Friday, September 30, 2011

ORE tests base's mission readiness

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs



9/30/2011 - A fleet of A-10C Thunderbolt IIs assigned to the 23rd Wing stand by during a phase II operational readiness exercise at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Sept. 28, 2011. OREs are designed to test the base’s ability to conduct missions while deployed. The maintenance units prepared and generated A-10s daily. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Garcia)

Please note: The second A-10C from right is 78-0697 (A10-0317) from the 74th FS, but it lacks the shark mouth and wears a bow number. Anybody who can/will explain me the reason?



9/30/2011 - An A-10C Thunderbolt II makes its way to a hangar during a phase II operational readiness exercise at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Sept. 29, 2011. The exercise was conducted to prepare the base for an operational readiness inspection scheduled for next year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Garcia)

Source

A-10 Thunderbolts Visit Lajes

Released by 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs



9/30/2011 - LAJES FIELD, Azores -- Members from the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., perform maintenance work on an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Field, Azores, Sept. 27, 2011. More than ten A-10s landed at Lajes Field before moving on to a forward deployed location. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Chyrece Campbell)

Source

Please note: A hi-res picture is currently not available.

Lajes stopover update: All A-10Cs identified by serial numbers now

By Joachim Jacob

On 01:24:15 this morning, I got a very important e-mail from Warthog News contributor André Inacio from Portugal. According to him, 12 A-10Cs from Continental United States (CONUS) arrived at Lajes on Monday between 19:25 and 20:20 local time. André had the opportunity to take only pictures of the first three "Hogs" which arrived. For the other ones it was too dark. As he told me, ten of the twelve A-10Cs departed Lajes Field, Azores, on Wednesday 07:35 and 07:50 local time, too much early and a little dark too.

The serial numbers of all 12 A-10Cs:

Trend71-76
80-0262 (MI), 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG), Selfridge
80-0258 (MI), 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG), Selfridge
80-0265 (MI), 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG), Selfridge
81-0998 (MI), 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG), Selfridge
79-0094 (MI), 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG), Selfridge
81-0994 (MI), 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG), Selfridge

Tanker:
83-0075 Gold51

Trend81-86
79-0145 (BD), 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale
79-0111 (KC), 303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing (AFRC), Whiteman
79-0119 (KC), 303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing (AFRC), Whiteman
80-0163 (MI), 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG), Selfridge
79-0154 (BD), 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale
79-0109 (KC), 303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing (AFRC), Whiteman

Tanker:
79-1713 Gold61

The two A-10Cs which are stay at Lajes are 79-0154 and 79-0109.

Please note: This post will be further updated later today.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Two 104th Fighter Squadron A-10C pilots took their final flight

Released by 175th Wing Public Affairs



L-R Lt. Col Eric "Murph" Murphy and Major Brian "Snap" Curland, both pilots assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, pose for one last photo in front the A-10C after their final flight (fini) at Warfield Air National Guard Base in Baltimore, Md., September 27, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Edward B. Bard) Hi-res



Major Brian "Snap" Curland, a pilot assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, gets sprayed with water after his final flight (fini) in an A-10C at Warfield Air National Guard Base in Baltimore, Md., September 27, 2011. Major Curland is relocating to fly tankers at McGuire AFB. He joined the unit in 1998 and returned from pilot training in 2000. He flew the A-10 in support of Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Overall, he had 1203.3 hours in the A-10. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Edward Bard) Hi-res



Lt. Col. Eric "Murph" Murphy, a pilot assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, gets sprayed with water after his final flight (fini) in an A-10C at Warfield Air National Guard Base in Baltimore, Md., September 27, 2011. Lt. Col. Murphy will retire after 25 years of service. He joined our unit eight years ago and has deployed to every combat operation that we have had in the last eight years. He finished flying the A-10 with 3045.8 hours. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Edward B. Bard) Hi-res

Fresh deployed A-10Cs caught at Lajes

At Lajes Field, Azores, Warthog News contributor André Inacio from Portugal had the opportunity to take the following arrival shots on Monday, September 26, 2011.

On ilvolo.it he wrote: Before I arrived at Lajes, was raining a lot, but thanks to god, stopped raining when I was at the airport, but unfortunately this was the only A10 landed with some light... the other A10 arrived by night. I only saw their landings.



A-10C 80-0262 from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge. (Photo by André Inacio)



A-10C 80-0145 from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. (Photo by André Inacio)



A-10C 79-0119 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri. (Photo by André Inacio)

Source

Please note: This "night" post will be updated later today.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

A-10Cs on their way to Afghanistan arrived at Lajes

By Joachim Jacob

According to kind feedback on the recommended Dutch Scramble Message Board, an undisclosed number of A-10Cs from Continental United States (CONUS) arrived at Lajes Airfield, Azores, for a stopover enroute Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan (451st Air Expeditionary Wing), on Monday, September 26, 2011.

The A-10s arrived this evening as Trend 71 and Trend 81 flight. Their supporting tankers were Gold 51/52 and Gold 61/62.

Source

Boeing's Other Delay: New Wings for the Warthog

By Tony Capaccio
Bloomberg
Sep 27, 2011 6:01 AM GMT+0200

Boeing Co. (BA) is 10 months behind schedule on a $2 billion contract to build new wings that would extend the life of the U.S. Air Force's ground attack jet, the A-10 Warthog, according to the service.

The Senate Appropriations Committee cited problems and unspent prior funding when it entirely cut the Air Force's $145 million fiscal 2012 request for the program.

The A-10 program has experienced "significant delays and has not delivered a new wing" since the program began procurement in fiscal 2010, the committee wrote in a Sept. 16 report accompanying its fiscal 2012 budget.

Boeing spokesman Forrest Gossett said the company has put in place a "recovery plan" and expects to deliver the first of four new wings before Oct. 31. The fixed-price contract, which covers manufacturing of 242 wing sets and engineering services through 2018, would require Boeing to absorb any cost increases due to delays.

It's too early to tell whether the committee's cut will be sustained through the entire budget process "and what ultimately it will mean for Boeing," Gossett said.

