Thursday, April 30, 2009

New Jet Comes to Selfridge

by 127th Wing Public Affairs

4/30/2009 - 4/30/2009 -- Residents in the Metro Detroit area will notice a new airplane flying overhead beginning this weekend, as the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard begins flying the A-10 Thunderbolt in place of the F-16. The unit has converted to the larger attack jet as part of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission law of 2005.

On Saturday, the 127th Wing will hold a ceremony marking the official stand up of the new flying mission, while saying goodbye to the F-16, a jet that flew out of Selfridge Air National Guard Base for almost 20 years.

The A-10s ability to fly at low altitude and slower speeds and its ability to employ a wide variety of conventional munitions including its 30 mm GAU-8/A seven-barrel Gatling gun, make it an often requested aircraft by ground troops wanting close air support. The aircraft has proven invaluable to the United States and its allies and has participated in Operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Provide Comfort, Desert Fox, Noble Anvil, Deny Flight, Deliberate Guard, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

The 107th Fighter Squadron, the fighter-jet-flying "Red Devils" squadron of the 127th Wing, flew F-16s since 1990. They were called upon to patrol the Iraqi no fly-zones from bases in Kuwait, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. On September 11, 2001, while the 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron was landing in Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Southern Watch, the skeleton crew remaining in Michigan responded immediately to the terrorist attacks taking place in the skies of America that morning.

Through tremendous teamwork, within hours the Michigan Air National Guard had F-16s patrolling local skies, armed and prepared to defend the nation against any threat. The squadron flew 24 hours a day for 23 straight days in November 2001, and later that year was recognized by the Air Force Association as the top flying unit and the Air National Guard's Distinguished Flying Unit. The 127th Wing continuously provided Air Sovereignty Alert non-stop around the clock from Sept 11, 2001 until it transferred the mission to the Ohio Air National Guard F-16s on Oct 1, 2008.

In the Iraq war, the 107th Fighter Squadron became the first U.S. F-16 unit stationed inside Iraq in 2004. The squadron played an instrumental role assisting the Marine ground forces in the Fallujah battles of 2004, and later that year the F-16s were sent to Kirkuk in northern Iraq.

In January 2007, 107th Fighter Squadron "Red Devils" and the 127th Maintenance Group deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq, as part of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing. (The 332nd AEW has ancestral lineage to the former 332nd Fighter Group's Tuskegee Airmen of World War II who received gunnery training at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.) While deployed the Red Devils successfully flew combat missions including close air support to coalition ground forces in the decisive battle of An Najaf on January 28 that contributed to more than 400 enemy insurgents killed and 100 captured.

The ceremony officially marking the new A-10 mission will be held in Hangar 3 at 3 p.m. on Saturday. The event is open to all base personnel.

Source

Click to enlarge

Cover of the May 2009 public online PDF issue of Prevailing Wind, offical newspaper of the 127th Wing Source



107th Fighter Squadron insignia on the A-10C's left fusselage side. (Photo extracted from the cover of Prevailing Wind May 2009 public online PDF issue) Full size

Related info:
A-10C tail markings for 107th Fighter Squadron unveiled

See also Warthog Territory Forums:
A-10C tail markings for 107th Fighter Squadron unveiled

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

A-10C tail markings for 107th Fighter Squadron unveiled



Tail markings for the 107th Fighter Squadron's new A-10 mission are unveiled on April 24, 2009, at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan. The photographed aircraft is A-10C 81-0975, formerly assigned to the 172nd FS, 110th FW (Michigan ANG), Battle Creek (BC). New tailcode 'MI' for Michigan, inscription 'Selfridge' on the fin caps, inscription 'Red Devils' (the 107th FS's nickname) and the legendary trident on the engine nacelles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jeremy L. Brownfield) Hi-res



(U.S. Air Force photo by Jeremy L. Brownfield) Hi-res



(U.S. Air Force photo by Jeremy L. Brownfield) Hi-res

Note: Today, these three pictures (all taken on April 24, 2009) were relased on 127th Wing's public website.

On the Warthog Territory Forums, Weasel_80-204 wrote: The 107th has always had the "Red Devils" on their jets. The 16's had it on the lower portion of the V-stab. I see it as a continuation of the "Battle Creek" on the nacelles.

You are right, Weasel_80-204! Let me check my F-16 photo archives for a good shot of a 107th FS Viper with "Red Devils" markings...

Here's one of the latest known 110th Fighter Wing pics, showing the inscription "Battle Creek" on the left engine nacelle:



Looks like the 107th FS took over at least some of the engine nacelle markings styles from the 172nd FS. (Left to right) Staff Sergeants Bryce Moore, James Liston and Kevin Rynbrandt stand in front of one of their unit's jets Jan. 1, 2008, at Bagram AB, Afghanistan. All three were recently notified that they had been selected for pilot training. The Airmen are deployed from the 110th Fighter Wing, at Battle Creek, Mich. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco) Hi-res

Related background info:
81-0975 (still wearing BC tail markings, photographed by Lino Borges January 16, 2008, at Lajes Field, Azores

See also Warthog Territory Forums:
A-10C tail markings for 107th Fighter Squadron unveiled

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

A-10C Thunderbolt II Hybrid [just a Photoshop vision]



The 23rd Wing at Moody AFB, Georgia, is celebrating Earth Week from April 20-24, and a variety of Earth-friendly activities are taking place all around base. Events include base-wide clean up projects, information booths, hazardous materials drop-offs, a tree planting ceremony and Wing Pride Patrols. Earth Day is celebrated worldwide each year on April 22. The event's focus is on increasing awareness on environmental issues through education, programs and campaigns. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Senior Airman Javier Cruz Jr.) Hi-res

Note: According to the visible tailcode DM, this photoshopped "mossy" A-10 with the manipulated inscription 'Earth Week' on the wings is from the 355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.

