Photo courtesy Luke AFB

Back in 1951, Luke Field officially became known as Luke Air Force Base. The name may have changed, but the mission remains the same: creating and training the world’s greatest fighter pilots and maintainers. This is the essence of Luke. 
Fifty-seven years later, the base is experiencing another change as it welcomes new leadership of its 56th Fighter Wing. Colonel Kurt F. Neubauer has replaced Brigadier General Tom Jones as Luke’s leader.
It’s abundantly clear that Neubauer is a man of confidence. He speaks with a clear and striking tone. He answers questions without hesitation. He sits at his desk in his flight suit, coffee within reach, and slips on his glasses, making sure to note that he’s not that old.
Originally from Silverspring, Maryland, Neubauer entered the Air Force Academy in 1977 after high school. “I was always drawn to the Air Force from the standpoint of flying fast jets,” says Neubauer, 49. “I always wanted to grow up and be a fighter pilot.”
Neubauer has more than fulfilled his aspirations of flying jets. He has completed 3,350 F-16 flying hours, including 88 hours of combat flight missions over Iraq. These experiences, along with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and master’s degrees in aeronautical science and national security strategy, led to his selection as commander of the 56th Fighter Wing, essentially making him the “top dog” on base.
Despite the numerous changes at Luke Air Force Base over the years, Neubauer sees no reason to change anything on his watch. “This base, and this wing, has a well earned reputation of excellence, and has for decades,” he says. “From a change standpoint, I really don’t see any need to change anything that’s this successful.”
That success, in part, is the training and graduation of more than 400 F-16 pilots and more than 700 maintenance technicians annually. “I want to stay true to the essence of our mission, which is to train the world’s best F-16 pilots and aircraft maintainers,” Neubauer says. “Fly, fight and win. That’s essentially what we exist to do here.”