Leadership, legacy & the next generation of warriors

From Luke's flight line to Davis-Monthan's training pool — two command transitions and a look at who's stepping up to serve next.

PEOPLE

Want to Be a PJ? Davis-Monthan Just Showed You What That Actually Means

On June 15, Air Force Special Warfare recruiters partnered with the 306th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base to host a Pararescue Immersion Day — and the candidates who showed up from across Arizona and Southern California got exactly what the name promised: a firsthand look at one of the most demanding career fields in the United States military.

Pararescuemen — PJs — are the only DoD special operations forces specifically organized, trained, equipped, and postured to conduct full-spectrum personnel recovery in both conventional and unconventional combat...

"The purpose today was to bring exposure to special warfare career fields."

 — Tech. Sgt. Zachary Williams, Luke AFB Honor Guard NCOIC

LEADERSHIP

63rd Fighter Squadron Has a New Commander. Meet Lt. Col. 
Adam Peterson

On June 5, the 63rd Fighter Squadron held a change of command ceremony at Luke Air Force Base, with Col. Oliver Lause, 56th Operations Group commander, passing the guidon to Lt. Col. Adam Peterson. With that transfer, Peterson assumed command of one of Luke's frontline F-35A Lightning II training squadrons — and all the responsibility that comes with it.

The 63rd Fighter Squadron operates within the world's largest fighter wing, training pilots from the United States and partner nations on the F-35A every day. The squadron's mission sits at the center of ...

Did you know?

The 56th Component Maintenance Squadron supports the maintenance of Luke's F-35A fleet — a jet that requires significantly more maintenance hours per flight hour than legacy fighters like the F-16, making the CMS mission one of the most technically demanding in the Air Force's training enterprise.

LEADERSHIP 

56th Component Maintenance Squadron Passes the Torch to Maj. Randy Garner

On June 15 — the same day Davis-Monthan's candidates were testing their limits at Immersion Day — Luke Air Force Base held its own moment of transition. Col. Edward Romero, 56th Maintenance Group commander, passed the guidon to Maj. Randy Garner, who assumed command of the 56th Component Maintenance Squadron.

The 56th CMS is the backbone of the maintenance operation that keeps Luke's F-35A fleet airworthy and combat-ready. Every aircraft that rolls down the runway at Luke does so because of the work that happens in maintenance bays and component shops that ...

That's a wrap on this edition of Aerotech News & Review. New commanders stepping up at Luke, and a group of candidates at Davis-Monthan getting their first real look at what it means to be a PJ — the next generation of this force is already taking shape. We'll see you in the next issue.

— Aerotech News & Review Team

Special Edition

MILITARY & AEROSPACE MUSEUM

History comes alive in military and aerospace museums, where legendary aircraft, historic artifacts, and inspiring stories connect visitors with the people and innovations that shaped our world. These museums preserve the legacy of military service members, aviators, engineers, and explorers while educating and inspiring new generations.

In this special edition, Aerotech News showcases outstanding museums across the Desert Southwest. Readers will discover fascinating exhibits, hidden gems, and remarkable stories that celebrate aviation, aerospace, and military history. Both informative and entertaining, this edition is designed to inspire readers to explore these destinations and gain a greater appreciation for the men and women whose achievements continue to impact our lives today.

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