Thursday, September 30, 2010

Spangdahlem A-10s return from deployment

Today, 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs released their first official info and pictures about the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron's return from Afghanistan:



9/30/2010 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 81st fighter squadron taxi onto ramps one and two September 27 as they return to Spangdahlem AB after a five-month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson) Hi-res

Please note: A-10C 81-0991 in the center, A-10C 81-0976 at left, A-10C 82-0656 at right.



9/30/2010 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – A child waves an American flag as an A-10 Thunderbolt II taxis on ramps one and two September 27, 2010. The A-10 was one of five to return to Spangdahlem after a five-month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson) Hi-res



9/30/2010 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – The family and friends of five returning A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots from the 81st Fighter Squadron hold signs and wave flags on the flightline Sept. 27. The A-10s returned to Spangdahlem Air Base after a five-month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilwson)

/30/2010 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Lt. Col. Douglas Sirk, 81st Fighter Squadron assistant director of operations, hugs his wife and kids September 27, 2010, after returning from a five-month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Colonel Sirk was one of five A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots to return on that day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson)



SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – The family and friends of five returning A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots from the 81st Fighter Squadron hold signs and wave flags on the flightline September 27, 2010. The A-10s returned to Spangdahlem AB after a five-month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson) Hi-res

source

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

81st EFS A-10Cs caught at Spang's ramp after arrival from Afghanistan deployment

Yesterday, from an old friend and a Warthog News contributor I got an e-mail with the following attached pictures and his permission to publish them on my blog. All shots were taken at the ramp of Spangdahlem AB, Germany, after twelve A-10Cs from the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron returned home after their Operation Enduring Freedom combat deployment at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.



A-10C 82-0654. Full size



A-10C 81-0963. Full size



A-10C 80-0275. Full size



A-10C 81-0976. Full size



A-10C 81-0980.Full size



A-10C 81-0976. Full size



A-10C 82-0656. Full size



A-10C 81-0980. Full size

Please note: All shots were taken by "Mr Brehm". Special thanks to him for providing these pictures exclusively to Warthog News!

And: It looks to me the returned Spang Hogs are not wearing any OEF mission markings.

By the way: There are also some other related arrival shots on the web. Let me try to get permissions to also post those pictures.

Boeing Receives A-10 Structural Inspection Contract from US Air Force

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 29, 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has received a contract from the U.S. Air Force to supply airframe services and support for the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft fleet. The A-10 Scheduled Structural Inspection (SSI) 2012 contract covers development tasks and hardware deliveries in support of the Air Force Depot's implementation of A-10 SSI fuselage repairs. The two-year contract is valued at $5.7 million.

Boeing will plan all details of the repairs, including processes, tooling, work instructions, quality assurance, and training materials. Boeing also will repair prototype fuselages before training Air Force personnel and supporting the service's repairs on operational aircraft. All operational repair activity will be performed by the Air Force at current A-10 depots.

"Boeing appreciates the confidence the Air Force has in our ability to continue to ensure that the A-10 Thunderbolt II is viable now and into the future," said Steve Waltman, director of Aircraft Sustainment & Maintenance, a subdivision of Boeing Global Services & Support’s Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades division.

This is the fourth competitive A-10 Thunderbolt Life-Cycle Program Support Task/Delivery Order contract the Air Force has awarded to Boeing, in addition to the $2 billion A-10 Wing Replacement Program (WRP) in June 2007. The WRP program includes engineering services and the manufacture of up to 242 A-10 wing sets.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the Warthog, was first introduced into the Air Force inventory in 1976. The twin-engine aircraft provides close-air support of ground forces and employs a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general-purpose bombs. The simple, effective and survivable single-seat aircraft can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The aircraft is currently supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

Source

Monday, September 27, 2010

First ten 81st EFS A-10Cs returned home to Spang after Afghanistan deployment

As mentioned on the German FlugzeugForum some hours ago, the first ten A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron "Panthers", 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany, returned home today from their recent combat deployment as 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (81st EFS) to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Visual logged by a spotter (user name Black Widow) were the following aircraft:

First wave:
A-10Cs 81-0991, 82-0656, 80-0275, 81-0980 and 81-0976.
Supporting tanker was KC-135R 62-3507 from Mc Dill.

Second wave:
A-10Cs 81-0963, 81-0945, 82-0654, 81-0985 and 82-0649.
Supporting tanker was KC-135T 59-1468 from the Pennsylvania ANG.

Special thanks to this individual spotter for sharing his info. Unfortunately, because of bad weather (it rains in Germany since Saturday evening) he took zero pictures of this arrival.

