Air Force Reserve Command reactivated the 69th Fighter Squadron March 5 at Luke AFB, Ariz. “It is with great pride and honor that we are able to bring the 69th Fighter Squadron,” said Lt. Col. Steve Speckhard, the unit’s commander. From 1969 to 1983, the squadron operated out of Luke as the 69th Tactical Flying Training Squadron, teaching German pilots to fly F-104s. It was deactivated in 2001 at Moody AFB, Ga. In its new form, the 69th FS is organized under Luke’s 944th Fighter Wing. It is constituted with members of Luke’s 301st FS who changed their patch during the reactivation ceremony. They will work with Luke’s active duty 56th FW to train F-16 pilots. The 301st FS is transferring to Holloman AFB, N.M., to join active duty airmen there in operating F-22s. Its standup is scheduled in April. (Luke report by TSgt. Susan Stout)
Ten Airmen received battlefield promotions for their roles in the daring rescue of DUDE 44, the crew of an F-15E Strike Eagle that was shot down over Iran this spring, Air Force Chief of Staff Ken. S. Wilsbach announced Sept. 14. Wilsbach revealed the promotions—a rarity in the Air Force—and…


