56th TRAINING WING

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About 56th TRAINING WING

The 56th Training Wing, headquartered at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, traces its lineage to its activation during World War II as the 56th Fighter Group. Renowned for its combat achievements in the European Theater, the unit became one of the highest-scoring American fighter groups of the war. Reactivated and redesignated over the decades, the 56th assumed its current role as a premier training wing in 1994, focusing on advanced fighter pilot instruction, especially for the F-35 Lightning II and F-16 Fighting Falcon. Today, the 56th Training Wing is recognized as the largest fighter wing in the United States Air Force, playing a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of combat-ready pilots.

Unit Members

Keith Mabbett

U.S. Air Force

56th TRAINING WINGView Profile

Adolfo O Vargas

U.S. Air Force

56th TRAINING WINGView Profile

Photos

U.S. Air Force • 1976

stationed at johnson air force base in japan

U.S. Air Force • 1949

About 56th TRAINING WING

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins in World War II: The 56th Training Wing traces its lineage back to the 56th Pursuit Group, activated in 1941. It became famous for flying P-47 Thunderbolts in the European Theater. • Top-Scoring Fighter Group: During WWII, the 56th Fighter Group was credited with more air-to-air victories than any other USAAF group in the European Theater, claiming over 665 enemy aircraft destroyed. • “Wolfpack” Nickname: The unit earned the nickname "Wolfpack" under the leadership of Colonel Hubert Zemke, who emphasized teamwork and aggressive tactics. • Home of Aces: Many leading American aces, including Francis “Gabby” Gabreski and Robert S. Johnson, served with the 56th, each achieving over 20 aerial victories. • Modern Role at Luke AFB: Today, the 56th Training Wing, based at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, is the world’s largest fighter pilot training wing, primarily training F-16 and F-35 pilots. • Training International Pilots: The 56th Training Wing trains not only US Air Force pilots but also pilots from allied nations, fostering international cooperation and interoperability. • “Home of the Fighter Pilot”: Luke AFB and the 56th Training Wing proudly use the motto “Home of the Fighter Pilot,” emphasizing their central role in producing combat-ready aviators. • Advanced Technology: The unit is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology into pilot training, including simulators and virtual training environments for the F-35 Lightning II. • Community Engagement: The wing is known for its strong ties to the local community, hosting annual airshows and educational outreach programs to inspire future generations. • Distinguished Heritage: The 56th has earned numerous unit citations and awards for excellence in training and combat, continuously upholding its legacy from WWII to the present day.