Thursday, October 23, 2008

Idaho 'Warthog' pilots take top honors at jet fest

The Associated Press
Edition Date: 10/22/08

BOISE, Idaho — A competition between A-10 pilots from around the world is over and a team from Idaho came out on top.

Four pilots from the Idaho Air National Guard's 190th Fighter Squadron placed first out of 14 rival air crews at the Hawgsmoke competition in Salinas, Kan., held once every two years.

They scored highest in competitions meant to determine the best performance for ground attack and target destruction.

"This win validates the training we do here in Idaho," said Maj. Gen. Larry Lafrenz, commanding general of the Idaho National Guard.

The A-10 is officially known as the "Thunderbolt II," though it's ungainly appearance has earned it the nickname "Warthog" among those who fly it.

Since it was designed more than 30 years ago, it's been a military mainstay for missions to destroy enemy ground vehicles including tanks.

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