Wednesday, March 31, 2010

A-10 maintenance during March unit training assembly at Whiteman

Released today by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs:



Senior Airman Kirk Moore, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons loader, performs routine maintenance on an A-10 Thunderbolt II during the March unit training assembly. The 442nd AMXS is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tom Talbert) Hi-res

Boy Scout Tour at Whiteman

Released today by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs:



Boy Scouts from the surrounding community tour the 442nd Fighter Wing and learn about the A-10 Thunderbolt II February 27, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Huddleston) Hi-res

Note: The aircraft is A-10 79-0090.



Capt. Jason Weiser 442nd Maintenance Operations Flight commander briefs Boy Scouts about the A-10 Thunderbolt II during a tour of Whiteman AFB, Missouri, February 27, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Huddleston) Hi-res

Note: The aircraft is named Thunderbolt of Lexington.

81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at Nellis just after Red Flag 10-03 on different days

At Nellis AFB, Nevada, Warthog News contributor Bruce Smith from United States had the opportunity to take the following shots of A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, uploaded by him on his new flickr photostream March 30, 2010.

Please note: For first time ever in a known public online source, Bruce is documenting all twelve 81st FS A-10Cs on TDY for current exercises at Nellis.

In an e-mail, Bruce told me: I'll be putting up some more shortly, from the after flag days when they were flying with Weapons School hogs.

These pictures are posted now.

But the question is: Were these flights also part of Green Flag-West 10-05, held at Nellis AFB 12-26 March, 2010?

As it looks to me, this exercise TDY of Spang Hogs at Nellis looks to me like the 81th FS is preparing for an upcoming Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) combat deployment to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Probably they will replace the currently deployed A-10C Air National Guard "Rainbow Team".



A-10C 80-0275 March 8, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 81-0985 March 8, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 81-0960 March 11, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 81-0991 March 11, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 82-0654 March 11, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 82-0656 March 17, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 81-0945 March 17, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 81-0988 March 17, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 81-0983 March 17, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 81-0980 March 17, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 81-0976 March 17, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 82-0650 March 22, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

Note: I'm still in the process to upload some more loadout info.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

66th Weapons Squadron A-10C caught at Nellis March 22, 2010

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



A-10C 80-0229 from the 66th Weapons Squadron (marked 66 WPS probably as the squadron commander's jet) March 22, 2010. Please note the unusual tail number AF800229). Loadout: Two GBU-12 Paveway II bombs, probably two Mk. 82 bombs (very interesting that the bomb's bodies look like rusted), Sniper XR targeting pod on station 10. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

Please await further loadout info.

81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at Nellis during Red Flag 10-03 on different days

At Nellis AFB, Nevada, Warthog News contributor Bruce Smith from United States had the opportunity to take the following shots of A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), during Red Flag 10-03:



A-10C 82-0656 on final approach during arrival February 24, 2010. External fuel tank on center station 6, MXU-648 baggage pods on stations 4 and 8. Sniper XR targeting pod on station 10. Note the American flag behind the windshield at left. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 81-0960 on final approach during arrival February 24, 2010. External fuel tank on center station 6, MXU-648 baggage pods on stations 4 and 8. Sniper XR targeting pod on station 10. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 82-0654 March 1, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 81-0976 March 1, 2010. Note the American Flag behind the windshield at left. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 81-0985 on final approach March 1, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 81-0991 March 2, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 82-0650 on final approach March 4, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 81-0980 March 4, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 81-0945 March 4, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

Please await an update with some more loadout info.

ROTC cadets get a taste of Moody’s mission, active duty life



MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Staff Sgt. Thomas Breining, 23rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron dock coordinator, explains how the gauges work inside the cockpit of an A-10C Thunderbolt II to cadets from the University of Puerto Rico Air Force ROTC Detachment 755, here March 24, 2010. They were also able to see an A-10C while it was being repaired. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin) Hi-res

by Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
23rd Wing Public Affairs

3/29/2010 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- During a recent two-day base visit, Air Force ROTC cadets had an opportunity to experience Moody's mission as well as the active duty life.

For many cadets from the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Detachment 755, this was the first time they were able to leave their home country and visit an Air Force base.

"Since we don't have an Air Force base in Puerto Rico, these visits give cadets a chance to actually see what a base looks like," said Capt. Dominique Rojas, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Detachment 755 unit admissions officer and group chaperone. "It is a requirement for freshmen, but if other cadets missed the opportunity, we will accommodate them for future base visits.

"In addition to visiting the base, the cadets are able to meet and speak with active duty Airmen in different career fields," she said. "Speaking with enlisted members and officers gives them insight into what a career field entails and a snapshot of active duty life."

Some of the places the group toured to learn more about the different career fields included the 23rd Medical Group, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron, 23rd Wing Public Affairs and Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 311.

The cadets also visited the 820th Security Forces Group and were able to get hands-on experience with a few of the technologies used in the security forces career field such as the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer and firearms training simulator.

"This is my fourth base visit and so far I was very impressed with Moody," said Cadet Colonel Josiah Gonzalez-Miranda, Detachment 755 wing commander and an accounting major at the university. "I've met so many energetic people who love and brag about their job. It's great to meet people who are very enthusiastic about the Air Force."

Besides speaking with Airmen in their workplaces, the cadets also were able to sit down and ask questions to several officers during a roundtable session hosted by Moody's Company Grade Officer Council.

"The career day event was very informative because we got a chance to ask questions or address our concerns about officer life," said Cadet 3rd Class Amandaly Guzman, a biology major. "I asked them how they lived and if they liked being an officer--basically what their life is like in the Air Force."