Monday, April 27, 2009

47th FS instructor pilots impact training on the ground



Airmen from the 917th Wing at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, prepare an A-10C Thunderbolt II from the 47th Fighter Squadron for takeoff at the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center in Savannah, Georgia, April 2, 2009. Airmen from the 917th Wg and the 47th Fighter Squadron both from Barksdale are involved in training Joint Terminal Attack Controllers for 13 days during "Patriot Dixie". (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
917th Wing Public Affairs

4/28/2009 - Barksdale AFB, La. -- The primary mission of the 47th Fighter Squadron at Barksdale remains, for the time being, a schoolhouse for A-10 pilots. However, it is not the only opportunity instructor pilots here have to be involved with training Air Force personnel.

Recently, close to 90 members of the 917th Wing had the chance to hone their combat skills for 13 days in Savannah, Ga., during "Patriot Dixie."

The group of Airmen, which included 47th FS pilots, as well as maintainers from the 717th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Barksdale, helped Joint Terminal Attack Controllers fine-tune their combat skills before being deployed down range. The two groups of JTACs involved in the training were the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron, who are embedded with the Army's 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Ga., and the 6th Combat Training Squadron from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

By participating in training evolutions such as this one, the instructor pilots are ensuring that JTACs are capable of doing their job down range. In retrospect, the instructor pilots are actually guaranteeing better outcomes for close-air-support pilots in the future.

"For an A-10 pilot, the limiting factor in combat is finding the target - the window in the hut among 200 huts." says Lt. Col. Jim Macaulay, 917th Operations Group deputy commander, Wing. "JTACs used to be the unsung heroes. Now they are getting their due. We can't do our job without them."

JTACs are considered throughout the U.S. military as experts in air-to-ground operations, and like all military components, they continue to train on a regular basis to maintain their expertise in the field. Embedded with Army units, they are prepared to call in air strikes to destroy targets or close-air-support during engagements with enemy forces.

"This combined training with a dedicated premier air-to-ground platform such as the A-10 enhances our training effectiveness," said Maj. Francis Scolaro, 15th ASOS, director of operations. "Training with CAS experts (A-10s) greatly enhances the JTACs tactics, techniques and procedures when engaging the enemy in support of the ground commander's scheme of maneuver."

The 47th FS took six A-10 jets to Georgia to help. Pilots from the 47th FS were rotated in and out over the length of the exercise to fly sorties for the training scenarios.

The A-10s dropped BDU 33 training ordinance to simulate bombs and fired TP (training) rockets at targets on the ranges as they worked hand-in-hand with the 15th ASOS.

"We train to the level where we can deploy with any Army unit we need to," Major Scolaro said. "The only difference is how we get to the fight."

"It takes three or four years to grow a JTAC," the Major said. "If you lose one JTAC on the battlefield, you lose a lot of capability. So, we train to mitigate that in every possible way we can."

The 15th ASOS coordinated with the 47th FS to get what they felt was the best win-win training situation possible during the exercise.

Training for the 15th ASOS JTACs focused on incorporating lasers to mark targets and talking pilots on to targets visually.

A new asset in the JTAC equipment bag is the "rover," which has video down link capabilities. Personnel on the ground can actually see the target on a screen as seen from a targeting pod on the combat aircraft providing the close-air-support.

"It's definitely easier to conduct CAS with targeting pods and video down link capabilities as opposed to trying to verbally talk the pilot on to certain targets," Major Scolaro said.

JTACs on the ground are more than just an air traffic controller for dropping bombs.

"In a lot of cases, the aircrew have very accurate coordinates for the target, and it's simply a matter of us making sure the target area is free of friendlies and non-combatants before we approve the strike," said Capt. Pat McMahon, 15th ASOS, air liaison officer.

"However, in todays combat theater, it's hard to identify targets as they're often on the move or in areas that could cause collateral damage. So it's up to us
and the aircrew to quickly come up with an accurate targeting solution and the best weapon that's quick, lethal and, in most cases, with no collateral damage," he added.

The A-10 is not the only combat aircraft assigned to the role of close-air-support. The rules have changed over the years and many combat aircraft have been thrown into the CAS role. Because of this, JTACs must train to work with numerous assets from different services as well as different countries.

"Each community brings a valuable piece of the puzzle to the fight - a good JTAC will know how to put it all together," said Capt. McMahon.

There were numerous sorties flown during "Patriot Dixie." But, very few jets would have gotten off the ground more than a few times had it not been for the maintainers back at the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center.

From a maintainer's perspective, the exercise was not without its challenges.

Upon arrival at the CRTC, immediately, several maintenance issues popped up, said Senior Master Sgt. Bernard Woods, 717th AMXS, flight chief.

The maintainers immediately started generating all six aircraft in order to make the next day's mission.

"Everybody helped each other very well in the launch, recovery and maintenance of the A-10 during the entire deployment," Sergeant Woods said. "I didn't have to stress teamwork at all."

The weather too played a role in the training. Rain fall simulated what they may during a deployment to Afghanistan.

"There was a little heavy rainfall and severe weather we had to deal with. We had to recover aircraft and put four A-10's in a hangar to avoid structural damage from the heavy winds and hail," Sergeant Woods explained. "Some challenges we just had to endure."

"Patriot Dixie" is just one of many training evolutions that create scenarios in which JTACs could soon be put to the test down range.

"There is nothing worse than dropping a bomb on a farmer or civilians when you could have prevented it," said Major Scolaro. "We try to do everything we possibly can to prevent that. No one ever wants to hear about or read about it, nor do we ever want to do it. That's why we do this training."

