Luke AFB
Luke AFB Relocation Information
Image via AF news
Welcome to Luke AFB!
Luke AFB is located in the greater Phoenix, Arizona, region known as the Valley of the Sun.
The base’s host wing is the 56th Fighter Wing, whose mission is to “Train the World's Greatest Fighter Pilots and Combat Ready Airmen." The 56th is the largest fighter wing in the world and the Air Force’s primary active-duty fighter pilot training wing. Luke trains 75% of the world’s F-35 pilots. Since 1941, Luke has graduated over 61,000 pilots. Luke Air Force Base was named for the Phoenix native and first aviator to be awarded the Medal of Honor, 2nd Lt. Frank Luke, Jr.
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 63rd Fighter Squadron takes off, Nov. 18, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Image via defense.gov.
As part of AETC (Air Education and Training Command), the base is home to 26 squadrons and both F-16 and F-35A aircraft. The 56th Fighter Wing also oversees the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field and the Barry M. Goldwater Range, a military training range that covers more than 1.7 million acres of the Sonoran Desert. This area of Maricopa County is growing quickly. Newcomers may be surprised at the developing area! Luke AFB has easy access to I-10, and Loops 101 and 303.
Airman 1st Class Maxim Gogo, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions systems technician, separates parts to be installed on GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs Sept 22, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Caleb F. Butler)
The sun rises over the Barry M. Goldwater Range East April 17, 2019, in Wellton, Ariz. BMGR East serves a dual role as a national asset for military training as well as a landscape where the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert may flourish. The 56th Range Management Office, headquartered at Luke Air Force Base, manages the roughly 1.7 million acres of the range. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zoie Cox)
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke AFB
1) What city is Luke AFB in?
Luke AFB is in Glendale, Arizona, in Maricopa County and about 30 miles from Phoenix.
2) What is Luke AFB known for?
Luke AFB is the premier fighter wing in the world, training most of the world’s F-35 pilots.
Phoenix, Arizona, cityscape. Image via Canva.
3) How many people are stationed at Luke AFB?
Luke AFB provides support to over 5,500 military and civilian employees, 6,700 family members, and 65,000 military retirees who live in the surrounding area. Luke AFB is located in Glendale which has a population of 250,702. Phoenix has over 1.6 million residents. Maricopa County is the largest county in Arizona by population, which is home to 4.3 million of the state's 7.17 million people.
The base and surrounding area population breakdown according to Military OneSource:
- Active Duty - 4,793
- Reservists - 1,700
- Civilians - 800
- Family Members - 6,700
- Retirees - 65,000
4) How hot does it get at Luke AFB?
From May to September, the daily high temperature is usually above 99°F. The hottest month is typically July with an average high temperature of 106.2°F. The hottest day on record was July 28, 1995 when the temperature hit 122.9°F. However, with humidity typically low, you’ll often hear, “But it’s a dry heat!”
5) What is the zip code for Luke AFB?
The zip code for Luke AFB is 85309.
6) What is the BAH for Luke AFB?
BAH for Luke AFB ranges from $2,097 for E-1 to $2,598 E-9 with dependents, and from $2,370 for O-1 to $2,961 for O-7 with dependents. See housing section for more info.
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Base Location and Information
Other Arizona military installations:
Luke Air Force Base is located in the city of Glendale, in Maricopa County, Arizona— the “Grand Canyon State” (the Grand Canyon is about a four-hour drive north of Luke AFB). It’s approximately 30 miles northwest of Phoenix. Within about a 10-mile radius from Luke AFB are the cities of Glendale, Surprise, Goodyear, Avondale, Peoria, and El Mirage, with the city of Litchfield Park only about 3 miles south of Luke AFB.
View of the Grand Canyon via Luke.af.mil
The Luke AFB area is known for its dry, mild climate that appeals to many visitors, especially during the winter months.
Nearby Phoenix is the capital of Arizona, and is a destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Hike up the extensive trail system at South Mountain Park or the city's most famous natural landmark, Camelback Mountain. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden or spend a day at one of the area’s posh resorts. If the heat gets to be too much during the summer, visit the city’s museums or take in shopping and the local food scene.
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Arrival Lodging
Photo via Luke AFB AF Inns
Luke AFB lodging is managed by the Air Force Inns. For reservations with children or to check availability of pet-friendly rooms, it’s advised to contact the lodging office directly.
