The 310th TFTS along with the 311th TFTS were the first units established with the F-16 at Luke AFB, Arizona in early 1983. Although established in 1983 with the Viper, the squadron started phasing out the F-4 for the F-16 in 1982. Deactivation with the F-4C was on November 4th, 1982 but the training role would continue with the F-16A/B. The 310th FS even had the distinction of operating the first production F-16 #78-0001. During those times at one point Luke AFB operated the first production model of the F-16A/B/C and D.
In 1989 the 310th TFTS began receiving brand new block 42s to replace the F-16A/B. On November 1st, 1991 the 310th was re-designated simply as a Fighter Squadron. Although the word 'Training' was dropped, nothing in that role was changed and was the case for all USAF Tactical Fighter Training Squadrons at that time. With the growing use of night vision goggles the 310th FS has become the principle trainer in this role. At the time the 310th began receiving the block 42, Night Vision training was very new to the Air Force. It was several years later that the squadron began cranking out night-vision goggle qualified pilots. Although now well known for night vision training, the 310th FS is also tasked with other pilot training normally in the realms of advanced pilot training. One such program is Forward Air Controller, of which the 310th FS is currently the only squadron in the USAF that trains F-16 pilots in this role. Each class lasts five weeks and includes twelve sorties intended to test technical knowledge of the program. The 310th Fighter Squadron on average graduates thirteen classes of FAC qualified pilots a year.
USAF F-16C block 42
#90-0770 from the 310th FS has just took off from Luke AFB for another training sortie.
On April 1st, 1994 the 58th FW was renumbered the 56th FW which the Wing number came from the then recently closed MacDill AFB, Florida. Also during the Wing renumbering process, all existing Luke AFB F-16 squadrons were renumbered with the exception being the 310th and 425th FS which were able to keep their history. But as the only remaining original F-16 squadron at Luke, several squadrons have been added over the years making Luke AFB the busiest F-16 base in the entire world.
Beginning in April of 2004 the 310th FS was tasked with all night vision goggle training. Pilots going through this training program have to be experienced as the night vision goggles prove to be very challenging. New pilots to the training program have known to follow stars in the sky thinking they are following their flight leader. In bad weather the goggles can be useless as they depend on some source of light. A common training element is to have students fly in a four ship formations on a strike mission having to fight their way in and out against enemy aggressors. In all, a trainee will face three to four weeks of training using the goggles including simulator time and eight sorties in the real jet. Although it fluctuates, the school often turns out 150 night vision goggle trained pilots a year.