Source



Airmen from the 917th Wing scramble to secure A-10Cs from the 47th Fighter Squadron on the ramp as a white wall of rain bears down on the jets at the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center April 2, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



An Airman from the 917th Wing chocks an A-10C from the 47th Fighter Squadron in a torrential downpour at Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center April 2, 2009. For his own safety and the protection of the aircraft's cockpit, the pilot was forced to stay in the jet until the storm passed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



Emergency crews leave the ramp after responding to an in-flight emergency call April 1, 2009, at the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center. Maj. Aristotle "So-Crates" Rabanal, an instructor pilot with the 47th Fighter Squadron made the call after a 2.75 practice rocket hung in the pod during one of his sorties. Instructor pilots from the 47th FS as well as Airmen from the 917th Wing at Barksdale are supporting training evolutions for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers from the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron. The 15th ASOS is embedded with the US Army's 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Visible in the background is A-10C 148. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



Maj. Aristotle "So-Crates" Rabanal, an instructor pilot with the 47th Fighter Squadron fires 2.75 practice rockets at his target while on an early morning sortie to the Townsend Range during "Patriot Dixie" March 31, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



Lt. Col. Barry "Pappy" James, an instructor pilot with the 47th Fighter Squadron drops practice bombs on targets at the Townsend Range outside of Savannah, Georgia, March 31, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



Lt. Col. Mitchell "Face" Hansen, an instructor pilot with the 47th Fighter Squadron checks for thumbs up from Joint Terminal Attack Controllers on the ground after a show of force at the Townsend Range outside of Savannah, Georgia, March 31, 2009. The A-10C is marked '47', probably as the 47th FS flagship. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



Master Sgt. Gary Yates, specialist flight supervisor with the 717th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and Technical Sgt. Keith Castleberry, aerospace propulsion technician, 917th Maintenance Squadron, monitor A-10 engines with a laptop March 30, 2009, after it was noticed that the aircraft was experiencing double engine fluxes. The aircraft is A-10C 160. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



Left: Senior Airmen Terrance Smothers and TSgt Vernon Collins secure BDU-33 practice bombs on to an A-10C Thunderbolt II during "Patriot Dixie" April 1, 2009. Both Airmen are weapons loaders with the 917th Munitions Flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



Right: Tech. Sgt. Bobby Duncan looks on as Staff Sgt. Edward Corkern seats a rocket on April 1, 2009, ensuring a full spin on the rocket when it exits the tube. Both Airmen are weapons loaders with the 917th Munitions Flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



Left: Staff Sgt. Kenya Battles, 917th Munitions Flight weapons loader, makes sure locknuts are tight during an aircraft post loading check April 1, 2009, at the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



Right: Staff Sgt. Kenya Battles, 917th Munitions Flight weapons loader, checks a hung rocket to make sure it is rendered safe April 1, 2009, at the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



Left: Staff Sgt. Davarick Pickens, avionics specialist, 717th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., opens a panel to perform a maintenance check on an A-10C Thunderbolt II March 30, 2009. Airmen from the 717th AMXS maintained A-10 jets from the 47th Fighter Squadron at Barksdale AFB, while they supported training evolutions for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers with the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Stewart, Ga. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



Right: Technical Sgt. Alan Leeps, avionics specialist, 717th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., opens rack hooks on an A-10 Thunderbolt to load a LITENING (targeting) pod March 30, 2009. Airmen from the 717th AMXS maintained A-10 jets from the 47th Fighter Squadron at Barksdale AFB, while they supported training evolutions for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers with the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Stewart, Ga. (US Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



Left: Staff Sgt. Dale Hugo, crew chief, 717th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., wraps and stows a grounding cord on an A-10 Thunderbolt, March 30, 2009, before it is towed to the end of the ramp at the Combat Readiness Training Center in Savannah, Ga., to have its engines run up. Airmen from the 717th AMXS maintained A-10 jets from the 47th Fighter Squadron at Barksdale AFB while they that supported training evolutions for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers with the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Stewart, Ga. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



Right: Members of the 917th Wing from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., prepare to run the engines on an A-10 Thunderbolt March 30, 2009, at the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center in Savannah, Ga., after it was noticed that the aircraft was experiencing double engine fluxes. Airmen from the 917th WG and the 47th Fighter Squadron, also from Barksdale AFB, were involved in training Joint Attack Terminal Controllers for 13 days during “Patriot Dixie” in Savannah. (US Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



Left: Senior Airman Dave Pedersen watches a target with his binoculars as an A-10C Thunderbolt II piloted by Lt. Col. John "Smooth" Lipps, rolls in for a strafe at the Townsend Range just outside of Savannah, Georgia, March 31, 2009. Airman Pedersen is a radio operator maintainer and driver (ROMAD) for the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron and is embedded with the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Colonel Lipps is an instructor pilot with the 47th Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston Hi-res



Right: (L-R) Senior Airmen Tim Johnson, joint terminal attack controller (JTAC), and Dave Pedersen, radio operator maintainer and driver (ROMAD), watch an incoming aircraft as Capt. Christopher Schulz, air liaison office/JTAC, talks the aircraft on to a target. The Airmen are members of the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron and are embedded with the Army's 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The Airmen are involved in a 13 day training exercise for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers in the Savannah, Georgia, area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



Left: Capt. Christopher Schulz, air liaison office/joint terminal attack controller, 15th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Stewart, Ga., uses a Mk-7 (mark seven) to get grids/range bearing to the targets on the Townsend Range near Savannah, Ga., March 31, 2009. The Mk-7 derives coordinates and range for targeting solutions which are used to call in close-air-support during engagements with the enemy. Capt. Schulz is involved in "Patriot Dixie", which is a 13 day training exercise for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers in the Savannah, Georgia, area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



