Thursday, May 31, 2012

Artist info wanted!

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Today, from an old "Hog Driver" I got the following e-mail:

Sir,
While 'surfing' a few A-10 sites the other day, I came across the attached photo. Was it your site? If so, could you send me any info you have on the artist?

Thanks,
Bill
Old Hawg Driver

Note: This picture wasn't posted before on my Warthog News blog. Anybody who could identify the name of the artist and the original hi-res source of this very nice picture? I would be very grateful for any support!

Flying Razorback member spotlight - Capt. Mark Cox

Released by 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Capt. Mark Cox, a member of the 188th Operations Group, was selected as the 188th Fighter Wing's Flying Razorback spotlight for June 2012. (National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Brambl / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

5/31/2012 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Capt. Mark Cox, a member of the 188th Operations Group, was selected as the 188th Fighter Wing's Flying Razorback spotlight for June 2012.

Hometown: Born in St. Paul, Minn., but now I live in Fort Smith.
Job title: Militarily, I am an A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot. At my civilian job, I am a captain with Piedmont Airlines.
In the 188th: Since 2005.
Education: Bachelor's degree in commercial aviation from the University of North Dakota "Go Sioux!"
Favorite TV show: "Archer" and "How I met your Mother" are at the top, but I also enjoy "Family Guy," "The Simpsons" and "American Dad!".
Favorite actor/actress: Yvonne Strahovski and Sean Connery, who was the best James Bond.
Favorite color: Blue.
Favorite animal: Any dog. I have a mini dachshund and a West Highland terrier.
Favorite comedian: Adam Sandler, especially his Hanukah songs.
Favorite movie: "Lord of the Rings" or any James Bond movie.
Favorite restaurant: In Fort Smith it would be Fuji or Emmys German restaurant. My favorite of all time would be Le Repubbliche Marinare, which is a little mom and pop shop located in in Pisa, Italy, that has unforgettable food!
Favorite soft drink: Lemonade.
Favorite foods: Italian.
Favorite musical group/musician: Jimmy Buffet always helps me relax. Also, I enjoy Bob Marley.
Favorite word or phrase: "So to speak" or "tonight is going to be legen ... wait for it ... dary" from "How I met your Mother."
Favorite super hero: My Dad! He made me the man I am today; any complaints with me should be taken up with him. He inspired me to be a pilot.
Favorite U.S. presidents: Ronald Reagan and Theodore Roosevelt.
Favorite historical figure: General James Harold "Jimmy" Doolittle.
Favorite sport: Soccer. I play in a league in Fort Smith. I usually play outside back or midfield.
Favorite sports individual: David Beckham.
Favorite football team: Minnesota Vikings! Purple pride!
My worst job ever: Bus boy at a restaurant.
Hobbies: Playing soccer. I enjoy going for a drive in my new Audi, and of course flying.
My dream shopping spree: Any gun store.
Place I'd most like to visit: Eastern Europe.
Favorite cartoon character: Archer.
Favorite automobile: Audi or an Aston Martin DBS.
My worst habit: Chewing ice.
What scares me the most: Fratricide, and also a fear of failure. I hate snakes, too. The last snake to venture in my yard was shot then burned.
The best day of my life: Still to this day the best day of my life was when I got the call to fly for the 188th Fighter Wing. I was in downtown Minneapolis and walking with my wife Megan (we were still dating at the time). I literally jumped off a wall. I had spent my entire life working toward that goal. If my wife asks the same question, I might say our wedding. But honestly, it's not even close.
Things I look forward to: My wife's coffee. While we were at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., for A-10 training she worked at Starbucks for five months. We bought an awesome espresso machine and all the beans and syrups. Now she can make just about anything you would order at Starbucks. One of my favorite things to do on an off day is drink a latte or cappuccino and read the paper without ever having to leave my house.
Most inspirational figure: My dad, who was a United Airlines captain and a retired U.S. Army helicopter pilot who flew in Vietnam. He put me behind the controls of an airplane when I was 2. I started taking flying lessons when I was 14 and had my first solo on my 16th birthday. My dad was the inspiration behind all that.

Source

Note: That's a very nice spotlight of a current A-10C pilot!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Moody, local community pays respects to WWII ace

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs

5/29/2012 - Four A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., perform a missing man formation during a memorial service in honor of retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Donald Bryan May 26, 2012, in Valdosta, Ga. Missing man formations are aerial salutes performed at a funerals or memorial events, typically in memory of a fallen pilot. Bryan was a decorated World War II pilot who passed away May 15 at the age of 90. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jamal D. Sutter) Hi-res

5/29/2012 - A formation of A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., makes its way over the skies of Valdosta State University during a memorial service for retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Donald Bryan May 26, 2012, in Valdosta, Ga. Friends and family of Bryan and members of the local community gathered to pay a final tribute to the World War II veteran. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jamal D. Sutter) Hi-res