The new wings are needed to extend the life of the A-10 aircraft, some of which have been in use since 1975 after previous modifications. The new wings will keep the A-10s flying until about 2030 at a lower cost than buying new aircraft, according to the Air Force.

The Senate committee cut the Air Force's entire $145 million request because the delays meant little of the $351 million in A-10 wing money appropriated since fiscal 2010 has been spent, according to service figures.

'Below Established Standards'

The committee expressed its concerns "with the poor expenditure performance that is significantly below established standards."

The Air Force plans to request $144 million in fiscal 2013 and $134 million million in 2014.

A pre-production wing set was delivered in March, five months late and led to a 10-month overall delivery delay, Air Force spokeswoman Jennifer Cassidy said in an e-mail statement.

Boeing deficiencies included "challenges properly mating outer and center wing panels, incorrect application of internal fuel tank sealant" and a problem "prohibiting installation" of the main landing gear, she said.

The program is on schedule with a new program baseline and "is expected to meet projected delivery dates," she said. "Boeing has dedicated considerable resources and made significant manufacturing changes and improvements," she said.

'Recovery Plan'

"We experienced issues during the initial manufacturing of the program," Gossett said in an e-mail. The first wing was delivered "with no major deficiencies but there were items to work through as would be expected with any development program."

"Boeing has worked with the Air Force to create a recovery plan and the program is on target to deliver the first of four new wings" before Oct. 31, Gossett said.

The A-10 Warthog introduced in 1975 is known for its tank- busting capabilities and built for steep dive attacks to fire 30mm depleted uranium shells at a 3,000-per-minute rate from its GAU-8/A nose-mounted Gatling Gun.

The Warthog gained fame as a tank buster in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. It has provided consistent ground-attack support since then for U.S. troops in Afghanistan, including a four-hour Oct. 5, 2009, night fight in Herat province where A-10s made strafing runs on Taliban attackers within 30 feet of U.S. troops, according to an Air Force narrative.

The Air Force wants Boeing to replace the fleet's thin wings with thicker ones that will extend aircraft's service life to 16,000 hours.

To contact the reporter on this story: Tony Capaccio in Washington at acapaccio@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Mark Silva at msilva34@bloomberg.net

Source

Investigation ongoing for A-10C incident



An investigation began into the Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft incident that occurred at approximately 2: 45 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, 2011 in a non residential area northeast of Berlin, Georgia in Cook County. An Air Force A-10C pilot assigned to the 23rd Wing ejected from the aircraft during a routine mission. The Incident is still under investigation and once the investigation report is final, Air Combat Command will release the results. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)

A 23rd Wing news release

Release Number: 110907

9/27/2011 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- An investigation began into the Air Force A-10C aircraft incident that occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m. Monday, September 26, 2011 in a non residential area northeast of Berlin, Georgia in Cook County.

The pilot was medically evaluated and released with minor injuries from Memorial Hospital of Adel and the 23rd Wing flight medicine clinic.

"We have started an investigation into this mishap; but we are in the very early stages of this investigation," said Colonel Billy Thompson, 23rd Wing commander. "For the next several weeks, a trained investigation board will focus their exclusive efforts on collecting and protecting evidence from the scene and gathering and analyzing all relevant data with the specific purpose of determining the cause so we may prevent future mishaps. The Air Force and the 23rd Wing are committed to providing the safest environment for our community and its people."

Should you have any questions pertaining to this topic, please feel free to contact Moody Air Force Base Public Affairs Office at 229-257-3007. Also, visit Moody's official website www.moody.af.mil for more information on Moody and to view current news releases. Information is updated daily on our Facebook page, simply search Moody Air Force Base Official.

NOTE TO MEDIA:
The private property landowners request minimal foot and vehicle traffic on the land, thus they request media remain off the private property. In an effort to still provide the community with visual information, 23rd Wing public affairs will release photographs.



WHAT A SAD VIEW! (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)

Source

Note: According to these horrible photos, the crashed A-10C belonged to the 75th Fighter Squadron.

Moody locating dropped aircraft ejection seat

A 23rd Wing news release

Release Number: 110906

9/27/2011 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The Advanced Concept Ejection Seat from the A-10C Thunderbolt II has not been located after a pilot ejected from the aircraft on Sept. 26, 2011 at approximately 2:45 p.m. in a non residential area northeast of Berlin, Georgia in Cook County. The aircraft ejection seat is expected to be located in the vicinity of the crash site.

The Advanced Concept Ejection Seat is used to safely eject a pilot from an aircraft. The seat's high pressure lines and actuators have potential hazards following ejection due to pressurization of seat components.

If the Advanced Concept Ejection Seat is found, do not approach it, take note of the location, leave the area and keep others away. Then, contact the 23rd Wing Command Post at (229) 257-3501.

"The safety of the local community and our Airmen is one of my top priorities," said Colonel Billy Thompson, 23rd Wing commander. "We are thankful the community, first responders and pilots remained safe during this incident."

Should you have any questions pertaining to this topic, please feel free to contact Moody Air Force Base Public Affairs Office at 229-257-3007. Also, Information
is updated daily on our Facebook page, simply search Moody Air Force Base Official.

Source


See also:

Moody tries to locate ejection seat

By Dave Miller
WALB
Posted: Sep 27, 2011 11:48 PM
Updated: Sep 27, 2011 11:56 PM

Cook County, Georgia - U. S. Air Force personnel are scouring the South Georgia countryside in an effort to find the ejection seat of one of its aircraft which crashed.

The pilot safely bailed out of the A-10 'Warthog' Monday afternoon over Cook County, Ga.

Moody's Col. Billy D. Thompson says it could take up to 60 days before safety investigation board releases its report on the cause of the crash.

According to a USAF document, the last crash involving a jet attached to Moody AFB occurred in May 2010.

In that case, an A-10 Thunderbolt, also known by its nickname "Warthog", crashed after take off. The pilot safely ejected but the $17 million aircraft was destroyed.