Right: Airman 1st Class John Kingsley, radio operator maintainer and driver, 682nd Air Support Operations Squadron, Shaw AFB, South Carolina, and Airman 1st Class Chad Hutsell, ROMAD, with the 15th ASOS, Ft. Stewart, Georgia, work with a military rugged tablet (MRT) during "Patriot Dixie" March 31, 2009. The MRT is a computer system that sends digital information to combat aircraft providing close-air-support much like text messaging. Both Airmen are involved in a 13 day training exercise for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers in the Savannah, Georgia, area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Battle Creek A-10 going to museum



A-10 78-0708 is shown inside Battle Creek's main hangar as preparations are underway to eventualy transport the aircraft to a museum. According to private contacts, the inactive 'Hog', still wearing the Charcoal Lizard paint scheme, was used for Aircraft Battle Damage Repair (ABDR) training. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. David Eichhaker) Hi-res

Note: I extracted this picture from 110th Fighter Wing's base newspaper Jet Stream Journal, May 2009 public online PDF issue. Source

Related background info:
Formerly, A-10 78-0708 (cn A10-0328) was assigned to the 138th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 174th Tactical Fighter Wing ('The Boys from Syracuse'), New York ANG, Hancock Field, Syracuse, New York (tailcode NY). The unit converted from the Cessna A-37B Dragonfly to the Fairchild Republic A-10A Thunderbolt II in mid-1979, and converted again to the Lockheed Martin F-16A/B Fighting Falcon in late 1988. Because of their extensive CAS experience with the A-37B and A-10A, they became the first F-16 unit dedicated to this mission.



78-0708 with NY markings at Knoxville - McGhee Tyson (TYS/KTYS), Tennessee, August 28, 1981. (Photo by Gary Chambers) Hi-res

Related online topic: 78-0780 on Warthog Territory Forums.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

442nd pilots, maintainers conduct joint training at Salina, Kan.



A pilot in A-10C 79-0119 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing, fires the plane's 30-mm cannon at a target on the Smoky Hill Range near Salina, Kansas, Oct. 16, 2008, during a past exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington) Hi-res

by Senior Airman Danielle Wolf
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/24/2009 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- When Citizen Airmen of the 442nd Fighter Wing deploy for combat operations, they serve - and fight - alongside military members from a variety of sources, including the Army and Air National Guard, regular Air Force, and even with people from other, allied nations.

These operations, known as "combined" or "joint," are more and more common and finding opportunities to train in a joint environment is crucial in preparing for combat operations. However, those opportunities can be difficult to obtain.

Recently, Citizen Airmen from the 442nd Maintenance Group deployed to Salina, Kan., for an exercise with the Kansas Air National Guard, Regular Air Force and Army National Guard. A-10 pilots from the 442nd FW's 303rd Fighter Squadron flew from Whiteman Air Force Base to practice firing the plane's 30-milimeter cannon and dropping munitions on Smoky Hill Range.

Pilots were able to land and tactically turn the jets at the nearby Salina Airport, fly training missions over the range again, then return to Whiteman because of the maintenance crews deployed to Salina to service the aircraft.

The pilots spent a week practicing at Smoky Hill Range, 10 miles from the Great Plains Joint Training Center (GPJTC) located at the Salina Airport. The center affords both military and civilian organizations an opportunity to train in a joint environment using real-world technology to train and respond to military and civilian emergency-response missions. In short, the GPJTC's objective is to provide real training for the real world.

"Centered on the facilities at the Kansas Regional Training Center, Salina Municipal Airport and the Smoky Hill Weapons Range, the GPJTC offers outstanding capabilities for conducting joint training," said Colonel James Mackey, 442nd vice wing commander and coordinator for the week of training.

The Smoky Hill range offers 36,000 acres for combined-arms training, allowing pilots the opportunity to team up with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) for their missions. The pilots and JTACs were given scenarios similar to situations encountered while deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq.

The scenarios included helicopter flight operations, cordoned searches, hitting high-value targets and engaging close-air-support targets using the 442nd Fighter Wing's A-10s.

"We were able to work with each other on a tactical level," said Lt. Col. Jeffry Jordan, Commander of the Kansas Air National Guard's 284th Air Support Operations Squadron, which provided the JTACs for the exercise. "(The troops on the ground) started coming under fire and we had to call in the mighty A-10s."

In a deployed, combat location, pilots would normally have JTACs on the ground to act as liaisons between themselves and the ground commander.

A JTAC is responsible for the safety of friendly forces and controlling warplanes to engage an enemy target. The JTAC clears airspace by de-conflicting other aviation traffic, as well as artillery fire from the ground. JTACs also ensure friendly troops are outside the CAS asse'ts bomb fragmentation area and finally inform pilots of the target location - as well as when to fire.

In normal training missions from Whiteman however, the A-10 pilots rarely have anyone on the ground. While they stay proficient at hitting targets, pilots don't get the experience of communicating with JTACs on the ground as they would on a combat mission.

During normal training sorties the pilots fly to the range, fire training rounds and return.

"If we go to Smoky Hill during the week, we only get about 20 minutes of target practice because of the travel time," said Maj. Shad Magann, a 303rd FS A-10 pilot. "But by being in Salina already, we were able to get about an hour of practice each time."

Colonel Mackey said, "Training there allows us to go to a different range and find new targets that we don't use day to day."

In the two hours between sorties, the 442nd maintainers worked to refuel and prepare the A-10s for the next mission. Using Maintenance from the wing allowed crews to "tactically turn," meaning the A-10s were loaded with bombs, fuel and bullets for a follow-on mission.

During that time, pilots and JTACs met and talked about the previous training missions. They were able to watch weapons videos, analyze objectives and discuss the missions from their perspectives.

"We've never really been able to debrief like this," Major Magann said. "Normally it's by phone or radio, or we try to catch up with them at the end of the week but they aren't always able to come to Whiteman to debrief with us. This way though, we were able to meet face-to-face and find out what works and what doesn't work."