5/29/2012 - A photo of retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Donald Bryan and his wife, Frances, rests on display during a memorial service May 26, 2012, at Christ Episcopal Church in Valdosta, Ga. Bryan was decorated World War II ace pilot who served with the Eighth Army Air Force. He lived in Adel, Ga., for more than thirty years and passed away May 15 at the age of 90. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jamal D. Sutter) Hi-res

Source



Some related background info:
Lt. Col. Donald Bryan - Pilot / Ace
Donald Bryan (1921-2012)

Monday, May 28, 2012

Bagram Airmen Prepare A-10s for Flight

Released by 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

5/28/2012 - A pilot assigned to the 104th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepares a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II for a mission at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 27, 2012. Affectionately called the 'Warthog', the A-10 is a specialized ground-attack aircraft which provides close air support to ground forces operating in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Raymond Geoffroy) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 78-0613 from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG).

5/28/2012 - Airmen from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing prepare a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II for a mission at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 27, 2012. The 455th AEW is responsible for providing responsive and precise close-air support to NATO and Afghan ground forces operating in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Raymond Geoffroy) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 78-0693 from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG).

5/28/2012 - Airmen from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing prepare a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II for a mission at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 27, 2012. Affectionately called the ‘Warthog’, the A-10 is a specialized ground attack aircraft which provides close air support to ground forces operating in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Raymond Geoffroy) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 78-0693 from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG).

5/28/2012 - Airmen from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing prepare a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II for a mission at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 27, 2012. The 455th AEW is responsible for providing responsive and precise close air support to NATO and Afghan ground forces operating in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Raymond Geoffroy) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 78-0693 from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG).

5/28/2012 - A pilot assigned to the 104th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepares a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II for a mission at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 27, 2012. Bagram Airmen provide around-the-clock, close-air support to NATO and Afghan ground forces operating in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Raymond Geoffroy) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 78-0693 from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG).

Source

Note: According to this rare official USAF news release, the combat-deployed A-10C ANG "Rainbow Team" is currently designated as 104th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (104th EFS), because the 175th Wing (Maryland ANG) is the lead unit yet. When the 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG) will become the lead unit later this summer, the team could be redesignated as 184th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (184th EFS).

Saturday, May 26, 2012

American WWI veterans honored during Memorial Day ceremony

By Tech. Sgt. Markus Maier
U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs

A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 81st Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, perform a fly-over during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial located on the outskirts of Paris, May 26, 2012. The memorial honors American pilots who volunteered to join the French Escadrille Lafayette and the Lafayette Flying Corps during World War I and also serves as a final resting place for the remains of 49 of those pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Markus M. Maier) Hi-res

5/26/2012 - PARIS -- U.S. and French service members, veterans and civilians honored American World War I veterans during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial located on the outskirts of Paris, May 26, 2012. The memorial honors American pilots who volunteered to join the French Escadrille Lafayette and the Lafayette Flying Corps during World War I and also serves as a final resting place for the remains of 49 of those pilots.

A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 81st Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, perform a fly-over during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial located on the outskirts of Paris, May 26, 2012. The memorial honors American pilots who volunteered to join the French Escadrille Lafayette and the Lafayette Flying Corps during World War I and also serves as a final resting place for the remains of 49 of those pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Markus M. Maier) Hi-res

Source

Friday, May 25, 2012

U.S. and Korean pilots expand partnerships through bilateral training

By Staff Sgt. Stefanie Torres
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Two Republic of Korea Air Force KA-1 Woongbi forward air control aircraft pilots flew to Osan Air Base to train with their U.S. counterparts May 22-23. Aptly named the Buddy Wing program, these ROKAF pilots from the 237th Tactical Control Squadron at Seoul Air Base conduct bilateral training with the U.S. Air Force a few times a year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stefanie Torres) Hi-res

5/25/2012 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Two Republic of Korea Air Force KA-1 Woongbi forward air control aircraft pilots flew to Osan Air Base to train with their U.S. counterparts May 23-25.

Aptly named the Buddy Wing program, these ROKAF pilots from the 237th Tactical Control Squadron at Seoul Air Base conduct bilateral training with the U.S. Air Force a few times a year, explained 1st Lt. Dustin Merritt, 25th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot.

For this scenario, the Korean pilots flew alongside A-10 pilots from the 25th Fighter Squadron for forward air control airborne missions. "For this mission, the KA-1s communicated with the guys on the ground and the A-10s were used as the fighters," he said. "The purpose of this program is for us to exchange ideas and share tactics in operability between Air Force and ROKAF fighter squadrons."

Interactions like this Buddy Wing event, place the ROKAF pilots in the same briefings and flying rules as U.S. pilots, which is all a part of working together as a combined force.

"The best part about training with the Koreans is getting to know them and interacting with them," said Merritt. "We get to learn from each other, and it's a great experience."

The language barrier can pose a challenge, he explained, but translators were used during the training. For the most part, they train and fight for a common goal to protect and defend the Republic of Korea.