Aircraft sorted by serial numbers:

80-0275
81-0945 (deployed with the original fighter package)
81-0963
81-0976
81-0980 (deployed with the original fighter package)
81-0985
81-0991
82-0649 (deployed with the original fighter package)
82-0654 (deployed with the original fighter package)
82-0656

Please note:
Originally, the 81st EFS was deployed with 12 aircraft (as usualy). Later, the 81st EFS was reinforced in place by six more 81st FS Hogs and by two ANG Hogs.

Please also note:
Just after Black Widow's serial number post on FlugzeugForum, there were also posted two A-10C arrival shots, taken by another FF user. Unfortunately, these pictures were not more online this evening.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

422nd TES A-10C caught at Nellis September 20, 2010

At Nellis AFB, Nevada, Warthog News contributor Bruce Smith from the United States had the opportunity to take the following picture:



A-10C 79-0169 from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

66th WPS A-10C flyover during POW/MIA day ceremony at Nellis

At Nellis AFB, Nevada, Warthog News contributor Bruce Smith from the United States had the opportunity to take the following picture:



A-10C flyover during POW/MIA day ceremony at Freedom Park at Nellis AFB September 17, 2010. All three Hogs are from the 66th Weapons Squadron, carrying a Sniper XR targeting pod on station 10. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

422nd TES A-10C caught at Nellis September 17, 2010

At Nellis AFB, Nevada, Warthog News contributor Bruce Smith from the United States had the opportunity to take the following picture:



A-10C 82-0658 from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nevada. AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod on station 10. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

Historical A-10s stop at Lajes

by By Tech. Sgt. Chyrece Campbell
65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

9/24/2010 - LAJES FIELD, Azores -- Eighteen A-10 Thunderbolts from the 75th Fighter Squadron landed and stayed overnight at Lajes Field making it the largest A-10 to the AOR this year from Lajes.

The 75th Fighter Squadron is part of the famous Flying Tigers, which was a unit that comprised of the American Volunteer Group from the World War II. The squadron, stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., received recognition on Feb. 24, 2009, when the A-10 Thunderbolt unit surpassed 10,000 combat flight hours in a single deployment rotation.

"It is a great honor to recover this unit with its rich fighting history," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Morin, transient alert coronet liaison. "Providing services for aircraft units at Lajes Field has given me a new insight of what units are doing around the Air Force and helps me to see the big picture."

The A-10s parked on the ramp and the 65th Operation Support Squadron not only serviced the aircraft but the 65th OSS members greeted the crews. The Proud Bulls from the 65th OSS also provided a much appreciated burger burn on the A-10 crew's behalf.

"It is always an awesome experience to come to Lajes because we are treated as if we are being welcomed home," Lt. Col. Derek Oaks, 75th FS commander, said.
"Lajes Air Base is one of the best (remain overnight) stays."

The transient alert members process about 90 aircraft a month and are a vital contributor to the operation of Lajes Field airpower support.

This deployment marks the unit's second six-month tour with a 50 percent increase of aircraft in the theater since Sept. 11, 2001.



Members of the 65th Operations Support Squadron's transient alert review documentation from the A-10's regulations and technical orders to ensure that the aircraft is serviced and post-flight procedures are followed at Lajes Field September 17, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chyrece Campbell) (Hi-res version currently not available)

Source

Note:
The 65th Air Base Wing is the American unit stationed at Lajes Field, Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal. This U.S. Air Forces in Europe unit is the largest U.S. military organization in the Azores. The wing plays a vital role in the Global War on Terrorism by enabling the expeditionary movement of war fighters, warplanes, and global communications to Combatant Commanders and supporting Joint, Coalition, and NATO operations as part of U.S. and Allied Air Expeditionary Forces. Source

See also:
75th EFS A-10Cs caught at Lajes (Part two)
75th fly out the door
476th Fighter Group prepares for first deployment
75th EFS A-10Cs caught at Lajes
75th EFS A-10Cs logged at Lajes
75th EFS A-10Cs expected for stopover at Lajes Thursday next week
More A-10Cs are deployed to reinforce the 81st EFS at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan (Update)
476th FG supports host wing during upcoming deployment

Friday, September 24, 2010

75th EFS A-10Cs caught at Lajes (Part two)

As reported, Warthog News contributor André Inácio from Portugal had the opportunity to caught all 18 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron A-10Cs as they arrived at Lajes Field, Azores, for stopover enroute Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, for Operation Enduring Freedom. I already uploaded one arrival shot of each aircraft, taken and exclusively provided by André.

Yesterday, I asked him: Did you take any shots of these Hogs parking at the flightline? If yes, please e-mail me your pictures.

Today, André answered: Yes I have one photo of all 18 A-10 parked at Lajes. Hope this help you.

And: He e-mailed me the following outstanding picture:



WHAT A GREAT VIEW: All eighteen 75th EFS A-10Cs are parking at Lajes Field, Azores, diverted in three sections of six aircraft each. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size

WOW! Never before I saw such a very rare A-10 Lajes stopover shot, including all of the deployed aircraft. Thumbs up to André. This picture will be very important for the OEF A-10 history books.

