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LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – Belgian Chief of Defense Gen. Frederick Vansina was welcomed to the 312th Fighter Squadron, June 18, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
Vansina’s visit highlighted the ongoing cooperation efforts between coalition nations and the U.S. Air Force, specifically showing how the 56th Fighter Wing supports advanced training and operational excellence in airpower.
“My visit here is about strengthening the bond between our nations and seeing firsthand how Luke Air Force Base operates,” Vansina said. “From the flightline to the tower, the professionalism and precision I witnessed speak volumes about the quality of training and commitment to excellence.”
Vansina received a tour of the air traffic control tower where he observed operations and spoke with the Airmen responsible for managing the airfield. Afterwards, he toured the flightline, engaging with maintainers and operators supporting the 56th FW’s F-35A Lightning II training mission.
Luke's air traffic control and flightline operations are vital to the success of the 56th FW's mission: training the world's greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen.
"We welcome Gen. Vansina to Luke Air Force Base, as it reinforces the mutual benefits and strategic importance of our alliance," stated U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Berkland, 56th FW commander. "Such interactions are invaluable for exchanging expertise, enhancing interoperability, and demonstrating our unwavering dedication to cooperative defense efforts."
This visit offered Vansina invaluable insight into the infrastructure and dedicated personnel that empower the 56th FW to execute its mission with unparalleled effectiveness.
The 56th FW at Luke AFB remains a pivotal location for fostering international relationships while simultaneously shaping the future of airpower by developing the next generation of combat-ready pilots.
| Date Taken: | 06.18.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.25.2025 17:32 |
| Story ID: | 501331 |
| Location: | LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZONA, US |
| Hometown: | LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 11 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Belgian General Frederik Vansina Visits Luke Air Force Base, by Amn Tekorey Watkins, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
