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