The ejection seat looks like the one Moody is missing. (Source: Moody Air Force Base)

Source

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

47th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs involved in upcoming Afghanistan combat deployment

There are breaking pictures on the 442nd Fighter Wing public website:

According to the latest 442nd Fighter Wing Slideshow, some A-10Cs from the 47th Fighter Squadron, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, are on their way to deploy to Afghanistan.

They will be part of an "Total Force" A-10C Thunderbolt II combat deployment to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

They left Barksdale AFB September 21, 2010, for Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, to meet the A-10C aircraft package scheduled for deployment.

At the moment, some related pictures are uploaded now.



A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot gives his crew chief a thumbs up prior to taxiing for a sortie at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Sept. 21, 2011. The A-10 is being flown to the Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., prior to being deployed to a Forward Operating Location in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele)

Moody A-10C pilot ejects from aircraft

A 23rd Wing news release

Release Number: 110905

9/26/2011 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- An Air Force A-10C pilot assigned to the 23rd Wing ejected from an aircraft during a routine mission at approximately 2:45 p.m. today in a non-residential area northeast of Berlin, Ga., in Cook County.

The pilot was transported by ambulance to Memorial Hospital of Adel for medical evaluation and is currently under examination and is reported to be in stable condition. The pilot has been in contact with base leaders. The pilot's name is being withheld until his family is notified.

Moody and Cook County emergency response personnel were dispatched and proceeded to the accident scene. They are securing the scene. The A-10C did not have any ordnance on board.

The aircraft incident is still under investigation. Additional details will be provided as information becomes available.

Should you have any questions pertaining to this topic, please feel free to contact Moody Air Force Base Public Affairs Office at 229-257-3007. Also, visit Moody's official website www.moody.af.mil for more information on Moody and to view current news releases. Information is updated daily on our Facebook page, simply search Moody Air Force Base Official.

Source

See also:

Air Force Jet Crashes in South Georgia

By WALB
Posted: Sep 26, 2011 10:14 PM
Updated: Sep 27, 2011 8:34 AM

COOK COUNTY (WALB) - An A-10 War Plane from Moody Air Force Base crashed in South Georgia at 2:45pm Monday.

Authorities tell us the plane went down Monday afternoon in the area of Antioch Church Road in Cook County.

"I saw the plane circling really low this afternoon," said Matt Faggioni. He was at his farm when he saw the A-10C Thunderbolt flying so low he said, "I could actually see his helmet inside the jet and saw the camouflage on the wings."

Little did he know that jet, one of two A-10C Thunderbolts on a routine exercise may have been in distress. It was just before 3 o'clock when the jet crashed into what officials describe as a sand pit, exploding on impact.

"I was sitting on the back porch and heard a big boom," said Carl Williams. What he saw next was the pilot ejecting from the aircraft.

"I saw a parachute coming down and another jet flying over," he said.

The pilot was taken to Memorial Hospital in Adel and is expected to be ok. At a news conference Monday night at Moody, the commander of the 23rd Fighter Wing said an investigation into the cause of the crash is already underway.

"Over the next few weeks, a trained safety investigation board will focus their exclusive efforts on collecting evidence from the scene and gathering and analyzing all data with the specific purpose of preventing future mishaps," said Col. Billy D. Thompson, USAF.

Thompson says it could take up to 60 days before safety investigation board releases its report on the cause of the crash.

According to USAF document, the last crash involving a jet attached to Moody AFB occurred in May 2010. In that case, an A-10 Thunderbolt, also known by its nickname "Warthog", crashed after take off. The pilot safely ejected but the $17 million aircraft was destroyed.

The name of the pilot was not released at press time.

There were no training flights scheduled Monday night at Moody.

Base officials tell us they'll decide in the morning whether to implement any sort of safety stand-down while they investigate the crash, or whether they will allow all training to go ahead as scheduled.

Below is a Press Release from Moody Air Force Base

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- An Air Force A-10C pilot assigned to the 23rd Wing ejected from an aircraft during a routine mission at approximately 2:45 p.m. today in a non residential area northeast of Berlin, Georgia in Cook County.

The pilot was transported by ambulance to Memorial Hospital of Adel for medical evaluation and is currently under examination and is reported to be in stable condition.

The pilot has been in contact with base leaders.

The pilot's name is being withheld until his family is notified.

Moody and Cook County emergency response personnel were dispatched and proceeded to the accident scene. They are securing the scene.

The A-10C did not have any ordnance on board.

The aircraft incident is still under investigation.

Additional details will be provided as information becomes available.

WALB video coverage:





Source

Please note:
This post will be updated soon.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

107th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs are expected to leave Selfridge for Afghanistan tomorrow

By Joachim Jacob

Today, in a comment to my post Guard unit from Selfridge heads back to Afghanistan an old friend from Scramble wrote: The 107FS is departing to Lajes Monday September 26.

Yesterday, Warthog News contributor André Inácio from Portugal told me via e-mail: We expect fighters on monday, and i suppose it will be A10, and I Would like to ask if you know how many A10 are going to Afghanistan?

Also yesterday, Warthog News contributor Oliver Jonischkeit from Germany told me via e-mail: Currently, the A-10s [from the 81st Fighter Squadron - JJ] are concentrated on doing preparation flights with travel pods, with the exception of today. It seems to me, they will left Spangdahlem early next week.

It seems to me, at least at the beginning of this upcoming A-10C "Total Force" Afghanistan combat deployment the aircraft package will consist of "Hogs" both from the 107th Fighter Squadron and from the 81st Fighter Squadron.

So I hope, at Lajes Field, Azores, André will have the opportunity to take shots of the A-10Cs, inbound from Continental United States (CONUS) on their first stopover enroute Afghanistan.

The final stopover point for both units before arrival at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, will be Al Udeid AB, Qatar - home of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Sabers deploy with 'Total Force'

by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

9/20/2011 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Members of the 81st Fighter Squadron are preparing for their deployment to support Operation Enduring Freedom.

"We're participating in Operation Enduring Freedom, and we're going to provide world-class close air support to coalition ground forces," said Lt. Col. Josh Ruddell, 81st FS director of operations.

The unit is not only deploying to support troops on the ground, but to work in a total force environment.