See slideshow for photos of KA-1 aircraft arrival to Osan Air Base.

Source

Please note: At the moment, 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs didn't release any related A-10C shot.

Firefighters give an A-10 the chop

By Staff Sgt. Stefanie Torres
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Senior Airman David Brady, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, cuts a decommissioned A-10 Thunderbolt II into smaller pieces using a K-12 power saw at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 17, 2012. The jet was deemed as surplus after several years of being used as a training aircraft and will be taken to its final resting place at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Cisek) Hi-res

5/25/2012 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- An A-10 Thunderbolt II received the chop from 51st Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters after more than 20 years of service on the ground as a training aircraft.

Airmen here saved the Air Force money by breaking down the jet in order to ship it to its final resting place at the Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., aircraft "bone yard."

"We have been using this aircraft for training for a long time but it was time for it to go to the bone yard," said Master Sgt. Jason Passmore, 25th Aircraft Maintenance Unit recovery maintenance unit section chief. "Aircraft like these usually get cut up into several pieces and flown out by contracting officials, but this time our firefighters took the lead."

Decommissioned in 1992, the A-10 served as a platform for weapons load training and fire rescue. Now the U.S. Air Force fighter jet is deemed surplus. Instead of flying out a special team to Osan Air Base, the firefighters here used their equipment to get the job done which, in turn, gave them the training they needed.

"It's a really good experience, especially for the younger guys," said Staff Sgt. Eric Kunzman, 51st CES Fire Emergency Services specialist. "This is not something that we do a whole lot. So to come out here and help maintenance tear this aircraft apart is really good training."

Not only is it considered a great training opportunity, according to Kunzman, it's a great morale booster as well.

"It's definitely a lot more fun than what we would be doing, which is cutting into thin sheet metal or wood. So, this is a lot more challenging," he said. "Most of the aircraft basically have the same type of skin. So to be able to cut into an aircraft allows us to train for a C-17 or C-5."

New firefighters trained on equipment used to cut individuals out of vehicles in emergency situations.

"It's not very often we get to do this kind of stuff, so it's always fun," Kunzman said.

Senior Airman David Brady, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, cuts a decommissioned A-10 Thunderbolt II into smaller pieces using a K-12 power saw at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 17, 2012. The jet was deemed as surplus after several years of being used as a training aircraft and will be taken to its final resting place at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Cisek) Hi-res

Source

Questions: Anybody who knows the serial number of this "Hog"? Any picture of this aircraft?

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Joint in-flight refueling mission showcases aircraft interoperability

Released by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

5/24/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 81st Fighter Squadron flies beside a 351st Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker out of Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England during an orientation flight for 25 52nd Fighter Wing Airmen and spouses here May 23. The Airmen and spouses flew on a 351st ARS KC-135 out of RAF Mildenhall during an in-flight refueling of 81st and 480th Fighter Squadron aircraft out of Spangdahlem AB. The 351st ARS and 52nd FW aircrew train together to enhance their interoperability to perform in-flight refueling missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS, from the 81st Fighter Squadron.

5/24/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – An A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot from the 81st Fighter Squadron lines up the aircraft to be refueled during an orientation flight for 25 52nd Fighter Wing Airmen and spouses here May 23. The Airmen and spouses flew on a 351st ARS KC-135 out of Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England during an in-flight refueling of 81st and 480th Fighter Squadron aircraft out of Spangdahlem AB. The 351st ARS and 52nd FW aircrew train together to enhance their interoperability to perform in-flight refueling missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 82-0654 (still marked wrong as 81-0654 on it's tail!) from the 81st Fighter Squadron. Sniper XR targeting pod on station 10.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

9th Air Force command chief visits Moody

Released by 23rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

5/17/2012 - U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Robert D. Brooks, 9th Air Force command chief, participates in an A-10C Thunderbolt II flight simulator at Moody Air Force Base Ga., May 14, 2012. Brooks was tested on how well he could maneuver and fire the A-10. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paul Francis) Hi-res

Source

NDIA members observe Moody capabilities

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs

5/16/2012 - An A-10C Thunderbolt II fires toward ground targets at the Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., May 15, 2012. The demonstration showed the A-10's capabilities to members of the National Defense Industry Association, Georgia Chapter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Douglas Ellis) Hi-res

5/16/2012 - Members of the National Defense Industry Association, Georgia Chapter, watch as an A-10 C Thunderbolt II fires toward ground targets at the Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., May 15, 2012. The demonstration showcased the A-10’s abilities to conduct close air support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Douglas Ellis) Hi-res

Source

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Green Flag East preps 188th for Afghanistan

by Airman 1st Class John Hillier
188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

An A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthog" takes off from the 188th Fighter Wing, an Arkansas Air National Guard unit based in Fort Smith. The A-10 was participating in a training mission. The 188th recently participated in Green Flag East at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., in preparation for an upcoming Air Expeditionary Force deployment to Afghanistan later this summer. Due to the 188th's geographical proximity to the Louisiana air base, the 188th was able to take off from Fort Smith to perform vital training near Barksdale, minimizing the number of personnel required on-site and saving taxpayer dollars. (National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Landeros / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 216.

