F E AT U R E S A Royal Danish Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 308th Fighter Squadron lands at Luke Air Force Base. The first two of seven RDAF F-35s arrived at Luke AFB as Danish pilots prepared to begin the F-35 training program. Luke AFB trains fighter pilots from around the world, building stronger partnerships with trusted allies to fight as one coalition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dominic Tyler)
Luke AFB Debut
First Danish F-35A Lightning II fighter jets land at Luke Air Force Base BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS DOMINIC TYLER 56th Fighter Squadron
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oyal Danish Air Force pilots delivered the first two RDAF F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to Luke Air Force Base on April 13 in preparation of pi-
lot training. The aircrafts, assigned to the 308th Fighter Squadron, will eventually be joined by five other Danish F-35s for use in the F-35 training program. According to the U.S. State Department, as stalwart NATO allies, the United States and Denmark cooperate extensively to promote peace and stability internationally. “Today is a historical day for the partnership of the U.S. and Denmark,” says U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matt “Hail” Cisar, 308th FS commander. “We’ve been preparing for the first Danish jets for years. Now that they’re here, we’re excited to train our first Danish fighter pilots.” SEE DANISH PAGE 19
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Sound of Freedom | MAY/JUNE 2021
Two Royal Danish Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighter jets assigned to the 308th Fighter Squadron soar over Luke Air Force Base. These are the first two of seven RDAF F-35s to arrive at Luke AFB as Danish pilots prepare to begin the F-35 training program. Luke AFB trains fighter pilots from around the world, building stronger partnerships with trusted allies to fight as one coalition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dominic Tyler)