"We're augmenting to support multiple Guard and Reserve fighter units," Ruddell said. "This is the first time the Guard has taken lead on a deployment like this, and we're excited to support them in a fully integrated close air support mission."

The squadron, to include pilots, maintainers, crew chiefs, equipment inspectors and other Airmen will work with the Guard units to help ensure precise, reliable and full spectrum capabilities are provided to the flying mission.

Senior Airman Brandon Keiper, 81st FS aircrew flight equipment inspector, is just one of the Airman ensuring full-spectrum capability is provided as he inspects everything the pilots wear and use for flight.

"If their mask or helmet doesn't work correctly and they pull some Gs, they could G-lock, which is basically passing out in a jet," Keiper said.

From ensuring the pilot's equipment is ready for flight, to ensuring each bolt is screwed in properly, these Airmen are prepared to support the mission and each other as they look forward to learning and exchanging techniques with the Guard units.

"We're there to support the Guard, and as maintainers, we're anxious for the opportunity to learn from those who have been in the career field for a long time," said Master Sgt. Terry Bullock, 81 FS maintenance NCO-in-charge. "Even though the Guard does the same thing we do, they may do it differently. This will be a good opportunity for us to share better ways of supporting the mission."

Whether this is a Saber's first deployment, like Keiper, or they've been on multiple, like Ruddel and Bullock, all are supporting the mission.

In this particular mission with the Guard, they're also strengthening their potential to improve the Air Force's air, space and cyber capabilities.



SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Airmen deploying with the 81st Fighter Squadron collect personal protective equipmen from the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron t at a personnel deployment function line here. The PDF line consists of base agencies that ensure deploying members have all necessary paperwork and checklists completed before leaving. (U.S Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natasha E. Stannard)

Source

Please note:
Sorry for overlooking this very important news article, already published three days ago. After re-checking some other related info, I will post a deployment update.

Spangdahlem recognizes POW/MIA Day

Released by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



9/20/2011 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Members of the 52nd Fighter Wing watch as four A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 81st Fighter Squadron fly over the POW/MIA ceremony at the air park here Sept. 16. The ceremony is held every year to remember those who have served and been taken prisoner or have been listed as missing in action. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Toon)

Source

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Video by NewCa.com: A-10 Thunderbolt II at the Canadian International Airshow 2011



This video was uploaded on YouTube by newcacom on September 8, 2011.

Description:
The A-10 West Demonstration Team is a select group of professionals dedicated to showing the extreme capabilities of the A-10 aircraft through exceptional aerial maneuvers. Our mission is to demonstrate the capabilities of the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the professional competence of the U.S. Air Force personnel, to positively affect USAF recruiting and retention efforts, and to promote community and international relations.

USAF Thunderbirds to headline Fort Smith Air Show



Spectators gather around one of the 188th Fighter Wing's A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" at the Fort Smith Air Show May 17, 2008. The 2008 show was attended by a record 200,000 people. The next Fort Smith Air Show is slated for Oct. 1-2, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Brambl / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

by Capt. Heath Allen
188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

9/22/2011 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- The Flying Razorbacks and the 188th Fighter Wing-Fort Chaffee Community Council will host the 2011 Fort Smith Air Show Oct. 1-2. Headlining this year's aerial exhibition will be the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, an F-16 demonstration squadron.

This will be the first air show in Fort Smith since 2008. The Thunderbirds have been the show's headline performer for the last four air shows.

"We know the Thunderbirds had their choice of several locations and they picked Fort Smith and the 188th Fighter Wing," said Col. Tom Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander. "We're extremely proud and excited that the Thunderbirds have continued to make Fort Smith one of their stops. That's a tribute to the high level of community support and the professionalism of our unit members, air show organizers and the Community Council."

While the Thunderbirds will draw colossal crowds, they're joined by a group of talented performers who will undoubtedly provide thrills for spectators.

"The Thunderbirds are one of the world's finest demonstration teams," said Lt. Col. JJ Krimmel, Fort Smith Air Show director. "But there will be a host of other amazing acts worth coming out to watch. All of our performers put on a great show. The goal was to put on a show that had a diverse array of exciting performances and aircraft and we feel like this will be another great show."

The 2008 show drew a record estimated crowd of 200,000 for the two-day event, which is free to the public.

"We are the largest free air show in the United States," said civilian Chuck Fawcett, air show chairman and member of the Community Council. "Other shows, it costs between $5 and $15 to get in, but our show is free, and we hope to keep it that way. Everyone who comes here will have a great time."

The Community Council raised $125,000 to facilitate the civilian acts and the 188th picked up the tab for the military performers. Fawcett, though, said it was all worth it. Fawcett said the economic impact on the River Valley area was estimated to be about $5.6 million considering dollars spent by attendees on hotel rooms, restaurants and gas.

"To see the performers and to hear and feel the roar and rumble of the jets, it's amazing," Colonel Krimmel said. "It's perfect for the family, and what's offered here at the air show, well, you just can't get that from sitting down and watching TV."

Along with the Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force's Air Combat Command F-15 Strike Eagle demonstration team will perform and John Klatt will also perform with his Air Guard Staudacher S-300D.

Tora! Tora! Tora! will return again this year. It features a recreation of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor using multiple Japanese fighters and bombers.

A Vintage 1958 Lockheed Martin T-33 will also put on an exhibition and Manfred Radius Airshows will display its "fully aerobatic sailplane."

Younkin Airshows will show off its Twin Beech 18 as will Franklin's Flying Circus. Both have been staples of the Fort Smith Air Show.

Spectators will also have the chance to admire plenty of ground attractions. The Indy Boys will show off their hotrod school bus, which travels at speeds in excess of 300 mph.

A host of military and civilian static displays will also line the taxiways at this year's show, including an F-16 Falcon, C-17 Globemaster III, C-5 Galaxy, C-130 Hercules, F-18 Hornet, A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthog", AC-130 Gunship, RC-135, T-38 Talon, T-6 Texas II, H-13 Sioux, OH-58 Kiowa, UH-60 Black Hawk, T-45 Goshawk, C-21, Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Beechcraft, Bell Helicopter, 1930s Spartan C-3 and Bellanca Super Viking.

