Arizona to see the T-birds back for another show.