Major Magann said this shows both the pilots and the JTACs a different perspective, educating each party about their capabilities and the limitations.

"This is similar to how we operate in Afghanistan," Colonel Mackey said. "We used the assets we had, and it turned into a great training opportunity for everybody."

"The value of this mission was immeasurable," Colonel Jordan said. "In Salina we were able to execute our mission plan and debrief with everyone at once."

Colonels Mackey and Jordan said they are hoping to continue joint-training missions in the future at the Salina facilities and would like to eventually have permanent-party, civilian maintainers in Salina ready to take on the military missions.

"It's a great facility that they have invested a lot of money in and has a lot of programs," Colonel Mackey said. "Joint training is difficult to find and using the Salina Airport to tactically turn from provides us that opportunity. On this exercise alone, we worked jointly with the 10th ASOS from Fort Riley, (Kan.), the 116th ASOS from the Washington Air National Guard, the new 284th ASOS from Kansas Air National Guard, and the HH-60s from the Kansas Army Guard."

Crew Chief Randy Julien, who went on the trip to help launch and maintain the aircraft, agreed that it would be beneficial to have permanent maintainers at the facility.

"They would be able to fly the missions to Salina without pre-planning," Julien said. "They wouldn't have to rely on anybody else."

Instead, he said, the 303rd FS would be able to set its own schedule and determine the most convenient times to do weekly missions at Smoky Hill Range, without concern for the availability of the maintainers.

"(Previous programs) have given us the opportunity to integrate, but those have gone away," Major Magann said. "We are starting to lose knowledge and integration with the Army. But eventually, it would be nice to see this kind of thing happening several times a week; it would be the best solution to maintain integration."

Brigadier General Michael Longoria, commander of the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing, based at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., visited the exercise and commented on the positive training.

"I was deeply impressed with the exercise and the JTAC pilot debrief," he said. "I have full confidence in the program's success and applaud the dedication to provide leading-edge training to our war fighters."

The 303rd has intentions to return to Salina in July for additional training.

Source

Friday, April 24, 2009

Sabers turn empty SU-25 hanger into A-10 maintenance, support hub



Airman 1st Class Josh Stubstad, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshalls in A-10 82-0646 from the 81st Fighter Squadron returning from a training mission. Visible in the background are A-10s 952 and 983. A maintenance squadron team deployed to Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria to support "Reunion April 2009," a joint training exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Gomez) Hi-res

by Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

4/24/2009 - BEZMER AIR BASE, Bulgaria -- As Spangdahlem aircraft maintenance and support Airmen packed to support "Reunion April 2009," an A-10 training exercise at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, they had to be prepared for any problem that might arise.

"This is the first time a USAFE fighter squadron has deployed to this location, so setting up the operations and maintenance facilities to handle A-10 operations was pretty much from the ground up," said Maj. Benjamin Griffith, 81st Fighter Squadron pilot. "As a result, it was a challenge and also a training opportunity for ourselves in how we deploy to a location that has not supported our fighter ops before."

The Bulgarian SU-25 unit here provided the A-10 maintenance and support Airmen a hanger in which to set up operations.

"We brought a lot of stuff, everything that is mandatory and a little more, just so (to be) safe, but we really have not run into any problems," said Airman 1st Class Josh Stubstad, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron crew chief.

The Airmen brought spare parts, plus more than 4,000 pounds of equipment ranging from tool boxes to avionic test systems.

The result is almost a mirror image of the support provided at Spangdahlem Air Base, said Master Sgt. Kevin LeBlanc, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron NCOIC of sortie support. "We had to plan ahead for contingencies and things we would need if something broke because repair components aren't as readily available here."

The Airmen had to consider many factors while turning the empty hanger into the maintenance operations hub.

"One of the challenges (we had) was limited space inside of the hanger," Sergeant LeBlanc said. "We had to make sure we had enough room for everyone to operate safety with forklifts moving and that kind of thing."

The hanger was not the only work area they had to establish a safe layout for, they also had to set up aircraft parking and work areas on the flight line.

Compared to Spangdahlem, the way the flightline is laid out is a bit different, Airman Stubstad said. "Other than that, everything we need is really accessible and really close. Some points are better because it is closer together."

An additional consideration the Airmen had when setting up operations was the fact they would be working with live munitions. This is the first time Airman John Medina, 52nd AMXS aircraft maintenance apprentice, has loaded live munitions on an aircraft.

"We have to make sure we do everything by the book," he said. "If we do something wrong, it can mess up what the pilot does. If one thing goes wrong, then it can lead to a whole series of unfortunate events."

The Airmen put in long hours transforming the hanger into a functional A-10 support area.

"As challenging as it has been to set up basically a bare base from scratch everyone has really pulled together helping each other out, making sure everything was working in the and things were getting done the way they need to get done," Sergeant LeBlanc said. "I think that is pretty much the most impressive part (of this)."

The hard work has all been worth it according to Airman Medina.

"The most rewarding part of this experience is knowing that I am helping the pilots train for war," he said.



Left: Airman 1st Class Josh Stubstad, 52nd Equipment Maintenance squadron crew chief, inspects the engine of A-10 82-0646. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Gomez) Hi-res



Right: Senior Airman Ryan Wooley, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member, prepares BDU-33 practice bombs for loading onto an A-10 prior to a training mission. Visible in the background is A-10 81-0980. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Gomez) Hi-res



Left: Airman John Medina, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member, secures a BDU-33 practice bomb onto an A-10 prior to a training mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Gomez) Hi-res



Right: Airman John Medina assits Senior Airman Ryan A. Wooley, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew members, in loading a BDU-33 practice bomb onto an A-10 preparing to depart on a training mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Gomez) Hi-res

Source

Related info:
"Reunion April 2009" media day at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria
U.S., Bulgarian Airmen train together to enhance CSAR capabilities
A-10 pilots take to Bulgarian skies during "Reunion April 2009"
81st Fighter Squadron A-10s went to Bulgaria for exercise

Downed F-117 pilot, rescuer reunite

Updated 26 April 2009

by Chuck Paone
66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

4/20/2009 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Almost every reunion carries an emotional impact for the parties involved, but when a once-downed pilot reunited with the man who led his rescue effort, hundreds of others could feel the power of the moment too.