The Arkansas Army National Guard's 142nd Fires Brigade will also provide a M109A6 155mm Paladin Howitzer and an up-armored HMMWV (Humvee) from Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center.

Additional U.S. Army vehicles will be on display, including half tracks, trucks, Jeeps and personnel movers. The show will also feature aircraft simulators and bounce-arounds for the younger spectators.

Along with wowing the throngs of onlookers, recruiting is one of the primary objectives of the air show. Active duty U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army as well as Air National Guard and Army National Guard recruiting booths will be stationed amid the static displays.

What you need to know
Air show officials said spectators venturing to the air show grounds will not be permitted to bring coolers, ice chests, alcohol, pets or backpacks. Smoking is also prohibited.

Individuals with health issues or special needs requirements that would require cooler packs, diaper bags or other exceptions will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Individuals toting camera or video camera bags will be permitted on the air show grounds. But it is important to remember that all bags will be inspected before boarding the shuttle buses or entering air show grounds to help ensure public safety.

Unit members and their families (with dependent military ID) will be permitted to park on base. Public parking is located at Ben Geren Park and Fort Smith Southside. Handicap parking will be at Southside. Buses will transport attendees to the show from both sites beginning at 8 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The air show gates open both days at 8:30 a.m. and will close at approximately 5 p.m. Performances are slated to begin at approximately 9:20 a.m. Buses will continue to transport spectators to and from the air show grounds throughout the day on both Saturday and Sunday.

For those who would like to park closer to the show, paid parking will be available on the south side of the intersection of Phoenix Avenue and 66th Street. Paid parking is $5 per vehicle.

For additional information on the show, please visit www.airshowfortsmith.com, www.188fw.ang.af.mil or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/188thFighterWing or www.facebook.com/AirshowFSM.

Media interested in covering the show can call 479-573-5170 or e-mail heath.allen@ang.af.mil.

Source

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Bulldogs and MXG return from Osan



DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – Lt. Col. Clarence Johnson, 354th Fighter Squadron commander, navigates an A-10 into a sunshade after returning here from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea Sept. 19. Members of the 354th FS, as well as squadron assets and members of the 355th Maintenance Group, recently returned from a 6-month deployment in Osan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Timothy D. Moore)

by Airman 1st Class Saphfire Cook
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

9/20/2011 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Airmen from the 354th Fighter Squadron and the 355th Maintenance Group returned here from a deployment Sept. 19.

Pilots, maintainers and other personnel were deployed to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea for a six-month tour.

Six A-10s piloted by members of the 354th FS taxied onto the D-M flightline around 3 p.m.

"I'm just so excited for him to come home," said Nicole Yoakley, whose husband Capt. William Yoakley, 354th FS, was one of the returning pilots. "I'm especially excited for him to see Claire, our daughter, because she's grown so much since he's been gone."

As the pilots pulled into separate sunshades, the families were told which jet contained their loved-one.

"She's gotten so big, and she talks so well now," said Captain Yoakley of Claire Yoakley after he'd greeted his family.

Personnel and equipment from the 354th FS and 355th MXG arrived in a C-17 at approximately 6:45 p.m. and were bused to the hangar where their families waited.

"He's been gone for seven months," said Rhonda Zielinski of her husband Chief Master Sgt. Michael Zielinski, 354th Aircraft Maintenance Unit.

Also in the welcoming party was Chief Zielinski's grandson, Isaiah, who was born while he was deployed.

"This is the first time he's going to see Isaiah in person, so we can't wait for him to get off that bus," Mrs. Zielinski said.

Returnees piled off the bus and were warmly welcomed by family members, co-workers and commanders.

"The only pictures I've ever seen were from when he was first born," Chief Zielinski said. "He's grown so much already."

Before the families were released for the night, Col. Mark Murphy, 355th Maintenance Group commander, had a few words for the returnees.

"I just wanted to personally thank you all for your service to this great country," Colonel Murphy said. "Welcome home."

Lt. Col. Terry Koester, 355th Aircraft Maintenance Group commander, had a message for the spouses.

"Thank you to the spouses and families who came out for this homecoming," Colonel Koester said. "While your Airmen have been away working hard and fighting the good fight, you all have been here taking care of the home front."

The pilots, personnel and equipment from D-M were deployed to Osan to help with the defense of the Republic of Korea and to maintain stability in Northeast Asia.



DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – Capt. William Yoakley, 354th Fighter Squadron A-10 pilot, greets his family as he returns here from a deployment Sept. 19. Captain Yoakley just was on a six-month deployment at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Timothy D. Moore) Hi-res

Source

Changing Lives through Flight, the Wright Way



DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. - Robin "Spidey" Stoddard, an A-10C academic and simulator instructor at D-M, poses for a picture with A-10C student pilots during a Wright Flight graduation event Sept. 15, in Washington. Mr. Stoddard was recognized by the National Aeronautic Association in Washington with the award for Outstanding Achievement in Advancement of Public Benefit Flying. (Courtesy photo)

by 1st Lt. Matthew Babcock
355th Training Squadron

9/20/2011 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Sometimes a career in the Air Force is only the start of one's service to this country. For civilian contractor Robin "Spidey" Stoddard, an A-10C academic and simulator instructor here at D-M, that is an understatement.

On September 15, 2011, Mr. Stoddard was recognized by the National Aeronautic Association in Washington with the award for Outstanding Achievement in Advancement of Public Benefit Flying.

This award is presented to an individual or organization that demonstrates outstanding achievement that helped raise the standard of service or contributed significantly to the overall advancement of Public Benefit Flying.

Wright Flight was founded in 1986 when Mr. Stoddard was first stationed at D-M as a captain.

"I became aware of the overwhelming influence aviation could have on youth and wanted to make a difference," Mr. Stoddard said.

Over the past 25 years, Mr. Stoddard has led Wright Flight to dramatic growth, with nine chapters nationwide that have graduated more than 20,000 students. The Tucson Chapter caters to approximately 1,000 youth annually and is run almost exclusively by volunteers.