5/22/2012 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Airmen with the 188th Fighter Wing participated here in a joint-service training exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 30 through May 10. The exercise, known as Green Flag East helped A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthog" aircrew and maintainers hone their combat skills while working alongside other Airmen and U. S. Army troops in a realistic training environment.

The primary objective of Green Flag East was to prepare the 188th for its upcoming Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) rotation to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). This will be the 188th's second combat deployment in the A-10C.

The 188th's last AEF tasking occurred in 2010 when the unit deployed approximately 300 operations, maintenance and support personnel to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, also in support of OEF.

"Close-air support is the most common mission we do," said Lt. Col. Brian T. Burger, 188th Operations Group commander."But we don't often get an opportunity to be out there in an unfamiliar environment with Army maneuver units. This exercise helped make sure we're ready to execute when we go downrange."

Burger said the 188th is using the lessons learned at Green Flag East to prepare for their upcoming AEF deployment to Afghanistan. Participating in the exercise exposed 188th pilots to a wide variety of realistic scenarios they are likely to see during their deployment, he said.

"There's not too much our pilots haven't seen training in our own area," Burger said. "The ability to go out into an area that our pilots aren't familiar with gives us an extra measure of difficulty that is good for us to overcome."

Burger said many of the scenarios pilots experienced involved close-air support missions but they also had the chance to work with the Army in combat search and rescue, and direct action with Special Forces units.

Maj. Chris Simpson, who served as the 188th's project officer for Green Flag East, said learning to work in a joint environment was a primary objective during the exercise. Simpson added that A-10s are just one of the many air assets available to commanders downrange, so there's a high likelihood that pilots from the 188th will be participating in coordinated attacks.

Green Flag East is one of the final steps in the deployment preparation process and functions as follow-on training to Operation Snowbird. The 188th deployed approximately 300 Airmen to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb. 11-26 to participate in Operation Snowbird.

The 188th dropped myriad live munitions at Snowbird that it doesn't have opportunity to accomplish at Razorback Range, including GBU-38 JDAMs, GBU-12 LGBs, MK-82s, MK-66 rockets and AGM-65 Mavericks. The 188th also fired 30 MM rounds from the A-10's GAU-8/A seven-barrel Gatling gun.

Green Flag East integrated the training logged at Snowbird and incorporated new elements in order to execute a more realistic wartime scenario and generate a more authentic battle rhythm.

Simpson said the 188th also conducted live firing on moving targets and strafing runs as well as coordinated attacks with Army AH64D Apache and OH-58 Kiowa helicopters while participating in Green Flag East.

Airmen from the 188th trained at Green Flag East in conjunction with elements of the 101st Airborne Division, 19th Air Support Operations Squadron and 5th Special Forces Group during the exercise.

Burger said that in addition to valuable training and vital preparation for its upcoming deployment, another prime consideration for the 188th at Green Flag East was the efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

Rather than send eight or 10 aircraft to Barksdale AFB, along with the maintenance and support personnel that perform ground support for the jets, pilots took off from Fort Smith, conducted training scenarios, and then returned to Fort Smith the next day. Only about 20 Airmen from the 188th were required on site at Barksdale AFB.

In 2010, the 188th deployed approximately 300 Airmen to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., to participate in Green Flag West in preparation for its AEF deployment to Kandahar.

Burger said the 188th's decision to participate in Green Flag East this time saved the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command, and taxpayers, a substantial amount of money.

"This is a small-footprint operation for us," Burger said. "A typical complement for eight or 10 aircraft would consist of a much larger group of people. With us being located so close, it makes the exercise very efficient on cost."

Another way the 188th was able to cut training costs for the exercise was through extensive use of teleconferencing. Burger said that following each scenario, all participants went through an extensive debriefing, in which they discussed the scenario, and searched for ways to improve their performance.

Burger said the video and data link capabilities available at the 188th allowed intelligence and operations staff to take part in the debriefing from Fort Smith, and not require them to be on site in Louisiana.

Source

10th Air Force hosts Patriot Saint exercise at Barksdale

Released by 303rd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

5/17/2012 - U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kari Ferolito, 917th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals an A-10 Thunderbolt II from its parking spot for a sortie in support of the Patriot Saint exercise, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 16, 2012. The A-10 is assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group, and conducted combat search and rescue during the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0090 from the 47th Fighter Squadron.

5/17/2012 - Two 47th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft taxi for a mission in support of the Patriot Saint exercise, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 16, 2012. The exercise presents real-time, realistic combat search and rescue missions and the job of the A-10 is to lead and support the effort to recover survivors and ground personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Hi-res

Note: Pictured in the foreground is A-10C 149 from the 47th Fighter Squadron.