Introducing Col. Phil 'Goldie' Haun during the Heritage of Freedom event here April 15, retired Lt. Col. Dale Zelko said: "The first time I hugged Goldie was the morning of March 28, 1999, at Aviano Air Base in Italy; the next time I hugged Goldie was about 30 minutes ago."

Colonel Haun, one of three featured speakers at the quarterly Hanscom event, then recounted details of the daring search and rescue mission that brought Colonel Zelko home after his F-117 Nighthawk had been shot down over Serbia. The career A-10 and 'Sandy' pilot described the comprehensive coordination required and noted some of the frustrations encountered.

He said that combat search and rescue wasn't always given high priority in strike planning and that at least one U.S. commander had denied its necessity. "We're not planning to lose anybody on these strikes," Colonel Haun had been told months before the incident, when he pleaded the case for incorporating CSAR into strike preparation.

"The lesson I got out of that was that very few of the assets [relied on for Colonel Zelko's rescue] were part of the CSAR task force. Combat search and rescue is everybody's job," Colonel Haun said. He added that "communication is everything," during search and rescue and said even the best technology won't get the job done without sharp people using it to make smart, quick decisions.

"Technology is great, but it doesn't replace the man or the woman in the loop. It still takes decision makers, and it still takes skill and judgment," he said. [...]

Source

Previous 66th Air Base Wing info:

Retired Chief Fisk headlines Heritage of Freedom event April 15


by Kevin Gilmartin
66th Air Base Wing

[...] The second speaker, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Phil "Goldie" Haun, an A-10 pilot, will relay the details of a dramatic 1999 search and recovery mission for a downed F-117 pilot. In March 1999, then Major Haun was stationed at Aviano AB, Italy as the A-10 weapons and tactics officer and a CSAR pilot, or "Sandy." It was his job as a Sandy to fly the lethal A-10 in response to any jet that was shot down and to orchestrate its pilot's rescue from overhead. On March 27 of that year, he led the rescue of downed F-117 pilot Lt. Col. Dale Zelko, who was shot down over Serbia during Operation Allied Force. [...]

Source

Related Air Force Times news article:

Pilot gets 2nd chance to thank rescuer


Staff report
Posted : Sunday Apr 26, 2009 8:09:25 EDT

The first time retired Lt. Col. Dale Zelko and Col. Phil "Goldie" Haun met, they hugged like brothers.

It was the morning of March 28, 1999, on the ramp at Aviano Air Base, Italy, and they'd both had a long night: Zelko, banged up, covered in dirt in a Serbian field, and Haun, flying through enemy territory, helping to coordinate his rescue.

Zelko's F-117 Nighthawk was lying in pieces near Belgrade, shot down by a Serbian missile on the fourth day of Operation Allied Force, but he was safe and free, thanks to the efforts of Haun and many others.

On such an occasion, Zelko jokes, men are allowed to hug.

He and Haun finally met a second time April 15 at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. Haun had been asked to speak at the base's quarterly Heritage of Freedom event; Zelko, now a contractor at Hanscom, introduced him to the crowd.

"Our first conversation was a rather serious one — it started out something like, 'any chance you might try to rescue me tonight?' " Zelko said. "It truly was an against-all-odds combat search and rescue, in literally the nick of time."

Haun, one of six A-10 pilots coordinating and escorting the rescue helicopters, then recounted to the Hanscom crowd details of that mission and some of the lessons he learned.

"The lesson I got out of that was that very few of the assets [relied on for Zelko's rescue] were part of the CSAR task force. Combat search and rescue is everybody's job," Haun said.

Zelko said that hundreds of people, from refueling boom operators to the pararescuemen who hustled him aboard an MH-60, helped to get him out of Serbia — and he's tried hard to get them the recognition they deserve.

For years after the rescue, he kept as low a profile in public as he had in that Serbian field; he didn't want to distract from the praise that his rescuers deserved.

"I didn't want to go on the 'Dale Zelko Roadshow.' ... The story isn't just about me," he said.

Soon after the rescue, he put together thank-you packages — with letters from his mother and sisters, and a photo of his boots, still stained with Serbian soil — and mailed them to as many of those people as he could.

Over the years, he's been "very, very successful in connecting with a huge number of people involved," he said.

And now, one more.

Seeing Haun again after 10 years was "wonderful," Zelko said — another hug was definitely allowed.

Click to enlarge

Retired Lt. Col. Dale Zelko said it was a "special treat" to introduce Col. Phil Haun, one of the A-10 pilots involved in his rescue from Serbia in 1999. Haun spoke April 15 an Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. (Photo by Rick Berry / Air Force)

Click to enlarge

Haun was one of six A-10 pilots who coordinated and escorted the team of helicopters that extracted Zelko after his F-117 Nighthawk was shot down during Operation Allied Force. (Photo by Rick Berry / Air Force)

Source

Related background info:
A-10s over Kosovo (Air University Press, December 2003)
The Night They Saved Vega 31 (Air Force Magazine, December 2006)
Interview with Lt Colonel Dale Zelko, USAF (Nighthawks, May 2007)