Please note:
After two more stopovers at Sigonella, Sicily, and at Al Udeid AB, Quatar, the 75th EFS will replace the 81st EFS from Spangdahlem AB, Germany.

See also:
75th fly out the door
476th Fighter Group prepares for first deployment
75th EFS A-10Cs caught at Lajes
75th EFS A-10Cs logged at Lajes
75th EFS A-10Cs expected for stopover at Lajes Thursday next week
More A-10Cs are deployed to reinforce the 81st EFS at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan (Update)
476th FG supports host wing during upcoming deployment

Thursday, September 23, 2010

190th Fighter Squadron, wing readies for Hawgsmoke 2010 champs stand up to host worldwide A-10 competition set to begin Oct. 13

Updated September 24, 2010

For some weeks I waited for such an official news article related to Hawgsmoke 2010:



Idaho is ready as the A-10 community prepares to descend on Gowen Field and Boise for the Hawgsmoke 2010 competition Oct. 13-16 (Photo by Drew Gardner, ANG Creative). Note: Pictured is A-10C 78-0627 from the 190th Fighter Squadron, 124th Wing (ANG), Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho; and probably caught on July 15, 2010. Hi-res

by Capt. Tony Vincelli
124th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

9/23/2010 - GOWEN FIELD, Boise, Idaho -- After almost two years of preparation, final details are being worked out as Idaho prepares to host pilots and maintainers of A-10 units from around the world for Hawgsmoke 2010, held Oct. 13-16 here.

The 190th Fighter Squadron plays host this year because they won Hawgsmoke 2008, held in Salinas, Kans. That pitted the 190th's pilots against pilots from 14 other Air National Guard, Air Force and Air Force Reserve A-10 units from around the world.

Hawgsmoke tests A-10 pilots in flight leadership, target acquisition, weapons delivery and support and the amount of preparation and coordination to host the event is daunting.

The planning involved with such a competition is significant. Just ask Lt. Col. Ronnie Kauffman, chairman of the event's planning committee.

The planning for Hawgsmoke 2010 has been a tremendous group effort. It began with an outstanding handoff from Whiteman, the host unit for Hawgsmoke 2008. I am extremely excited to have everyone here for this year's event," Colonel Kauffman said.

Things like building a website, coordinating sponsor support, developing merchandise, formulating an aircraft parking plan, buying the airspace to compete in, and reserving a location for all Activities have been going on behind-the-scenes for the past 23 months, Kauffman said.

Gowen Field - A busy place

More than 40 A-10 aircraft will be parked on the ramp. Pilots and maintainers for 17 teams - roughly 150 people - will be in Boise for the event. Most will stay on base.

The majority of the aircraft will arrive here Wednesday Oct. 13. Pilots and maintainers will in-process, be given a local area brief, and welcomed by our wing commander, Col. J.R. Compton. A special ceremony honoring fallen A-10 pilots and an evening social at the Mobilization, Conference and Activities Center will conclude the first day.

Barring bad weather, the gunnery competition will be held the following day at Saylor Creek Training range. The crud tournament, a fast-paced game played by pilots all over the world that is loosely based on billiards, will be held that evening.
Friday will include a golf tournament at Falcon Crest Golf Course in Kuna and a banquet to honor the competition winners and build on the long-standing camaraderie in the A-10 community, which Colonel Kauffman calls "priceless".

A-10 maintenance challenges not an issue this time around

Hawgsmoke 2008 planners were faced with issues relating to a Time Compliance Technical Order that limited the availability of A-10 aircraft and personnel.

Even though there were enough teams and aircraft to compete, the TCTO hampered some units in their ability to bring maintenance personnel to support Hawgsmoke 2008 as they worked at their home stations to inspect and repair A-10s. Still, the maintainers were able to meet the challenge.

All things are coming into focus for a great week of competition, camaraderie, tradition and fun as Hawgsmoke 2010 is just days away. Take part in the activities as your schedule allows.

Source

Please note: The original headline of this news article is "190th Fighter Squadron, wing readies for Hawgsmoke 2010 2008 champs stand up to host worldwide A-10 competition set to begin Oct. 13". It looks to me like a typo. Or they would write "190th Fighter Squadron, wing readies for Hawgsmoke 2010 (./-) 2008 champs stand up to host worldwide A-10 competition set to begin Oct. 13"

And so I hope, we will get some more related info about the upcoming Hawgsmoke 2010 competition.