5/17/2012 - U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Hetland, 47th Fighter Squadron pilot, prepares to taxi for a sortie in support of the Patriot Saint exercise, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 16, 2012. Hetland flies the A-10 Thunderbolt II, and served as the Rescue Mission Commander for combat search and rescue assets during real-time, realistic combat search and rescue missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Hi-res

Note: That's a very nice close-up of a "Hog Driver". 
5/21/2012 - Members of the OPFOR (Opposing Force) unit watch an A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 47th Fighter Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., pass overhead just before the day's events begin at Fort Polk La., May 16, 2012. The Airmen were part the Patriot Saint exercise, which is designed to hone the war fighting-skills of Air Force pararescuemen for deployment. The exercise also provided A-10 pilots with additional training in executing a search and rescue mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Sources:
10th Air Force hosts Patriot Saint exercise at Barksdale
307th BW and 917th FG support Patriot Saint at Fort Polk

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Spang A-10C caught at Kandahar by night

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

At Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, photographer Tim Laurence had the opportunity to take the following shot, posted as part of his topic Kandahar by night on the UK Airshow Review Message Board, May 10, 2012. According to Exif-data, this photo was taken on December 2, 2011.

Pictured is A-10C 81-0966 (marked 52 OG) from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, which was recently combat-deployed as part of a "Total Force" A-10C team to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Full size

BTW: Special thanks for notification to Warthog News contributor Michael Tischer from Germany!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

British JTACs, pilots train like they fight

by Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
23d Wing Public Affairs

An A-10C Thunderbolt II uses its 30 mm GAU-8/A seven-barrel Gatling gun to strafe a target at Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range, Ga., May 8, 2012. JTACs frequently work with A-10s, which are dedicated close air support aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel) Hi-res

5/14/2012 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The sound of 30 mm guns from Moody A-10s ring through the air over Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range almost daily. However, it's not every day these pilots are guided to their targets by British joint terminal attack controllers.

Five British service members trained with Moody A-10C Thunderbolt II pilots, May 6 to 10. The goal was to train like they fight, and strengthen the relationship between these international forces.

"We are currently fighting in a NATO conflict, so we cannot operate on our own," said British army Sgt. Maj. (Master Sgt.) Gareth Thomas, 20th Armored Brigade JTAC instructor. "Most of the aircraft we use downrange are from the U.S. Air Force and Navy. It's important we train with them here so we can understand the different capabilities. We also come out here to maintain our current qualifications as JTACs."

The JTACs and pilots each have their own training requirements, and together they coordinate these to get the most of their time spent on the range. At Grand Bay, the JTACs directed the pilots as they swooped in to strafe and bomb designated targets on the ground.

"It is a great experience to actually meet these pilots and crews so we can better plan our training," said Royal Air Force Flight Lieutenant (Capt.) Richard May, 1st Armored Division master JTAC. "Here, we get the opportunity to brief, develop, plan and execute our training with the pilots. We are grateful for the chance to train here, and how we have been received."

Two U.S. Army personnel assigned to Moody help coordinate training between pilots and JTACs from around the world.

"We work with international forces a lot while deployed, so it is important to work out the kinks here," said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Charles Schmitt, 357th Field Artillery Detachment ground liaison officer. "Grand Bay is a live control range, which means they can actually use bombs and ammunition. In other countries the ranges are usually smaller and have more restrictions."

The British service members also trained at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., with U.S. Navy aircraft during their trip to the U.S.

Combined, joint training is important because the pilots they work with during training could be the same pilots on the other end of their radio when they go downrange.

British army Sgts. (Tech. Sgts.) Lee Scaramuzza and Neil Clarke, joint terminal attack controllers with the 29th Commando Regiment, watch an A-10C Thunderbolt II fly over Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range, Ga., May 8, 2012. British JTACs routinely work with U.S. Air Force and Navy aircraft while deployed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel) Hi-res

British army Sgt. (Tech. Sgt.) Lee Scaramuzza, 29th Commando Regiment joint terminal attack controller, reads target information as British army Sgt. (U.S. Army Staff Sgt.) Neil Clarke, 29th Commando Regiment JTAC, uses a Laser Rangefinder 28 (LF28) to mark a target for an A-10C Thunderbolt II at Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range, Ga., May 8, 2012. The LF28 emits an infrared laser, which helps guide bombs to their target. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel)  Hi-res

Source (including 7 photos)

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Field Maintenance

Published by Airforce Magazine, online journal of the Air Force Association (AFA) May 14, 2012

Air Frame: An A-10C from the Arkansas Air National Guard's 188th Fighter Wing undergoes a phase inspection at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 8, 2012. The phase is one of the most elaborate of maintenance actions, requiring the removal, inspection, and service of hundreds of parts, panels, and mechanisms. At home station, this process would take 45 days to 60 days, but it typically takes just one week at Bagram thanks to round-the-clock work by maintenance crews. There are currently 18 A-10Cs at Bagram — all Air Guard machines flown by Guard pilots. They collectively fly a punishing schedule of 22 sorties a day in three shifts. Two aircraft per flight maintain on-call close air support in the southeast part of Afghanistan, according to officials at Bagram. (AFA photo by John A. Tirpak) Full size

Note: Pictured is A-10C 78-0616 from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG). Thanks to 188th FW Public Affairs for sharing this photo on their Facebook page! So I was able to find out the original source.