Lt. Col. Phil "Goldie" Haun was born on 7 February 1964 and is from Cecilia, Kentucky. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental engineering from Harvard University and a Master of Arts in economics from Vanderbilt University. Goldie is a weapons-school graduate with more than 2,000 flying hours in the A-10 with assignments at RAF Bentwaters, England; Osan; Spangdahlem; and Eielson. He attended Air Command and Staff College and the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS) at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, following OAF. He is currently serving as the operations officer of the 355th Fighter Squadron (FS) at Eielson. Goldie and his wife, Bonnie, have two children - Clayton and Sadie. (Info from A-10s over Kosovo)

Lt. Col. Dale Zelko

Thursday, April 23, 2009

303rd Fighter Squadron changes commanders



4/23/2009 - Lt. Col. Brian Borgen, right, takes command of the 303rd Fighter Squadron during a ceremony in the 442nd Fighter Wing's 5-bay Hangar April 4, 2009. The 303rd FS is an Air Force Reserve flying squadron, operating 27 A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. Officiating the change-of-command ceremony was Col. John Hoff, 442nd Operations Group commander (left), and the 442nd Command Chief Master Sgt., Chief Al Sturges. The squadron is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, based at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. The squadron has deployed aircraft and pilots four times to Iraq and Afghanistan to provide close air support, combat search and rescue, and forward-air control capabilities for the Global War Against Terror. Colonel Borgen replaced Lt. Col. Mark Ernewein as the 303rd Fighter Squadron's commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle) Hi-res

Source

IG Tests SERE and Personnel Recovery During ORI

by Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/23/2009 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Exercise, Exercise, Exercise: A rescue operation consisting of helicopters, A-10 Thunderbolts and F-16 Falcons was ordered today when an A-10 pilot ejected from his aircraft.

After a positive identification and establishment of the pilot's exact location, the 33rd Rescue Squadron successfully retrieved the downed pilot at 8:36 a.m.

The pilot returned to Osan with minor injuries and was treated by medical personnel.

This rescue is actually just a scenario, which took place about two hours south-west of Osan Air Base, on the western coast of the Republic of Korea, April 22. It is part of the base's Operational Readiness Inspection, Beverly Bearcat 09-03.

"I am here to evaluate the pilot going through his actions and phases of evasion from start to recovery," said Tech. Sgt. Greg Adams, survival evasion resistance and escape (SERE) specialist and inspector general (IG) for BB 09-03.

"I am looking to see if his radio communication is correct, if he knows his equipment and if he knows the information from his personnel recovery brief," he said.

The simulation starts with a pilot who ejects from his aircraft and parachutes to the ground. His mission is to evade capture and get rescued utilizing all his SERE tactics, techniques and procedures.

These TTPs are all actions required to successfully survive, evade enemy capture and return with honor.

"We do regular SERE training with the aircrew here," said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Hawthorne, SERE specialist. "We also do personnel recovery during every operational readiness exercise to prepare the aircrew for combat ops."

Capt. Shane Willis, an A-10 pilot with the 25th Fighter Squadron, was selected as the evader/survivor on the ground. He was given all the tools needed to survive, evade and get rescued. He is evaluated on everything.

"By observing him, I can actually evaluate the SERE specialists here at Osan as well," said Sergeant Adams, here from the 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa, Japan. "If I quiz him, he should know the information."

And he does. As Captain Willis made his way through the dense undergrowth and steep sandy terrain, he is asked questions about everything from land navigation to evasion techniques. He answered them all.

His goal: "Basically, I just don't want to get captured during land navigation after ejection."

Although there were no enemy combatants on the ground during his evasion, the inspection was very realistic, and Captain Willis was held to a very high standard.

"I think the most difficult portions for me was the signaling of high altitude aircraft during concealment using a signal mirror," said Captain Willis. "The pilot has to look out his canopy to see one guy on the ground at about 15-20,000 feet. Even A-10s at 3,000 feet are hard to see."

Before pilots ever get in a plane, they are briefed on their survival and evasion plan.

"You need to know that information for things to go smoothly. They have to be able to know the person on the radio is who he says he is," said Captain Willis.

The SERE specialists at Osan are responsible for all the continuation training for 51st Fighter Wing aircrew as well as the personnel recovery operational support programs.

The training includes local area survival, combat survival, conduct after capture, water survival, emergency parachute and contingency SERE indoctrination.

"We build realistic personnel recovery scenarios to evaluate and strengthen the 51 Fighter Wing's ability to execute SERE TTPs and support mission critical personnel recovery operations," said Sergeant Hawthorne. "Ultimately, this increases the combat effectiveness of the 51st Fighter Wing."

The scenario ended with the recovery of Captain Willis, although, he was not picked up using a helicopter, but rather a Ford F-250.

"Overall, I think it went well. I followed my post ejection checklist and adhered to my plan of action," said Captain Willis. "I was picked up and rescued."

"It's important to remember that SERE training gives personnel the tools needed to return with honor," said Sergeant Adams. "We need to see if the training can be improved and build upon that foundation."

For the 51st Fighter Wing, Operational Readiness Inspection BB 09-03 started April 19 and is scheduled to end on April 24."

Sergeant Adams would not comment on any inspection details.



Only one of the eight associated pictures:

Capt. Shane Willis, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot with the 25th Fighter Squadron, applies camouflage paint during a personnel recovery inspection, part of Osan Air Base's Operational Readiness Inspection, Beverly Bearcat 09-03, April 22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson) Hi-res

Source

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

A-10 pilot reaches 3000 in the "Hawg"

by Minty Knighton
Eglin Air Force Base Public Affairs

4/22/2009 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- It's said the A-10 warthog is one of the most tenacious aircraft of this era, so it stands to reason it would have an equally tenacious pilot at the controls.

Pilot, Lt. Col. Drew "Baker" English, test director for the 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and member of the 53rd Wing flew his 3,000th hour in the A-10C Thunderbolt II on March 26.

Maj. Neal Sheeran, 59 TES project manager for A-10 who works with Colonel English said obtaining these hours in a single fighter takes a lot of time and a bit of luck.

