Base’s lineup of F-35s increasing

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Luke Air Force Base’s roster of F-35s has grown and that means more noise around the pilot-training installation on the west side of metro Phoenix.

The base now has 85 F35s, well en route to its planned full complement of 144, and the base in January reached a milestone of more than 1,000 flights from the base in one month, the Arizona Republic reported .

January also saw the base record a dramatic increase in noise complaints from people living around the base in Glendale. Luke spokeswoman Becky Heyse wouldn’t provide the specific number of complaints in January but said the number so far in February seemed more normal.

Luke had said in late 2018 there were about 80 in all of that year.

Heyse said Luke officials are asking residents for their continued support. “The program has been as successful as it has been because we have this community support,” she said.

Luke trains pilots from around the world, including from Australia, Norway, Italy and Turkey.