Video: AFN Osan - AFN Korea Update - Peninsula wide load competition

Released by AFN Korea May 9, 2012

 Description: Load crews are evaluated each month on how well they perform their skills and they participate in a load competition between local crews to see who can load the fastest while keeping safe. Air Force Staff Sergeant Michael Watkins shows us what happens when they add a little more pressure to the competition by throwing in new competitors.

Related info:
Osan, Kunsan weapons loaders face off during Weapons Fest

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Video: AFN Osan - AFN Korea Update - A-10 Deploy Arrival

Released by AFN Korea May 1, 2012

 Description: Deployments as we know them are normally long and hot. But these few Airmen are going to a different deployed location, Korea. Air Force Staff Sergeant Lucas Morrow talks to this pilot to find out what it's like to be deployed to the Pacific.

Related info:
Moody 'Tiger Shark' A-10s add bite to Osan air power
Moody Airmen support Korea

Friday, May 11, 2012

Bagram cargo yard shot shows A-10Cs in the background

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Already on May 5, 2012, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs released the following photo as part of their news article Joint communication vital to Bagram RIP/TOA. Today, I took a closer look on this shot, and I realized that there are also pictured some A-10Cs, parking in revetments at their flight line in the background - visible just behind the C-17A Globemaster III and the civilian cargo aircraft. Enjoy!

The cargo yard is a flurry of activity during the 1st Infantry Division’s Relief in Place/Transfer of Authority at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, March 20, 2012. The RIP/TOA allowed the 1st Infantry Division to take over the dealings with the Afghan National Security Forces, helping to maintain security in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ericka Engblom) Hi-res

Cutout of this picture, focused on the A-10Cs. (By Warthog News)

Cutout Full size

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Osan, Kunsan weapons loaders face off during Weapons Fest

By Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Tech. Sgt. Javier Figueroa-Chevere, 75th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons loader, loads a Mk-82 500-pound bomb on an A-10 during a weapon loading competition at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 5, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky) Hi-res

5/10/2012 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Weapons loaders from Osan and Kunsan air bases squared off against each other during a weapons load competition May 5, 2012, as part of Weapons Fest, an annual contest to see who is the best on the Korean peninsula.

Staff Sgt. Tim Ashdown, Senior Airman Kimberly Johnson, and Airman 1st Class Enrique Melgarejo of the 80th Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Kunsan Air Base took first place, outscoring the competition in both technical accuracy and speed.

The 25th Aircraft Maintenance Unit from Osan Air Base and the 75th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, currently deployed to Osan AB from Moody Air Force Base, also competed.

"These three crews are representing Kunsan, Osan and Moody," said Col. Deborah Meserve, 51st Maintenance Group commander. "No maintenance troop is more ready to support their wartime mission than weapons loaders. They sling lethal iron on A-10s and F-16s every day."

Weapons Fest is an annual morale building event for Airmen in the weapons field. The event rotates between Osan AB and Kunsan AB, and allows deployed fighter squadrons to Korea to take part as well. It's an event that is looked forward to every year, Meserve said.

"Every time I see maintainers generate combat air power, it gives me chills," said Col. Patrick McKenzie, 51st Fighter Wing commander, at the competition conclusion. "What an impressive show."

Source

Chief Sturges retirement

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Chief Master Sgt. Allan Sturges was honored for his 30 years of service to the Air Force at his retirement ceremony May 5, 2012 at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Sturges has been Command Chief Master Sgt. for the 442nd Fighter Wing since January 2008 and is a communications specialist for the 442nd Communications Flight as a civilian. The 442nd FW is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman AFB, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Wright) Hi-res
Chief Master Sgt. Allan Sturges was honored for his 30 years of service to the Air Force at his retirement ceremony May 5, 2012 at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Sturges has been Command Chief Master Sgt. for the 442nd Fighter Wing since January 2008 and is a communications specialist for the 442nd Communications Flight as a civilian. The 442nd FW is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman AFB, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Wright) Hi-res

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Media visit at Selfridge in the news

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

On May 8, 2012, about 30 members of the Detroit area media corps had the opportunity to visit the 127th Wing (Michigan ANG) at Selfridge.

