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Soaring Beyond Limits: 944th FW Fighter Pilot Crosses 1,000 Hour Milestone in F-35

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken
  • 944th Fighter Wing
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  

On an otherwise routine day on Aug. 9, 2024, Reserve Citizen Airman Lt. Col. Christopher "Lube" Lowe crossed a significant milestone that only a handful of aviators in the 944th Fighter Wing have achieved—1,000 hours of flight time in the F-35 Lightning II. This accomplishment, while marked with a light celebration, reflects a journey filled with dedication, countless hours of preparation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines Lowe and the team behind him.

For Lowe, an F-35 instructor pilot and the 56th Operations Group deputy commander, the achievement is more than just a number. It is a testament to years of commitment and the collective effort of the Airmen that help make it happen. 

"It takes a while to get a thousand hours in any fighter aircraft,” Lowe modestly explained. “So, it does mean a lot of time, a lot of work, dedication – all that kind of stuff.” 

His milestone is not just personal—it is shared by the 944th Fighter Wing, representing the hard work and professionalism of every Airman involved in each flight.

The Team: A Collective Achievement
Behind every hour Lowe spends in the cockpit, there are countless hours of preparation and support provided by Airmen on the ground. Airman 1st Class Christian Dickinson, a relatively new active-duty crew chief with the 63rd Fighter Squadron with just over a year of experience, played a pivotal role in Lowe's milestone flight by receiving him on his return. 

Reflecting on his contribution, Dickinson, a native of Kennewick, Wash., expressed his sense of pride in being part of such a significant event so early in his career. 

"I feel honored, and it makes me feel great,” he said. “Being a part of something bigger than myself is part of why I joined, to help the community out and to better the world.”

The preparation for each flight hour is an extensive process, involving meticulous planning, briefings, and debriefings that often span multiple hours. Lowe, a native of Savannah, Ga. and graduate of the Air Force Academy, acknowledges the magnitude of the teamwork required, estimating that at least 100 Airmen contribute to every single flight hour. 

"For every one of those hours,” Lowe emphasized, going on to list the various jobs such as maintenance, avionics, weapons, fuels, airfield operations, radar controllers, aircrew equipment, egress, cyber, intelligence, and operations.

A Legacy of Excellence
Lowe’s journey with the F-35 began in late 2014, when the aircraft was still in its developmental stages. He recalls those early flights as being akin to a test pilot’s experience, where problems would arise unexpectedly, and solutions had to be improvised. Despite these challenges, Lowe’s passion for flying never wavered. 

"I was one of those kids that just wanted to fly fighter planes and it was the F-16 Viper to start my career,” reflected Lowe. “Then once the F-35 became available, that was my number one goal.

This milestone also highlights the evolution of the F-35 program. As one of the early aviators, Lowe has witnessed the aircraft mature from a skeleton of its current self into the advanced fighter jet it is today. He likens this evolution to raising a child. 

“You kind of end up growing up together," explained Lowe, a father himself.

Looking Ahead
As Lowe looks toward the future, with just a few more years until retirement, he remains focused on continuing to contribute to the squadron’s mission. He acknowledges the physical demands of flying, especially as he grows older, but his commitment to his role remains steadfast. 

“I think I have two more years left until retirement... maybe just another 150, 200 hours," he stated.

For Dickinson, this milestone serves as inspiration as he continues to grow in his role. He recognizes the significance of the 1,000-hour mark, not just as a number but as a symbol of the dedication and effort that it represents. 

“We only get a short span of time with them each day,” said Dickinson, referring to pilots. “So, getting to recover this flight, that represents several years, is pretty special."

A Team Effort to Remember
Lowe’s achievement reflects the entire 944th Fighter Wing’s efforts. 

"I may be wearing the patch, but it's really everybody else," Lowe humbly acknowledged, referring to his new 1,000-hour flight patch. 

As one of only five members in the unit to reach this milestone, Lowe’s journey is a testament to the collective spirit of teamwork and excellence that defines the 944th Fighter Wing.

As Lowe continues to fly, supported by his dedicated team, each hour logged in the cockpit becomes part of a larger legacy—one that underscores the vital role of every Airman, from the most seasoned pilots to the newest crew chiefs, forging together to achieve mission success while continuously transforming for tomorrow.