A Valley favorite, Luke Days is an open house air show on the Luke Air Force Base military installation near Glendale. It will return to the skies on Saturday and Sunday, March 19 and 20.
Ordinarily taking place every other year in March and drawing tens of thousands of enthusiasts, the event scheduled for 2020 was canceled because of health precautions surrounding the pandemic. Luke organizers opted to not try for a show in 2021.
That all changes this March.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome the USAF Thunderbirds back to Luke to headline the return to Luke Days,” Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 56th Fighter Wing commander, shared in a statement. “After a couple of tough years tackling COVID-19, we are all looking forward to welcoming all our communities and guests to celebrate the pinnacle of aviation performance.”
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team will headline the free event, along with dozens of aerial acts performing throughout the two-day show. Luke Days is the first show on the Thunderbirds’ 2022 schedule.
This past summer the Thunderbirds announced the officers joining their team for the 2022 demonstration:
Capt. Lauren Schlichting, 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson, North Carolina, has been selected as Thunderbird 3, the team’s Right Wing pilot. She will fly as close as 18 inches from the No. 1 jet during flight formations, demonstrating the teamwork and precision of America’s Air Force. The current right wing pilot, Maj. Zane Taylor, will transition to Thunderbird 4, replacing Maj. Michael Brewer.
Capt. Daniel Katz, 510th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, has been selected as Thunderbird 6, the team’s Opposing Solo pilot. The solo pilots perform maneuvers that showcase the maximum capabilities of the F-16 aircraft. Maj. Kyle Oliver, the current Opposing Solo pilot, will transition to the Lead Solo position in 2022, replacing Maj. Michelle Curran.
Capt. Jacob Impellizzeri, 79th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, has been selected as Thunderbird 8, the team’s Advance Pilot and Narrator. The advance pilot coordinates air show operations and will act as the narrator during air shows. Impellizzeri will replace Maj. Jason Markzon.
Capt. Travis Grindstaff, 79th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, has been selected as Thunderbird 9, the team’s Flight Surgeon. The flight surgeon oversees the health and well-being of the 130-person team as well as their families. Grindstaff will be replacing Lt. Col. Noel Colls.
Capt. Robert Gulla, 723 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, has been selected as Thunderbird 11, the team’s Maintenance Officer. The maintenance officer is responsible for overall aircraft maintenance for more than a dozen fighter jets. Gulla will replace Maj. Mike Bell.
Steve Stockmar News Editor | Sun Life Magazine & Arts & Entertainment
YourValley.net @stevestockmar
Meet Steve Steve Stockmar joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2017, and has been an Arizona journalist for almost 30 years. He serves as editor of Sun Life Magazine and contributes to West Valley communities where he focuses mostly on arts & culture, education, and profiles of neighbors making a difference.
Community: Every season Steve serves as a “buddy” with the Miracle League of Arizona in Scottsdale, has volunteered his time with Family Promise in Glendale, and previously served on the Ghostlight Theatre board in Sun City West.
Education: Graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a Journalism major and English minor.
Random Fact: Steve once won a 50-player live Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament.
Hobbies: Anguishing over his beloved Chicago Cubs and Bears; listening to Beatles and Grateful Dead music.
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