Some of the pictures, published by The Detroit News:


Colonel Michael Thomas, 127th Wing commander, is interviewed by the media, including TV Warren reporter Kristen Skladd, right. (Photo by Todd McInturf / The Detroit News)

Staff Sgts. Dave Klemanski, left, and Nick Putinsky fix a pneumatic-system air leak on this A-10 Warthog. (Photo by Todd McInturf / The Detroit News)

Crew members prepare to fuel this A-10 Warthog. (Photo by Todd McInturf / The Detroit News)

An A-10 Warthog taxis before takeoff. (Photo by Todd McInturf / The Detroit News)

A KC-135 Stratotanker taxis in front of this A-10 Warthog. (Photo by Todd McInturf / The Detroit News)

U.S. Air National Guard's Electro Environmental Technical Staff Sgt. Andrea Hines reinstalls two sections of ducting for environmental heating and cooling for the cockpit of this A-10 Warthog. (Photo by Todd McInturf / The Detroit News)

Note: Nice view of the GAU-8/A Avenger cannon's gun bay interior.

Dan Heaton, right, speaks into the mic as Bruce Jubar, both U.S. Air Force technical staff sergeants, drives a bus full of members of the media during a tour of Selfridge, Tuesday morning, May 8, 2012. (Photo by Todd McInturf / The Detroit News)

Please note: Dan Heaton is from the 127th Wing Public Affairs Office.

Source

Please note: This post will be further updated soon.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Media Visit at Selfridge

Released by 127th Wing Public Affairs

Staff Sgt. Andrea Hines, a member of the 127th Maintenance Squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., is interviewed by reporter Dave Leval of Detroit area TV station Channel 20, May 8, 2012. Leval and about 30 members of the Detroit area media corps spent the morning at Selfridge, learning about the missions of Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Border Patrol and Customs & Border Protection units that are assigned to the base, as well as the capabilities of the A-10 Thunderbolt II, which Hines supports, and the KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to Selfridge and operated by the 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Angela Pope) Hi-res

Note: For more related pictures please check Facebook album

81st Fighter Squadron A-10C caught over Afghanistan November 12, 2011

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

On November 12, 2011, photo journalist Neil Dunridge from the U.K. and a friend of mine had the opportunity to take the following exclusive shot (already published on Airliners.net):

A-10C 81-0985 from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), photographed near Kandahar, Afghanistan. However its was flown by a 451st AEW officer during the 107th Fighter Squadron / 124th Wing Operation Enduring Freedom deployment. (Photo by Neil Dunridge) Full size

Please note: This post will be updated soon.

Monday, May 7, 2012

"Total Force" A-10C team jets caught at Lajes returning from Afghanistan

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

At Lajes Field, Azores, Warthog News contributor Paulo Santos from Portugal had the opportunity to take the following shots (already published on Airliners.net). Pictured are two of the Continental United States (CONUS)-based A-10Cs which were part of a recently combat-deployed "Total Force" A-10C team (18 jets), also including aircraft from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), which returned home separately.

A-10C 80-0265 from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG), arrives on April 13, 2012. What an amazing light on a beautiful afternoon! And these airplanes deserve it since it's probably the last time that these A-10 will be seen at Lajes! "Red Devils" squadron will be deactivated and these ones are going back to the USA! This was the last of 6 A-10's that landed that day at Lajes, to join another 6 that landed the day before! (Photo by Paulo Santos) Full size

A-10C 79-0145 from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC). One of four A-10s that departed that morning from Lajes on runway 15, waking up the whole city of Praia da Vitória! (Photo by Paulo Santos) Full size

Please note: This post will be updated soon.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Phase inspection keeps jets in the air

Released by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

5/4/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Airman from the 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Flight conduct a phase inspection on an A-10 Thunderbolt II in Hangar 2 here May 4. The phase inspections are separated into two categories. During a phase 1 inspection, the 52nd EMS Maintenance Flight members examine each A-10 after every 500 flying hours, and phase 2 inspections are performed ever 1,000 flying hours. These inspections allow the Airmen to check for deficiencies and perform preventative maintenance to ensure the aircraft is safe and operational for flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res

Source (including 5 photos)

Friday, May 4, 2012

Training Matters at Grayling Air Gunnery Range

by TSgt. Dan Heaton
127th Wing Public Affairs

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 107th Fighter Squadron, Michigan Air National Guard, fires its primary weapon, the 30- millimeter GAU-8 Gatling Gun, during a training mission at the Grayling Aerial Gunnery Range, near Grayling, Mich., April 24, 2012. The Grayling range provides a wide variety of training scenarios for both aircraft and various ground personnel. More than 1,700 air missions are flown every year at the range. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. David Kujawa) Hi-res

5/2/2012 - GRAYLING AIR GUNNERY RANGE, Mich. -- To the casual visitor, perhaps, the aerial gunnery range near Grayling, Mich., is primarily focused on helping military fighter pilots with their target practice.

Senior Master Sgt. Alan VanPate sees it a little differently.

"When the 107th Fighter Squadron went over to Afghanistan, all of their pilots came home safe. Even more importantly, they did not have a single instance of their ordnance coming too close to our guys on the ground," said VanPate, the senior enlisted Airman at the range. "Instead, they engaged with the enemy and helped Soldiers and Marines on the ground to come home safe. That's what we train for in Grayling."