Update September 24, 2010:
Meanwhile, at least the link headline on the 124th Fighter Wing's homepage was changed to: 190th Fighter Squadron, wing readies for Hawgsmoke 2010

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Warm welcome for returning Sabers

Released today by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs:



9/22/2010 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Staff Sgt. Wesley Tandy, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, kisses his newborn daughter, Ava, who was born during his deployment to Afghanistan. Sergeant Tandy was deployed in support of the 81st Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Heather M. Norris) Hi-res

Source

Note: That sounds like some maintenance people and other support personnel already returned home to Spang. In a couple of days the 81st EFS will be replaced by the 75th EFS from Moody AFB, Georgia.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Games On Net: General News: DCS A-10 Warthog: Project 10 trailer

By Bennett Ring
posted on games.on.net, Tue Sep 21, 2010 1:07pm

Most people don't understand the mind of a simmer. What kind of freak enjoys reading a 700 page manual, then spending months of training, just to blow a tank up? Why not play Ace Combat instead? This video explains why. Released by the infamous Glowing Amraam, he of many LOMAC videos, it's the lengthiest look at DCS: A-10 Warthog yet released.

Please enjoy this video clip:

Games On Net :: General News: DCS A-10 Warthog: Project 10 trailer



http://games.on.net/filepopup.php?video=37104

Afghan Airmen host USAF birthday celebration



An Afghan dance troupe performs the Attan, a traditional Afghan folk dance, in front of an A-10 Thunderbolt II, September 19, 2010, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The Kandahar Air Wing hosted Airmen from the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing and the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group for a traditional meal and social event to celebrate the U.S. Air Force's 63rd birthday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chad Chisholm) Hi-res

Note: It's A-10C 81-0963 from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany, currently deployed with the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. Please take a look on the new mission markings just below the USAF insignia.

by Senior Airman Melissa B. White
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

9/21/2010 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Afghans hosted an Air Force birthday celebration for their American counterparts Sept. 19 at the Kandahar Air Wing, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

"We are delighted to share this event with our fellow Airmen," said Brig. Gen. Paul Johnson, 451st Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "This is a special occasion for the U.S. Air Force; we are 63 years old and, like people everywhere, we enjoy sharing birthday celebrations with friends."

Afghan and American Airmen from various organizations throughout KAF came together for the anniversary celebration in the Kandahar Air Wing's hangar. Afghan officials decided to host the event a day after the typical Air Force birthday - Sept. 18 - due to the country's parliamentary elections being held the same day.

Having a belated birthday, however, didn't mean there was any less celebrating for both parties. The evening was full of traditions from both sides of the house, kabobs and meatballs, hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as an Afghan recitation of the Koran and an invocation by the U.S. Air Force chaplain. An Afghan dance troupe also performed the Attan, a traditional Afghan dance, for entertainment.

"I really liked when we presented arms during the ceremony because we had the American flag and the Afghan flag together," said Airman 1st Class Bryan Simms, a member of the Honor Guard, who is also assigned to the 451st Expeditionary Force Support Flight. "I also really liked the dance performance because it was really interesting. This was my first time being exposed to their culture like this and they're really friendly."

After the meal, General Johnson addressed the audience. He talked about the history of the U. S. Air Force and parallels with the developing Afghan Air Force, which will soon have a long history of its own. He also discussed how the 451st Bombardment Group of World War II came to be what the 451st AEW is today.

"Though we are young by some standards, we are very proud of the accomplishments of those Airmen who came before us, the history they made, and the history they changed," General Johnson said. "As our fellow Afghan Airmen, you are in a similar place today. You are laying a foundation for the Airmen who follow you and the strength of that foundation will determine their future success. We all hope Afghan Airmen, 60 years from now, we will be reciting the names of Sherzai, Yousef, and all the dedicated Airmen of the Kandahar Air Wing.

Maj. Gen. Abdul Raziq Sherzai, Kandahar Air Wing commander, followed the general by thanking the Air Force for sharing the celebration with them and congratulating them on a proud heritage for their 63rd anniversary.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, there was a presentation which displayed the history of the Air Force from World War II to today. It also included some images of the Kandahar Air Wing.

"I hope it sends a message to everyone here that there is little difference between an Airman working on a B-24, loading a C-130, or flying an MI-17," said General Johnson. "In spite of the differences in time and place, I hope we see the common theme in all the pictures: Airmen and their machines."

Source

75th fly out the door

Photos released today by 23rd Wing Public Affairs:



9/20/2010 - Three A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft are prepared for deployment here September 17, 2010. Members from the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron help to ensure the A-10 had a quick takeoff. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman) Hi-res



9/20/2010 - Staff Sgt. Mathew Houston, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit dedicated crew chief, checks with the pilot of an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft before take-off here September 17, 2010. Members from the 75th Fighter Squadron are deployed to Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman) Hi-res

Note: This A-10C is marked as 20660 in front of the windshield. It could be 78-0660. But a 660 is currently not deployed. Maybe it was only an air spare.