After learning about the base and interacting with active duty members, it was the end of the cadets' visit to Moody, but before they left, many of them echoed appreciation for making their experience a memorable one.

"Our visit has been great because everyone went above and beyond anything that we've experienced," said Cadet Gonzalez-Miranda. "We appreciate them for taking time to come out and talk to us."

The detachment is looking forward to their next visit at a different base, which is scheduled for the winter season.

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps is an educational program designed to allow young men and women to pursue a commission in the Air Force while pursuing a college degree. The purpose of the the program is to provide quality development of the individual so that they may serve as effective leaders and officers upon entering the Air Force. For more information, visit the Air Force ROTC program Web site at http://www.afrotc.com.

Source

355th Fighter Wing A-10s caught at D-M March 19, 2010

At Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, Warthog News contributor James O'Rear from United States had the opportunity to take the following pictures March 19, 2010, uploaded yesterday on his flickr photostream.



Four-ship of A-10Cs in formation after practicing a Combat Search and Rescue demonstration at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. Aircraft are: 80-0155, 78-0684, 81-0984 and 80-0211. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size



A-10C 80-0155 from the 355th Fighter Wing on final approach. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size



A-10C 80-0211 on final approach. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size



A-10C 81-0984 on final approach. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size



A-10C 78-0684 from the 354th Fighter Squadron on final approach. The aircraft ismarked 354 FS/CC as the squadron commander's jet. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size

358th Fighter Squadron Change of Command ceremony

Released yesterday by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs:



Lt. Col. Scott Campbell (right) renders his first salute as commander of the 358th Fighter Squadron to Col. Edward A. Kostelnik Jr., 355th Operations Group commander, during a change-of-command ceremony here March 26, 2010. Colonel Campbell was preceded by Lt. Col. Thomas Zupancich. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla) Hi-res

Monday, March 29, 2010

81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at Nellis March 5, 2010 (Part Two)

This morning, from William Derrickson from United States I got permission to post the following rare shots of A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, during Red Flag 10-03 March 5, 2010, already uploaded on JetPhotos.net:



A-10C 82-0656. (Photo by William Derrickson) Full size



A-10C 81-0945. (Photo by William Derrickson) Full size



A-10C 81-0976. (Photo by William Derrickson) Full size



A-10C 82-0650. (Photo by William Derrickson) Full size



A-10C 81-0976. (Photo by William Derrickson) Full size



A-10C 82-0650. (Photo by William Derrickson) Full size

Many thanks to William for his kind permission and for supporting Warthog News. And welcome William as latest Warthog News contributor!

Note: This post will be updated with further pictures today. Please wait.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at Spangdahlem March 23, 2010 (Part Two)

Today, from Jürgen Braun from Germany I got permission to post his following shot, taken at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, and already posted by him as favorite picture on www.flugzeugforum.de March 24, 2010:



A-10C 81-0956 overhead. Because the crew boarding ladder door is in a lighter grey, it must be just replaced. Some other parts of the aircraft's nose are also painted in a lighter grey. (Photo by Jürgen Braun) Full size

Exclusive for Warthog News, Jürgen e-mailed me links of the following additional pictures, taken by him on the same day and uploaded to his photobucket albums:



A-10C 81-0956 overhead. (Photo by Jürgen Braun) Full size



A-10C 81-0956 on final approach. (Photo by Jürgen Braun) Full size



A-10C 81-0956 on final approach. (Photo by Jürgen Braun) Full size



A-10C 81-0981 overhead. (Photo by Jürgen Braun) Full size



A-10C 81-0981 on final approach. (Photo by Jürgen Braun) Full size



A-10C 81-0981 on final approach. (Photo by Jürgen Braun) Full size

Many thanks to Jürgen for his kind permission and for supporting Warthog News. And welcome Jürgen as latest Warthog News contributor!

Please visit the website of Jürgen and his wife Gudrun.

81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at Spangdahlem March 23, 2010

Yesterday, from Alex Klingelhöller from Germany I got permission to post his following shots, taken at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, and already posted on www.flugzeugforum.de:



A-10C 81-0981. Sniper XR targeting pod on station 10. (Photo by Alex Klingelhöller) Full size



A-10C 81-0981. (Photo by Alex Klingelhöller) Full size



"Clean" A-10C 81-0956. (Photo by Alex Klingelhöller) Full size

Many thanks to Alex for his kind permission and for supporting Warthog News. And welcome Alex as latest Warthog News contributor!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at Nellis March 5, 2010

Updated March 28, 2010

Today, from Alberto Riva, a journalist and photographer from United States, I got permission to post his following rare shot, taken at Nellis AFB, Nevada, and already uploaded on www.airliners.net:



A-10C 81-0976 from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, off to the ranges during Red Flag 10-03 March 5, 2010. Sniper XR targeting pod on station 10. The blue-painted bomb on station 5 looks to me like a practice version of the 500lb Mk. 82 Air Inflatable Retard (AIR). (Photo by Alberto Riva) Full size

Many thanks to Alberto for his kind permission and for supporting Warthog News. Please visit Alberto's website and also his report about the ISAP Photographers Meet in Las Vegas. And welcome Alberto as latest Warthog News contributor.

Update: On March 28, 2010, Alberto e-mailed me the following additional shots:



A-10C 81-0980 from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, off to the ranges during Red Flag 10-03 March 5, 2010. Sniper XR targeting pod on station 10. (Photo by Alberto Riva) Full size



A-10C 81-0976 being loaded by a "Dragon" ammo loader with what looks like practice rounds for the GAU-8/A Avenger cannon during Red Flag 10-03 March 5, 2010. Sniper XR targeting pod on station 10. (Photo by Alberto Riva) Full size