Operated by the Michigan Air National Guard, the Grayling Aerial Gunnery Range provides realistic and relevant training opportunities for a variety of U.S. military aircraft, as well as Joint Terminal Attack Controllers and related ground personnel. In a typical year, the range will be the site of some 1,700 or so air missions and will be used as a training location by 300 or more ground personnel.

"The focus is on providing training as close as we can get it to what our personnel are going to experience when they deploy," said Lt. Col. Timothy Brock, a Michigan Air National Guard pilot who serves as the range operations officer. "One of the reasons we have expanded the training opportunities here for JTACs and other ground personnel is because working with those ground-based controller is what our pilots do in places like Afghanistan."

In a valley along the edge of the massive Camp Grayling military reservation, the Grayling range features a small village setting; a variety of different types of vehicles made from sheet metal and plywood; a variety of bunkers, and other shelters and, in the middle of it all, a couple of large white buildings with red crosses painted on the top - you're not supposed to hit those.

Aircraft carrying practice bombs, rockets and guns can come at the targets from just about any direction and any angle. They are in constant contact with range controllers in one of two nearby towers and very possibly with any JTAC personnel - Air Force enlisted members who embed with infantry and related ground units to help coordinate air power support who may be training in the area. Depending on the type of aircraft and the training needs of the various participants, the aircraft will make several "attacks" on various designated targets. The ordnance carried by the aircraft are all "practice" versions of the real thing - the ballistics of the ordnance is the same but instead of a full load of explosives, they are equipped with roughly the equivalent of a shotgun shell's worth of explosives in a smaller, lighter bomb, just enough to make some smoke on impact to help all involved better track exactly where the munitions hit.

Many of the aircraft that visit the range are more or less "local" to the Midwest, such as A-10 Thunderbolt II's from the 107th Fighter Squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., and Toledo-based F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Ohio Air National Guard's 180th Fighter Squadron. The range also provides training to active duty Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses, Navy and Marine Corps F-18 Super Hornets, various Army attack helicopters and other aircraft.

Brock said the range began seeking out JTAC and other ground troops to train at the base several years ago, because of the 200 aircraft or more per month that visit the range in the summer.

"Now, we've begun to see situations where we have JTAC units that send their people here for training and then the aircraft come here, because they want to work with the ground forces," he said. "It is a training multiplier."

In situations like that, the visiting aircraft may utilize the air field at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center as a staging site for several days. The Alpena CRTC is about 50 miles from the air gunnery range and is the higher headquarters for the range.

VanPate and another Airmen assigned to the range are both JTAC instructor qualified and the facility also includes a virtual training center useful for more junior JTAC personnel.

In addition to U.S. personnel, the Grayling range is also utilized as a training site for several allied nations for their JTAC-equivalent personnel. In addition to JTACs and related personnel, Air Force civil engineer units are typically utilized to build many of the target structures on the base, saving money in construction costs and providing training to those units at the same time. All together, about 300 JTACs and more than 1,300 other ground personnel train at the range in a typical year.

"This is really a value-added proposition for Michigan, for the Guard and for the local communities," Brock said. "We are bringing in a variety of units here, enhancing the training environment for our Michigan Guardsmen and being a contributing part of the local economy."

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 107th Fighter Squadron, Michigan Air National Guard, fires its primary weapon, the 30- millimeter GAU-8 Gatling Gun, during a training mission at the Grayling Aerial Gunnery Range, near Grayling, Mich., April 24, 2012. The Grayling range provides a wide variety of training scenarios for both aircraft and various ground personnel. More than 1,700 air missions are flown every year at the range. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. David Kujawa) Hi-res

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 107th Fighter Squadron turns after dropping ordnance at the Grayling Aerial Gunnery Range, near Grayling, Mich., April 24, 2012. The Grayling range provides a wide variety of training scenarios for both aircraft and various ground personnel. More than 1,700 air missions are flown every year at the range. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. Dan Heaton) Hi-res

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 107th Fighter Squadron flies over the Grayling Aerial Gunnery Range, near Grayling, Mich., April 24, 2012. The Grayling range provides a wide variety of training scenarios for both aircraft and various ground personnel. More than 1,700 air missions are flown every year at the range. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. David Kujawa) Hi-res

This "village" at the Grayling Aerial Gunnery Range, near Grayling, Mich., is actually one of the targets that can be used for training during attack missions of military aircraft. Using precision munitions, Air Force aircraft can target specific buildings within the compound. The goal is to provide pilots and ground controllers the most realistic and relevant training possible before a deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. David Kujawa) Hi-res
Senior Master Sgt. Alan VanPate communicates with an aircraft while in a control tower at the Grayling Aerial Gunnery Range, near Grayling, Mich., April 24, 2012. VanPate is a joint terminal attack controller and helps to provide training to visiting JTAC personnel to the Grayling range. JTACs are Air Force enlisted members who embed with infantry or other U.S. Army or Marine Corps ground forces to provide coordination of air power support with the Soldiers or Marines on the ground. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. David Kujawa) Hi-res

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