Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, AZ
Luke Air Force Base is an active United States Air Force installation in Glendale, Arizona. It is home to the 56th Fighter Wing. This guide covers directions, gate access, housing, child care, medical care, services, and recreation.
Base Overview
| Official name | Luke Air Force Base |
|---|---|
| Military branch | United States Air Force |
| Base status | Active |
| Street address | 14185 West Falcon Street, Luke AFB, AZ 85309 |
| Main phone number | 623-856-6011 |
| Visitor Center phone | 623-856-4993 |
| Official website | Luke Air Force Base official website |
Location and Directions
Luke AFB is in Glendale, in Maricopa County. From Interstate 10, take exit 128 and drive north about 5 miles. From Arizona State Route 303, take Northern Parkway exit 110B, drive about 3.5 miles to Litchfield Road, then turn right and drive south. From Arizona State Route 101, take the Glendale Road exit, drive west about 5.8 miles to Litchfield Road, and turn south for the South Gate or north for the Lightning Gate.
Authorized ID card holders may use the South Gate or Lightning Gate. The South Gate is on Litchfield Road south of Glendale Avenue. The Lightning Gate is north of Glendale Avenue.
Visitor Information
Visitors can get passes at the Lightning Gate Visitor Center. The visitor center is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lightning Gate is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and the South Gate is open 24 hours. Passes may be available after visitor-center hours at the Lightning or South Gate, but processing may take longer. Call 623-856-4993 before traveling to confirm current access rules and requirements.
Housing and Lodging
Fighter Country Inn, in Building 660, handles temporary lodging for Luke AFB. Call 623-856-3941. Privatized family housing is provided by Balfour Beatty Communities at 623-388-3515. The housing facilities office is 623-856-3515, housing maintenance is 623-935-2676, and unaccompanied housing is 623-856-7841. Eligibility rules were not provided, so ask the housing office about your situation.
Facilities and Services
Luke AFB has a Military and Family Readiness Center, commissary, Exchange, customer service office, legal assistance, post office, veterinary clinic, education center, transportation office, and chapel.
| Service | Phone |
|---|---|
| Military and Family Readiness Center | 623-856-6550 |
| Commissary | 623-935-3821 |
| Base Exchange | 623-935-2671 |
| ID cards and customer service | 623-856-7875 |
| Legal assistance | 623-856-6901 |
The Military and Family Readiness Center is at 7282 North 137th Avenue, Building 1113. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closes on the third Thursday of each month for training.
Schools and Childcare
Military families commonly use Dysart Unified School District, Litchfield Elementary School District, or Agua Fria Union High School District. Local charter and private school options are also available. Luke AFB has a School Liaison Office, with current contact details and school guidance available through the installation.
The Child Development Center serves children from 6 weeks through 5 years. It offers full-time, hourly, and sublet care Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Requests must be submitted through MilitaryChildCare.com. Family Child Care serves children from 2 weeks through 12 years, and the School Age Program serves children from kindergarten through age 12. Call the Child Development Center at 623-856-6338 or 623-856-6339.
Medical Services
Luke Medical Group is at 7219 North Litchfield Road, Building 1130. It provides care for active-duty personnel and eligible beneficiaries, including primary care, surgical services, behavioral health, and other clinic services. The group is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
| Service | Contact or hours |
|---|---|
| Primary care | 623-856-2273; Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |
| Family health clinic | Routine care, acute visits, telehealth, referrals, imaging, lab services, and medication services |
| Emergency services | Call 911; Security Forces desk: 623-856-6322 |
Primary care is closed the second Wednesday of each month. Luke Medical Group is closed for AETC and federal holidays and has other scheduled closures. Call before visiting to confirm appointments and hours.
Recreation and Amenities
Recreation options include Bryant Fitness Center at 623-856-6241, Falcon Dunes Golf Course at 623-535-9334, a library, community center, outdoor recreation, ticket and tour office, bowling and leisure programs, and auto hobby facilities. Luke AFB also has a military-only recreation area and campground, known as FamCamp. Call 623-856-4891 for FamCamp information.
Things to Know
- Call the Lightning Gate Visitor Center before traveling to confirm current access rules.
- The South Gate is open 24 hours. Lightning Gate is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Visitor-pass processing outside visitor-center hours may be delayed.
- Luke AFB uses DSN prefix 896, but cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers.
- Airlines usually will not ship pets into or out of the area from April through September because of extreme heat.
- Gate hours, services, phone numbers, and other operating information can change. Confirm details before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Luke Air Force Base?
- It is in Glendale, Arizona, in Maricopa County.
- Where do visitors get a pass?
- Visitors can start at the Lightning Gate Visitor Center. Call 623-856-4993 first.
- Is the South Gate open all day?
- Yes. The South Gate is listed as open 24 hours.
- Does Luke AFB have child care?
- Yes. The base has a Child Development Center, Family Child Care, and a School Age Program.
- Does Luke AFB have medical care?
- Yes. Luke Medical Group provides care for active-duty personnel and eligible beneficiaries.