9/20/2010 - Capt. Mathew Shelly, 75th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, provides his last check with his crew chief before closing the canopy here September 17, 2010. Captain Shelly will be flying his aircraft from Moody to Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman) Hi-res

Please note: Some more related pictures will be uploaded soon.

476th Fighter Group prepares for first deployment

by Senior Airman Danielle Wolf
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

9/20/2010 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Twenty-five reservists from the wing's geographically-separated 476th Fighter Group at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., are scheduled to deploy in September along with their active-duty counterparts.

The Airmen, pilots and maintainers, will deploy to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom to provide close air support for U.S. and International Security Assistance Force troops on the ground.

"We've been effective in working with the active-duty squadron's commander to integrate into the line numbers our folks are filling," said Col. Gregory Eckfeld, 476th FG commander.

The 476th FG stood up as an associate unit Feb. 1, 2009. Since then, the group has worked side-by-side with active-duty Airmen from the 23rd Wing.

"(This deployment) will make our relationship with the active duty that much stronger," Colonel Eckfeld said. "It's clear that there are differences, but when we deploy together, we're wearing the same uniform and supporting the same mission.

Along with the desire for total force integration, Colonel Eckfeld said the deploying members will also bring a variety of experience to the unit's first large-scale combat deployment.

"All of our pilots are currently A-10C-model instructor pilots," he said. "A lot of our pilots will be supervisors and lead missions during the deployment. They are all field-grade officers with thousands of hours of experience."

Maj. Dennis Ott, 76th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, will be part of the deployment package.

"We have a great working relationship with the active duty," he said. "And, we should have a pretty good setup. Other units, who have gone before us, should have worked out many of the kinks, allowing us to be more mission-effective."

Senior Master Sgt. Ron Clark is an air reserve technician with the 476th Maintenance Squadron and will be deploying with the group.

Sergeant Clark, who deployed with the 442nd Maintenance Group to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan in 2008, will deploy with the 476th FG as the specialist flight chief.

"(The 476th) has grown tremendously over the past year and a half, and the relationship with our active-duty counterparts has been pretty smooth," he said. "We have also shown that we can be put into leadership positions and be as effective as the active-duty Airmen."

Preparation

Members of the 476th FG spent several unit training assemblies preparing for the deployment, Colonel Eckfeld said.

"Our Airmen worked side-by-side with unit deployment managers and training managers to prepare for this," he said. "Our traditional reservists did focus-training in August to ensure a lot of the air expeditionary force training was met, including small-arms and chemical-warfare training. Active duty supported that training on the August drill and helped us finish up any loose ends."

In addition to the active-duty counterpart at Moody AFB, Colonel Eckfeld said the group's parent unit, the 442nd FW, provided vast support. He said Senior Master Sgt. Rodney Kennedy and Tech. Sgt. Shannon Kennedy, 442nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, have traveled to the separated unit to assist with deployment readiness and orders, as well as Senior Master Sgt. Shevaun McRoberts, also from the 442nd LRS, who assisted with clothing requirements for the deployment.

"(Chief Master Sgt. Allan Sturges, 442nd FW command chief) came down here on the August drill to give us insight on some areas of deployment we hadn't thought of," Colonel Eckfeld said. "He gave us some good ideas to help our deployers' families."

Chief Master Sgt. Tim Storms, formerly the 442nd Maintenance Squadron's first sergeant, is now part of the 476th FG as a traditional reservist. Colonel Eckfeld said the chief has been instrumental in ensuring the group had the funding to "go to war."

Manning

Of approximately 240 Airmen in the 476th FG, Colonel Eckfeld said more than 10 percent of the group volunteered for the deployment.

"We had additional volunteers, but were only able to fill the slots based on the active duty's requests," he said. "We have a good cadre to support these folks as well.

"We couldn't have prepared for this deployment without support from the 442nd FW and the 23rd Wing here at Moody," the colonel said. "A lot of people from the 476th will be picking up the load while the deployers are gone. My hat is off to the folks who have taken on additional manning - this is really a team effort."

Source

Saturday, September 18, 2010

75th EFS A-10Cs caught at Lajes

Good news for all A-10 enthusiasts: Warthog News contributor André Inácio from Portugal had the opportunity to caught all 18 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron A-10Cs as they arrived at Lajes Field, Azores, for stopover enroute Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, for Operation Enduring Freedom. After two more stopovers at Sigonella, Sicily, and at Al Udeid AB, Quatar, the 75th EFS will replace the 81st EFS from Spangdahlem AB, Germany.

Today, André e-mailed me:

Hi Joachim,

On thursday arrived 12 A10 more 4 KC135 as tankers. First wave of A10 arrived at 5:10pm (local time) 2 KC-135 landed at 5:19 and 5:23 pm (local time) Second wave of A10 landed at 5:32 pm (local time) the last 2 KC135 landed at 5:40 and 5:49 pm (local time). All this twelve A10 more 4 KC135 departure today. Yesterday arrived the last 6 A10 more one KC10. This third wave landed at 6:08 pm and KC10 at 6:20pm (local time) and these last A10 continues on Lajes, probably will departure tomorow.
In anex I send photos from their arrivals.