Luke AFB Lodging Reservations
Main: 623-935-2641
Main: 623-856-3941
DSN: 896-3941
DSN Fax: 896-3332
Email: 56fss.reservations@us.af.mil
Luke AFB Lodging Address
Luke AFB
7012 N. Bong Ln
Glendale, Arizona, 85309
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Luke AFB Housing
Image via Luke Family Homes
Military housing at Luke AFB is privatized. Housing is offered in two different neighborhoods with community amenities such as a community center, fitness center, basketball courts , playgrounds and parks. Housing is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities.
Contact info:
Management and Leasing Office
1368 Kachina
Glendale, AZ 85307
Phone: (623) 388-3515
Be sure to check in with the Luke AFB Housing Management Office: (623) 856-7643
Address:
13970 W. Gillespie St
Luke AFB, AZ 85309
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Luke AFB Off-Base Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near Luke AFB: Luke AFB Homes
Image from Canva
The median home area listing price in 2021 is $326,000, with the average area monthly rent for sitting right at $1,100/month (info via Yardi Matrix.) There are 14 cities located around Luke AFB with about a 30-minute commute time (Litchfield Park, Surprise, Buckeye, Avondale, Goodyear, Tolleson, Sun City West, Peoria, Sun City, Glendale, Phoenix, El Mirage, Youngtown and Waddell).
Many landlords allow pets depending on breed and size, so ask before committing to a lease agreement. Utility bills vary widely depending on the size of the apartment or home and time of year, with average monthly utility costs ranging from $150 to $350.
Base Search: Luke AFB Homes
Luke AFB BAH Info
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Luke AFB is near Phoenix with many options to buy or rent. Some sample Luke AFB BAH rates for zip code 85309:
- E-1 with dependents: $2,097
- E-1 without dependents: $1,572
- E-9 with dependents: $2,598
- E-9 without dependents: $2,430
- O-1 with dependents: $2,370
- O-1 without dependents: $1,851
- O-7 with dependents: $2,961
- O-7 without dependents: $2,559
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Area Weather & Climate
Image from Canva
With hot summers and cool winters, Luke AFB is dry and mostly clear all year long. The rainiest months are January and August. Over the course of a year, the temperature typically varies from 42°F to 107°F, but is rarely below 34°F or above 113°F.
With the varying terrain of both mountains and desert nearby, both snow and sunshine are within easy reach!
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Luke AFB Area Schools
Luke AFB is located in the Dysart Unified School District. Elementary students attend Luke Elementary while high schoolers will attend Dysart High School. Residents of base housing will fall into two school districts. Residents north of Glendale Avenue in Saguaro Manor fall within the Dysart School District. Those south of Glendale Avenue in Ocotillo Manor fall within the Litchfield Elementary School District.
Dysart Unified School District
Off base, there are about 15 elementary school districts within 20 miles of Luke AFB. Some districts observe a year-round schedule. For a complete listing of school districts, visit the Arizona Dept. of Education.
Students can attend public, private, homeschool and charter schools throughout the area, as Arizona allows open enrollment, meaning your child(ren) can attend a different school if there are open slots outside of your neighborhood schools.
Child and Youth Education Services School Liaison
7383 N. Litchfield Rd, Suite 3090
Luke AFB, AZ 85309-1566
623-856-6378
Visit Military OneSource for more info about charter, magnet, and homeschooling at Luke AFB.
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Support for Military & Families
Image from Canva
For military families and spouses seeking employment, education, or volunteer opportunities, the Phoenix metro area is a great place to land.
Phoenix ranks highly in job growth rates and has one of the lowest unemployment rates among the 50 most populated areas in the U.S. Technology, housing related industries, manufacturing, health services, education, and federal jobs are some of the top employment opportunities in the area. Maricopa County has six Arizona Workforce Connection/Onestop Centers for job seekers and employers.
Some helpful links:
Things to Do Near Luke AFB
Photo by Togo RV on Unsplash
Luke AFB Outdoor Recreation: Make the most of all the area's camping and hiking and rent camping and water sports equipment, including campers, tents, pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. See the Outdoor Rec events calendar for upcoming outings!
Falcon Dunes Golf Course: Right on base, visit one of the area’s top golf courses. 18-Hole, Par 71, Championship layout.
Hurricane Harbor Phoenix: Six Flags’ giant waterpark, featuring over 15 different rides and attractions.
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park: Contains Arizona's largest collection of exotic and endangered animals. Rides, petting zoo, and daily shows.
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MORE AREA INFORMATION
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Base Address:
14185 Falcon St
Luke Air Force Base
,
85309-1426