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308th FS Luke AFB, Arizona

The 308th Fighter Squadron is an active fighter training squadron of the U.S. Air Force, currently based at Luke Air Force Base. It is part of the 56th Operations Group and is nicknamed the “Emerald Knights.” Current MissionToday, the squadron operates the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II and specializes in pilot training. Since its reactivation in 2018, it has focused heavily on training pilots from allied nations, particularly the Royal Danish Air Force and the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The 308th is considered one of the most decorated fighter squadrons in U.S. Air Force history, with combat service stretching from WWII through the modern era During the second week of March 2024, the 308th FS, in conjunction with the The Centre of Aviation Photography (COAP), hosted a small group of photographers over a very busy 4-day period. Jim Woodrow, was privileged to be part of this very special opportunity and made the journey to the USA for the event. The first day was given over to providing photo opportunities to the squadron’s service men and women along with their families. Using a backdrop of 3 specially positioned F-35s, we had a lot of fun shooting memorable photos for all. Day 2 was an operational one on base. We started by heading up the control tower to the outside observation area and took the opportunity to capture the 308th heading out on a training mission. After lunch, it was time to follow the crew as they prepared for the afternoon launch. After observing the crew briefings, we followed them out as they made their way to the aircraft. They met up with the ground teams who had already spent time making the aircraft ready for their arrival. On day 3 following an important safety briefing, we climbed onto our photo ship, a DHC-6 Twin Otter. We made our way to the Military Operations Area (MOA) and teamed up with two F-35As for a very impressive Air 2 Air photoshoot over the spectacular Arizona landscape. The final Day 4 was spent preparing for and heading out to the Gila Bend ranges. Here we were well-positioned to photograph some very impressive low-level flying within the ranges. The entire team at the 308th was very welcoming and accommodating. They went out of their way to ensure all activities went smoothly and safely. A huge thank you to both the 308th and the team at COAP for all the hard work that went into making all this happen.