79-0207 / FT
81-0995 / FT
80-0282 / FT
78-0688 / FT
80-0223 / FT
79-0139 / FT
61-0300 KC135
59-1504 KC135

80-0259 / FT
79-0223 / FT
81-0953 / FT
81-0947 / FT
80-0180 / FT
79-0206 / FT
63-8045 KC135
63-8029 KC135

79-0159 / FT
78-0600 / FT
80-0172 / FT
78-0596 / FT
80-0208 / FT
79-0172 / FT
79-1949 KC10

Hope this help you.
André


Also, André added one picture of each of these Hogs.



A-10C 78-0600 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 78-0688 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 79-0139 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. Note the 23rd Fighter Group's shark mouth art on both MXU-648 baggage pods. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 79-0159 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 79-0172 from the 74th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 79-0206 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 79-0207 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 79-0223, marked 23 FG as 23rd Fighter Group flagsip. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 78-0596 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 80-0180, marked 476th FG as 476th Fighter Group flagship. Note the red fin caps with three white stars and the inscription 76 FS for 76th Fighter Squadron and also the 75th Fighter Squadron's checkertail art on the left MXU-648 baggage pod. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 80-0208 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 80-0223, marked 23 WG as 23rd Wing flagsip. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 80-0259 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 80-0282 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 81-0947 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 81-0953 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 81-0995 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. Note the unusual green patina on the external fuel tank. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 80-0172 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size

Job well done, André! Thumbs up! Your unique shots are very important for the A-10 history books.

See also:
75th EFS A-10Cs logged at Lajes
75th EFS A-10Cs expected for stopover at Lajes Thursday next week
More A-10Cs are deployed to reinforce the 81st EFS at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan (Update)
476th FG supports host wing during upcoming deployment

Friday, September 17, 2010

75th EFS A-10Cs logged at Lajes

As mentioned today on the Dutch Scramble Message Board, twelve A-10Cs with the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron were logged at Lajes Field, Azores, as they arrived yesterday, September 16, 2010, for stopover enroute Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom:

First wave (Trend 11-16 with tankers Gold 41 and 42):

79-0207 / FT
81-0995 / FT
80-0282 / FT
78-0688 / FT
80-0223 / FT
79-0139 / FT

KC-135 Stratotanker: 61-0300, 59-1504

Second wave (Trend 21-26 with tankers Gold 51 and 52):

80-0259 / FT
79-0223 / FT
81-0953 / FT
81-0947 / FT
80-0180 / FT
79-0206 / FT

KC-135 Stratotanker: 63-8045, 63-8029

Please note: In a couple of days, after at least one more stopover at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, the 75th EFS will join the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, to replace the 81st EFS. Anybody who knows that they would make a second stopover in Europe (Naval Air Station Sigonella)? I'm still not sure about that...

See also:
75th EFS A-10Cs expected for stopover at Lajes Thursday next week
More A-10Cs are deployed to reinforce the 81st EFS at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan (Update)

Note: After checking the mentioned serial numbers additional aircraft info will be uploaded soon.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Video: Warthog delivers

9/15/2010 - With the troops surge in Afghanistan recently, there is a need for more air support. The 81st Fighter Squadron out of Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, provides troops and friendlies on the ground cover with the A-10 Warthog.

Watch the video

Video: The Making of an A-10C Pilot: The Final Chapter

Released today by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs:

Source

Ability to Survive and Operate (ATSO) training

Released today by 175th Wing Public Affairs:



U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Gerald "Jay" Hedley, an A-10 pilot of the 104th Fighter Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, puts on his gas mask during Ability to Survive and Operate (ATSO) training on Warfield Air National Guard Base, Baltimore, Md., September 12, 2010. Fifteen personnel from the Readiness and Emergency Management Flight provided ATSO training to over 400 Guard members at seven different stations during the September drill weekend. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Christopher Schepers) Hi-res






U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Matthew Wagenfer, 175th Civil Engineering Squadron, Readiness and Emergency Management Flight, Maryland Air National Guard, instructs U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Murphy, an A-10 pilot of the 104th Fighter Squadron, how to tie down the hood on the chemical ensemble during Ability to Survive and Operate (ATSO) training on Warfield Air National Guard Base, Baltimore, Md., September 12, 2010. Fifteen personnel from the Readiness and Emergency Management Flight provided ATSO training to over 400 Guard members at seven different stations during the September drill weekend. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Christopher Schepers) Hi-res