"Mr. Stoddard's development of Wright Flight was truly visionary and has positively impacted an entire generation of students," said Lt. Col. Andrew Kapuscak, 355th Training Squadron commander. "Spidey is the epitome of service before self and richly deserves this recognition from the NAA."

Wright Flight students must sign a contract pledging to lead a drug, alcohol, and tobacco free life, raise their grades in at least one class and complete a nine week course on aviation history with an 85 percent or better on the final test. If the student is successful at the end of the course, volunteer pilots with Wright Flight take them for their graduation flight.

"The catch with Wright Flight is that flights may only be earned, they cannot be bought and only about 60 percent of the students are successful," Mr. Stoddard said. "This teaches kids to work hard, meet standards and feel the satisfaction of accomplishment with the rare opportunity to fly in a single-engine aircraft and learn the basics of being a pilot."

Mr. Stoddard's 30 years of service in active duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard with more than 4,500 flight hours in the An-2, A-7, A-10, and F-16, coupled with his five combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, and Bronze Star make him stand out among military aviators. But for the last 25 years, Mr. Stoddard has provided an additional service to the Tucson community and the nation as the executive director of Wright Flight, which promotes academic leadership and achievement in middle school students.

"I'm humbled to be recognized for this achievement, but getting the chance to change kids' lives and share values that I learned as an aviator in the world's greatest Air Force is the most rewarding part," Mr. Stoddard said. "The legacy of air power will only continue if my generation takes the time to mentor the younger generation."



DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. - Robin "Spidey" Stoddard, an A-10C academic and simulator instructor at D-M, poses with his wife Julie, after being recognized by the National Aeronautic Association and receiving an award for Outstanding Achievement in Advancement of Public Benefit Flying in Washington, Sept. 20. (Courtesy photo)

Source

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Guard unit from Selfridge heads back to Afghanistan

By Peggy Walsh-Sarnecki, Detroit Free Press Staff Writer
Detroit Free Press
Sep 19, 2011

The 107th Fighter Squadron of the 127th Air Wing of the Michigan National Guard ships out this month for the war zone in Afghanistan in what could well be their last deployment of this war.

They fly the A10 Thunderbolt II, commonly (and affectionately) called the Warthog. The single-seater fighter plane is designed to support ground troops. When the troops get into trouble, they call in the Warthogs and their firepower to help.

"If one kid gets to come home for Christmas, it's worth it," said Maj. Erick Nodlund of Harrison Township. "We don't leave them hanging. If there's an 18-year-old with a rifle and he needs our help, it's worth it."

The 300-person unit was to deploy to Afghanistan in 2012, but that deployment was unexpectedly moved up to this month. They'll be there for about three months, which means Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's apart from their families.

Nodlund said his wife and two children, a 15-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter, are used to the deployments. The families serve, too, Nodlund said.

"My kids have been through this a couple of times already. My wife's been through this several times," Nodlund said. "They seem to understand."

President Barack Obama has given 2014 as the deadline for troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Air National Guard typically deploys roughly every three years, said spokesman Sgt. Dan Heaton. This could be the last deployment.

Nodlund said he feels honored to go.

"Nobody goes over there saying, 'I hate this,' " Nodlund said. "You go over there saying, 'I know how to do this.' "

This will be Nodlund's sixth deployment to the Iraq/Afghanistan war. He also served in the first Persian Gulf War when he was on active duty. When the 107th Wing was there before, troops would ask for them by name when they needed support, Nodlund said.

That's because of the experience in the Air National Guard, Nodlund said. He estimated that half of the pilots of his wing have 20,000 flying hours, the equivalent of about 20 years of experience. The group was awarded a medal for saving pinned-down Marines in the battle of Fallujah in 2004.

The 127th Wing, based out of Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, also includes the KC135 Stratotanker, an aerial refueling plane. Collectively, the 127th Wing has sent about 3,800 troops to the Middle East since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Most members of the national guard unit also have full-time jobs in their communities, so they must take time off from their sometimes higher-paying civilian jobs to deploy, said Nodlund, who is also an FAA inspector. When he's not deployed, Nodlund said, he has to fly at least six times each month, for about five hours each flight, in addition to other training. It's like having another 40-hour work week added on to each month, he said.

"When other people go home to have dinner, I go home, change into my uniform and come over here for duty," Nodlund said.

But he's not complaining.

"It's a volunteer military," Nodlund said. "The people elected our government, the government decided a need, that's how our system works, and I think it works really well."

Source

Please note: Maj. Eric Nodland is an A-10C pilot assigned to the 127th Wing's 107th Fighter Squadron.



NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Maj. Eric Nodland, 107th Fighter Squadron pilot, Selfridge Air National Guard Base Mich., conducts pre-flight checks in the cockpit of an A-10 Thunderbolt II before a training mission during Red Flag 11-3, Feb. 24. Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies. The exercise takes place north of Las Vegas on the Nevada Test and Training Range--the U.S. Air Force's premier military training area with more than 12,000 square miles of airspace and 2.9 million acres of land. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth) Hi-res

See also:
It's official now: 127th Wing will replace Moody's 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Kandahar in support of Operation Enduring Freedom
Selfridge Airmen Prepare for Afghanistan Deployment

Monday, September 19, 2011

Rare personal Suwon shots of A-10A 80-0248 shared now on WTF

Rare personal shots of A-10A 80-0248, taken at Suwon Air Base, Republic of Korea, are shared now on the well-recommended Warthog Territory Forums. For the 22 pictures please check the Hog Chat topic Photos of my old airplane before it became my airplane.

These very interesting and meanwhile also historic photos has been posted on WTF by Carroll McAllister. He got this rare material from "Skip" McCloskey, a former staff sergeant (SSGT) and dedicated crew chief (DCC) of this "Hog" at Suwon (with tailcode SU). It looks to me like these pictures were taken in 1985.



"Skip" McCloskey, crew chief of A-10A 80-0248 at Suwon, posing for re-enlisting.



"Skip" McCloskey on the tail. Note the tail code SU.



First step on the ladder. Please note the old gun gas diverter.