"Flying hours available to fighter squadrons has gradually shrunk over the years and flying opportunities as you progress through the ranks of major to lieutenant colonel get smaller," said Major Sheeran. "Colonel English has been lucky in the sense that he has been flying the A-10 non-stop since the beginning. There are a lot of A-10 pilots that retire from the Air Force at the 20 year point (or later) that haven't accumulated 3,000 hours."

Colonel English passed his 3,000th hour while on a force development mission flight on the Nevada Test and Training Range.

"I consider it a privilege that I've been able to fly this airplane non-stop for over 15 years," said Colonel English.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II was the first Air Force aircraft designed for close air support to ground forces. Manufactured in the early 1970s, it has the capability for short takeoffs and landings and can withstand armor-piercing and high-explosive projectiles.

"No one could ever make the mistake of calling the A-10 fast or an example of sleek design, said Major Sheeran. "The A-10 tends to be treated as the little stepchild of the fighter community because of this, but we A-10 pilots wouldn't have it any other way. And if you were to ask folks from the Army that we support, I would bet they would agree."

Colonel English said the A-10 has changed significantly from his first sortie and he's fortunate to have been involved in bringing about those changes.

The A-10 has seen its share of upgrades and new technologies over the years including data links, laser-guided and GPS-guided bombs, and advance targeting pods. It was designated as a "C" model in the 90's which added fire control systems, electronic countermeasures and the ability to carry smart bombs. Currently more modifications are being done to provide precision weapon capability.

"The the nature of our nation's enemy has changed significantly over the last 20 years, said Major Shareen. "It has become one of the most versatile fighter platforms in the Air Force. While the airplane is employed in combat much differently than it would have been during the Cold War, there are still aspects to being a Hawg driver that don't change, constantly trying to achieve excellence in the air to ground arena and being the finest close air support pilots in the world."

Colonel English, a career operation test and instructor pilot, has had a vested interest in the A-10C Thunderbolt II since his first sortie June 24, 1993.

"His complete dedication to making the A-10 the best possible CAS platform, both for the A-10 community and the Air Force as a whole, is unmatched," said Major Sheeran.

Colonel English's dedication to the A-10 warthog is more than a mission.

"I fly the A-10 to support the guys on the ground," said Colonel English. "My passion is the significant responsibility I have to ensure the entire A-10 community has the best equipment and the sound tactics to use that equipment."

Source

Warrior of the Week at Bagram AB



Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee, 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, tightens a bolt on an A-10C Thunderbolt II from the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Bagram AB, Afghanistan, April 10, 2009. Airman Kee was chosen as the Warrior of the Week for conducting 140 inspections, armed and de-armed A-10Cs in 70 cases with zero defects. Also, he identified out-of-limit main landing gear, removed and replaced tire allowing the aircraft to fly a combat mission. Airman Kee is deployed from the 23rd AMXS, Moody AFB, Georgia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erik Cardenas) Hi-res

Source

Formation for new 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander



Airmen of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing stood in formation for the wing change of command ceremony at Bagram AB, Afghanistan, April 18, 2009. The Airmen observed the time honored tradition as the wing leadership changed from Brig. Gen. Mike Holmes to the new commander Col. Steven Kwast. On display are an A-10C Thunderbolt II from the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group, 23rd Wing, Moody AFB, Georgia, a C-130 Hercules and an F-15E Strike Eagle vom RAF Lakenheath, UK. More Moody A-10Cs are parked in revetments visible at right in the background. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steven Doty) Hi-res

Full story

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Nellis A-10s catched (Part 2)



A-10C 81-0977 from the 66th Weapons Squadron showed back up at Nellis AFB, Nevada, after an extended absence. It is now special-marked 57 OG. Here it is going out on a CSAR training mission on April 20, 2009. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Hi-res

Related info:
Nellis A-10s catched

"Reunion April 2009" media day at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria



U.S. and Bulgarian Airmen pose for a photo in front of their aircraft April 15, 2009. Airmen deployed from Spangdahlem and Ramstein Air Bases, Germany, to Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, to support "Reunion April 2009," a joint training exercise. The A-10 is 81-0962 from the 81st Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Gomez) Hi-res



(From Left to right), A Bulgarian SU-25 Frogfoot fighter aircraft, a Bulgarian AS-532AL Cougar helicopter and A-10 81-0962 from the 81st Fighter Squadron are staged on a landing pad in Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, in preparation for a base media day April 15, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Gomez) Hi-res



In front of A-10 81-0962 from the 81st Fighter Squadron, Maj. Benjamin "Fletch" Griffith, 81st Fighter Squadron A-10 fighter pilot, answers a reporter's inquiries regarding a U.S. and Bulgarian Air Forces joint training exercises April 15, 2009. Major Griffith was a liaison officer between the Air Force and Bulgarian media during the "Reunion April 2009" media day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Gomez) Hi-res



1st Lt. Priscilla "Altoid" Giddings, 81st Fighter Squadron A-10 pilot, answers questions to a Bulgarian reporter about being one of only four active-duty female A-10 pilots in the Air Force during the "Reunion April 2009" media day April 15, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Gomez) Hi-res



Lt. Col. Timothy Hogan, 81st Fighter Squadron commander answers questions regarding A-10's capabilities for Bulgarian reporters during the "Reunion April 2009" media day April 15, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Gomez) Hi-res



Lt. Col. Timothy Hogan, 81st Fighter Squadron commander answers questions regarding A-10's capabilities for Bulgarian reporters during the "Reunion April 2009" media day April 15, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Gomez)
Hi-res

Related info:
U.S., Bulgarian Airmen train together to enhance CSAR capabilities
A-10 pilots take to Bulgarian skies during "Reunion April 2009"
81st Fighter Squadron A-10s went to Bulgaria for exercise