U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Gerald "Jay" Hedley, an A-10 pilot with the 104th Fighter Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, prepares his MOPP gear as U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard Petrush puts on simulated M9 chemical agent detector paper during Ability to Survive and Operate (ATSO) training on Warfield Air National Guard Base, Baltimore, Md., September 12, 2010. Fifteen personnel from the Readiness and Emergency Management Flight provided ATSO training to over 400 Guard members at seven different stations during the September drill weekend. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Christopher Schepers) Hi-res

Master Sergeant James W. Jones retires



9/15/2010 - Chief Master Sergeants Stacy Bauer and Cary Johnson congratulate Master Sgt. (Ret) James W. Jones at the reception after his retirement ceremony at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, September 11, 2010. Sergeant Jones, who began his military career in 1973 as a Marine, enlisted in the Air Force Reserves in 1984. At the time of his retirement, Sergeant Jones was the A-10 phase dock night shift phase coordinator for the 917th Maintenance Squadron at Barksdale. He was responsible for managing the scheduled maintenance of more than 25 A-10 aircraft and supervising 11 Airmen. Sergeant Jones was a member of the 926th Fighter Wing at New Orleans prior to its' closing under the Base Realignment and Closure that relocated to the 917th Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Hi-res

917th Wing conducts specialized rescue exercises



Senior Airman Joaquin Martinez, 917th Maintenance Squadron, fuels systems specialist, simulates taking a reading with an oxygen level meter during a Confined Space Rescue Exercise conducted at the 917 Maintenance Squadron fuels section hangar, September 11, 2010. Fuels personnel from the 917th Wing conducted the training for 917th Wing and 2nd Bomb Wing personnel who work together under the Total Force Integration program at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. Qualified confined space personnel assigned to the 917 MXS Fuels Section and authorized fire department personnel are required to have hands-on practice in removing simulated victims (such as dummies, mannequins, or actual persons) from actual or representative confined spaces having openings and portals like the types from which rescue is to be performed. The training, which is required Air Force wide, is work center specific where hazardous environments exist. Practice for each team member is conducted initially, and then required at least once every 12 months thereafter. Rescue personnel are trained on rescue duties and responsibilities, use of retrieval and rescue equipment, proper wear and use of personal protection equipment, CPR and basic first-aid. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. John Reser) Hi-res



Senior Airman Joaquin Martinez, 917th Maintenance Squadron, fuels systems specialist, simulates taking a reading with an oxygen level meter during a Confined Space Rescue Exercise conducted at the 917 Maintenance Squadron fuels section hangar, September 11, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. John Reser) Hi-res

Monday, September 13, 2010

124th ASOS to be featured in national ad campaign

Extracted from the Beacon News, official newsletter of the 124th Fighter Wing (August - September 2010 public online PDF issue), released today:



The Battlefield Airmen commercial shoot in Boise required more than 50 wing personnel to make it happen. In addition to the cast, made up of ASOS TACP's, members of the maintenance group, wing staff, operations group and mission support group all pitched in with duties like prepping the aircraft, hanging a huge flag for the set, scheduling and flying and many, many more. (Photo by Drew Gardner, ANG Creative) Larger version

Note: Pictured in this photo session is A-10C 78-0624 with a targeting pod on station 10.

By Capt. Tony Vincelli, Public Affairs Officer

Filming for a series of national commercials wrapped July 19 here that will feature Tactical Air Control Party, or TACPs, from the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron and other Airmen from the Idaho Air Guard.

The "Battlefield Airmen" advertising campaign will be aimed at recruiting airmen into three highly specialized and demanding combat-related Air Guard career fields: TACP, Pararescue and Combat Control.

The Idaho Air Guard played a key role in the creation of this marketing campaign as a team of directors, producers and highly skilled film professionals from ANG Creative, the National Guard Bureau's in-house production studio, were on location for nearly a week scouting, coordinating and filming the commercial.

Both Idaho and its Airmen were on display: the mountainous desert terrain looks eerily like Afghanistan and the Air Guard's 124th Air Support Operations Squadron calls this area and its awesome training areas home.

"It's a natural fit. (Boise has) both a very strong ASOS and also an A-10 squadron, which is one of the airframes most often associated with close air support missions. It also has the terrain that allows the commercial to be shot in a similar
environment to those Battlefield Airmen are engaged in currently," said Col. Mark Auer, commander of the 182nd Air Support Operations Group and chairman of the TACP
weapons system council.

Colonel Auer, a key architect of this new marketing campaign, worked closely with the National Guard recruiting service to enlist the expertise of the skilled filmmakers, creative professionals and Air Guard members who make up ANG Creative, led by Senior Master Sgt. Rob Truvia. He also leveraged a close working relationship with Col. J.R. Compton, commander of the Idaho Air Guard's 124th Fighter Wing,
with whom he worked on several occasions in the past on the Air Director Field Advisory Council.