Aircraft info from my Warthog Aircraft Database:
80-0248 (A10-0598) 76th TFS, 23rd TFW (EL); Desert Storm; shot down 2 Feb 1991 by AAA during Desert Storm 20 mi S of Kuwait City (pilot killed)

A-10A 80-0248 Shot down in combat by 'optical AAA' fire 2 Feb 1991 shot down by ground fire or SAM 20 NM SW of Kuwait City, Kuwait. Pilot Capt Richard Dale Storr ejected and captured as POW Released 03/05/91. From 23rd TFW. Source

Saturday, September 17, 2011

355th Fighter Wing A-10Cs caught at D-M September 13, 2011

At Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, Warthog news contributor Ned Harris from the United States had the opportunity to take the following shots:



A-10C 80-0146 from the 357th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 80-0254 without unit markings. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 80-0190 from the 357th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 80-0236 from the 357th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 80-0181 without unit markings. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 80-0246 from the 357th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 78-0657 from the 358th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 79-0209 from the 358th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 81-0949 from the 358th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 80-0204 from the 358th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 79-0190 from the 358th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 81-0950 from the 357th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 80-0270 from the 358th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 80-0159 from the 358th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

Combat controller up for an Air Force Cross

By Scott Fontaine - Staff writer
Air Force Times
Posted: Saturday Sep 17, 2011 9:48:05 EDT

Staff Sgt. Robert Gutierrez felt the pressure building in his chest. He couldn't breathe. When he tried to talk, blood gushed from his mouth and nose. Gunfire popped and rocket-propelled grenades exploded nearby.

Gutierrez had seen an injury like this before. He figured he had about three minutes before he bled out.

"At that point, I decided I'm not going to be a burden to the rest of my team," he said. "I'm not going to be dead weight to them. I'm going to do as much as I can, as long as I can, until it's over."

Oct. 5, 2009, is the day Gutierrez is convinced he would have died if a medic hadn't jabbed a syringe into his collapsed lung.

Minutes later, Gutierrez himself saved the lives of a dozen U.S. soldiers in the Army Special Forces unit he was assigned to as a combat controller.

The firefight had high stakes: the Taliban's No. 2 commander in the region. The troops won. They killed the commander.

Gutierrez's extraordinary bravery and unwavering dedication that night nearly two years ago have thrust him in the spotlight. He is nominated for an Air Force Cross, the second-highest award for valor; the citation simply needs the signature of Air Force Secretary Michael Donley.

Assuming Donley approves the honor, Gutierrez will receive the medal next week at the Air Force Association's annual conference in suburban Washington, D.C. Gutierrez would be the fourth recipient of the Air Force Cross for actions in Afghanistan, and the first since then-Senior Airman Zachary Rhyner received the honor in 2009.

Gutierrez spoke with Air Force Times from Hurlburt Field, Fla., where he now is an instructor at the Air Force Special Operations Training Center.

The nine-year veteran described the quick mission planning, calling in close-air support and the long recovery after the mission. He shrugged off any sense of personal heroism.

"The highlights are really the medic saving my life, the F-16s and the A-10s providing support," he said. "I'm here today because of them."

'Game on'

The troops had less than two hours to prepare for the mission.

Gutierrez and his fellow members of the Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha received word they would attack the house where the Taliban's deputy commander in Herat province was staying.

They gathered Afghan troops and waited until nightfall to head out. The team drove to a spot about four kilometers from the village. The roads were heavily mined, too dangerous to drive; besides, the troops wanted the element of surprise.

The village was full of Taliban fighters and sympathizers. It wouldn't be an easy mission.

"We knew we were going to get into it," he said.

Gutierrez was in touch with a flight of F-16s not far off. He kept the fighters away so the sound of the engine roar wouldn't tip off the Taliban. An intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft circled overhead, providing footage of the battlefield.

All was quiet as the assault force approached the target. The soldiers knocked down the door and poured into the house. Almost instantly, small-arms gunfire from the rooftops rained down.

"As soon as that breach went off, it was game on," he said.

Gutierrez was in the second stack and provided cover fire. He and a soldier noticed heavy machine-gun fire coming from a nearby alleyway. They shot the insurgent and provided cover fire as the rest of the team entered the building.

The ISR plane provided an update: Several Taliban fighters had taken positions on rooftops to the east and south. Others were coming on foot from the east toward the building.

Gutierrez was communicating with the aircraft. At one point, a soldier's rifle jammed. Gutierrez stepped in and began firing.

"Instead of letting him sit there as an easy target," he said, "I pushed him out of the way and got in front of him and returned fire."

Twice, Gutierrez went a few feet outside the building to see where the fire was coming from. He hoped a show of force would drive away the Taliban fighters. Two F-16s roared past "at an extremely low altitude," but the shooting didn't stop.

Gutierrez then spotted a shooter on a nearby rooftop. The two traded fire. Gutierrez felt instant pain and pressure in his left side. He fired back and watched the gunman crumple. He shot another Taliban fighter.

"I don't get paid to sit there and fall down," he said. "I get paid to fight and do my job."

Everywhere, blood

Gutierrez hadn't realized how badly he was hurt. A bullet pierced his left shoulder, hit his shoulder blade, ricocheted off his ribs and came out his back, leaving a hole the size of two softballs.

Blood gushed, and the pain became worse. He dropped to one knee.

"I've never felt like that in my life," he said. "It felt like someone hit me with a big baseball bat in the side of my ribs but at a million mph."

He yelled for the team's medic. The enemy fire became heavier. The Taliban fighters began firing RPGs.

Explosions and gunfire rang out. Troops were yelling. Others were injured. The medic was trying to get Gutierrez's attention. The airman was trying to talk to the airplanes.

"I'm talking to [the medic], trying to tell him where it hurts," he said. "He's trying to ask me questions. But I have two F-16s that are low on fuel, I have an ISR platform telling me that we have multiple fighters coming in. We have additional fighters on the first and second floor of the target building. They're all armed. They're all moving toward our location. The rest of the team is trying to hold down security and fend them off."

The pressure began to build in his chest. Breathing became shallower and more difficult. Blood streamed from his mouth and nose.