Colonel Compton knew that Boise, Idaho and the great training ranges nearby, unique blend of close air support assets and first-class airmen would make the ideal filming location to highlight the TACP mission. So when asked, Colonel Compton was more than happy to showcase his state and his unit in a nationwide advertising campaign.

The driving force behind the Battlefield Airmen ads is a shortage of 220 TACPs Air Guard-wide. Colonel Auer cited the following reasons for the shortage: continuing combat operations have created a real need for Battlefield Airmen, especially TACPs; and it takes years for a new TACP to become a fully-qualified member of the TACP community.

While the other career fields will be highlighted in the ads with additional filming in other locations, the need is greatest for TACPs, the colonel said.

That is why it is necessary for the Air Guard to reach out through innovative and professional marketing to educate and increase awareness of the Air Guard's dynamic career fields that are attractive to young men who, in the past, have gravitated toward Special Forces, Marines reconnaissance, and other elite military specialties.

Source

122nd commander retires final F-16 - Air Guard unit will convert to Warthogs

Stefanie Scarlett
The Journal Gazette
Published: September 12, 2010 3:00 a.m.

Col. Jeffrey Soldner's last flight was a fitting end to his military career.

Soldner, unit commander at the 122nd Fighter Wing who plans to retire in January after a 38-year career, took the unit's last F-16 fighter jet for its final flight Saturday afternoon.

Afterward, he was doused by his grandsons in the traditional ritual of a fire-engine hose-down and uncorked a bottle of champagne.

The 122nd, like other units around the country, is converting from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the A-10 Warthog. The conversion will take about three years, but the Warthogs will take to the skies locally before the end of the year.

To celebrate the transition, the Indiana Air National Guard unit conducted a brief hangar ceremony for families, which fell on a regular training weekend.

During the past 19 years, the 122nd Fighter Wing's F-16s have flown more than 67,000 hours and more than 47,000 sorties.

The F-16s also were deployed as part of Operation Noble Eagle in 2001 and 2002, and the Operation Enduring Freedom campaigns in 2004, 2006 and 2007.

"It was everyone on this base that made us so successful with this plane," Soldner told the crowd, adding that it was a privilege to take the last one for its – and his – last flight.

He also made a point of adding a new patch to his flight uniform.

"We now go forward with the A-10," he said.

The F-16 that Soldner flew Saturday – he also was the first of the unit to land one in 1991 – will follow the others of its kind and be sent this week to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, called the "boneyard."

Although the F-16 originally was designed for air-to-air combat – it can reach speeds up to 1,500 mph – the slower (and quieter) A-10 was created for air-to-ground operations.

It flies low, staying close to ground troops and can take direct hits from armor-piercing and high-explosive projectiles.

The A-10 is also much larger in size, wing span and payload. It can carry a 16,000-pound payload, such as a variety of bombs, missiles, rockets, flares and the seven-barrel Gatling gun.

Soldner, who has never flown an A-10, acknowledged that retirement would be a change.

His wife recently bought the couple a boat and they plan to spend more time in Florida.

But leaving is always difficult.

"It is a little bit tough," Soldner said.

"I'm not the same young man I used to be," he added with a grin.

"This is a young man's sport."



Col. Michael Stohler shows off in his A-10 Warthog on Saturday at the 122nd Fighter Wing. (Journal Gazette photo)

Source

Please note: Some more related pictures will be uploaded soon.

Congressman speaks to Airmen, tours new facility

by Senior Airman Danielle Wolf
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

9/10/2010 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Congressman Ike Skelton visited the 303rd Fighter Squadron July 25 to speak to Airmen, tour the new facility and present a flag to the command.

Originally from Lexington, Mo., the congressman, who is also the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, was unable to attend last fall's ribbon-cutting ceremony at the squadron.

During his visit, Mr. Skelton expressed to Airmen his appreciation for their dedication and commitment to military service, then presented an American flag that was flown over the nation's capitol to the squadron.

"Congressman Skelton took valuable time off to fly here and ensure we know he cares (about the 442nd Fighter Wing,)" said Col. Mark Clemons, wing commander. "The flag he left is a symbol of a new building dedication and a symbol of Congressman Skelton's interest in our mission."

The congressman also discussed the wing's role in overseas missions. Colonel Clemons, Lt. col. Brian Borgen, 303rd FS commander; and Chief Master Sgt. Allan Sutrges, 442nd FW command chief gave Mr. Skelton a tour of the new building to include the new, state-of-the-art, 360-degree A-10 simulator.

"Congressman Skelton spent an hour with us looking over the facilities and asking questions about the mission," Colonel Borgen said. "We could tell how tuned in on our mission he was from the first minute of the tour."



Congressman Ike Skelton tour the A-10 Thunderbolt II simulator at the 303rd Fighter Squadron building with Lt. Col. Brian Borgen. The 303rd FS is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Danielle Wolf) Hi-res

Source