That's when Gutierrez realized he could likely die.

"I've seen similar injuries, guys shot in their side," he said. "Usually, it's very fast. Time is not your friend in this instance."

Third time's a charm

Gutierrez could no longer talk to the F-16s. He couldn't say much to the medic.

The medic told Gutierrez that he probably had a punctured lung and the only option was a needle decompression. He wanted to take off Gutierrez's armor, but the airman balked: His radio was attached to his kit, and he couldn't lose contact with the planes.

The medic took a syringe, reached under Gutierrez's armor and pushed the needle in his chest. It relieved the pressure within seconds.

Gutierrez contacted the Falcons overhead and called for another show of force — this time with flares.

The F-16s roared past, but the gunfire didn't stop. The jets were running low on fuel, and a flight of A-10s was minutes away.

The Taliban fighters had moved to within 10 yards of the building — far too close for a bomb or Hellfire missile.

Gutierrez suggested the A-10s strafe using their 30mm cannons.

"The only other option is to fight our way out," he said.

Gutierrez called in the strike. The A-10 pilot couldn't believe what he was hearing; Gutierrez had to confirm that the Warthog would be firing within 10 yards of American troops.

The A-10 prepared for its gun run, and everyone inside the building hit the floor. The sound of the cannons firing blew out Gutierrez's eardrums.

"He just annihilated them with that first strike," he said. "It was deafening."

Enemy gunfire started again seconds later, and Gutierrez called in a second strike. Explosions followed — perhaps materials stockpiled to make roadside bombs.

Gutierrez told the ground-force commander the best option would be to split the team to evacuate the wounded and use a third A-10 strike as cover. The commander agreed.

For a third time, a Warthog opened fire with its 30mm cannon.

The Taliban guns fell silent.

"You can't get any better," Gutierrez said. "I couldn't ask for anything better."

Up for another fight

Part of the team left the building and escaped down a nearby alley. A helicopter landing zone was a few hundred yards away, but the Italian and Spanish forces operating nearby wouldn't land because of the gunfire.

The second landing zone was more than a mile away. The troops began marching.

Gutierrez passed along their coordinates to help provide air cover for the medical evacuation helicopters, but the gunshot wound was taking its toll. He faded in and out of consciousness. At one point, he thought he felt water streaming down his arm. It was blood.

The troops waited more than an hour for the helicopters. When the helos arrived, Gutierrez gave a situation update to the senior warrant officer onboard and made sure the team in the village had air cover for the rest of the mission.

Then, after losing more than half the blood in his body, Gutierrez passed out.

He woke up as medical officials were transporting him into the hospital at Herat. Later, he went from the Herat hospital to Bagram Air Base to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, and finally to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

The bullet broke two ribs, collapsed a lung and wreaked havoc throughout his body. He contracted four infections in the following weeks and had to have three chest tubes put in.

Gutierrez spent about a month at Walter Reed, and it took about 18 months to recover.

Throughout his recovery, Gutierrez took pride in the mission outcome: The No. 2 Taliban commander was killed, and the intelligence gathered led to the death of the top Taliban commander in Herat province. No Americans lost their lives.

Gutierrez now trains the next generation of combat controllers. And although his injuries have prevented him from returning to Afghanistan, he won't rule out a return to combat.

"If there's an opening, I'll take it," he said. "There's always work to do."



Staff Sgt. Robert Gutierrez Jr. keeps an eye out for insurgents or threats to his operational detachment team during one of many patrols he took part in while deployed to Afghanistan.

Source

Please note: I posted this news article due to the related A-10 combat mission. These "Hogs" belonged to the 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Wing (ACC), Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, at that time deployed with 12 A-10Cs to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

Friday, September 16, 2011

66th Weapons Squadron A-10Cs caught at Nellis September 15, 2011

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



A-10C 80-0229. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 80-0185. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

Operational Readiness Exercise at D-M

Released by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs



DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – An Airman with the 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, prepares for A-10C take off during the operational readiness exercise here Sept. 13. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christine Halan)



DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – Airmen from the 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron perform a 7-level inspection on the 30 mm gun of an A-10 here Sept. 9. The Airmen were preparing the aircraft for the operational readiness exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Timothy D. Moore)

Thursday, September 15, 2011

75th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs, participating in Green Flag West 11-9, caught at Nellis September 13, 2011

According to Nellis AFB Public Affairs, the 75th Fighter Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group, 23rd Wing, Moody AFB, Georgia, participated with some A-10Cs in exercise Green Flag West 11-9, which officially runned from August 12-25, 2011. Warthog News contributor Bruce Smith from the United States had the opportunity to take the following shots:



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



A-10C 79-0189 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 80-0140 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

See also:
75th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs, participating in Green Flag West 11-9, caught at Nellis September 7, 2011
75th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs, participating in Green Flag West 11-9, caught at Nellis September 1, 2011

66th Weapons Squadron A-10C caught at Nellis September 12, 2011

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



A-10C 81-0946. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron A-10C caught at Nellis September 8, 2011

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



A-10C 79-0171. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

A-10s fly over 9/11 KC Chiefs pre-game

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs





9/15/2011 - KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A-10 Thunderbolts II from Whiteman Air Force Base's 442nd Fighter Wing flyover Arrowhead Stadium during the Chief's season opener Sept. 11. The Chiefs hosted a special pre-game in honor of those who passed during the events of 9/11. More than 150 local first responders, with the help of the Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, hold up an American flag on the field while the jets fly over. (U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Cody H. Ramirez)



Senior Airman Wesley Wright takes a photo of Tech. Sgt. Tom Talbert and Tech. Sgt. Kent Kagarise, all of the 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs office, during the Kansas City Chiefs pre-game events, Sept. 10, 2011. The reservists covered the A-10 four-ship flyover during the national anthem. The 442nd FW is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cody Ramirez)



More than 150 local first responders, with the help of the Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, hold up an American flag at Arrowhead Stadium during the Chief's season opener Sept. 11. The Chiefs hosted a special pre-game in honor of those who passed during the events of 9/11. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cody H. Ramirez)

Source