Warthog News

Air Force announces force structure overview for FY 13 and beyond

2012-02-03T21:03:00.004+01:00

by Ann Stefanek
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

2/3/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force officials announced proposed force structure changes which support the new DoD strategic guidance retiring 286 aircraft over the next five years, including 227 in fiscal year 13.

According to Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Donley, the Air Force is shaping itself for future challenges by realigning Air Force assets with the Defense Department's new strategic guidance.

"We've had to adjust our force structure based on our strategic objectives and to balance capability and capacity with constrained budgets," Donley said. "We must have the right tools and enough of them to credibly deter potential adversaries and to deliver on our objectives."

The new strategic guidance requires the joint force to be capable of fighting one large scale, combined arms campaign with sufficient combat power to also deny a second adversary, and de-emphasized large-scale, prolonged stability operations. The Air Force's approach to this new strategy is to retire fighter, mobility, and ISR that are beyond those needed to meet the capacity requirements of the new defense strategic guidance.

"Where possible, we attempted to retire all aircraft of a specific type, allowing us to also divest the unique training and logistic support structure for that aircraft," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz explained. "When that was not possible, we worked to retire the oldest aircraft first, and redistributed aircraft into effective and economical units, eliminating other units when that was most efficient. Where we retained older aircraft, we are taking steps to ensure they will remain viable into the future."

Although the U.S. has removed all combat forces from Iraq and the new strategic guidance reduces the steady state requirement for ground forces, the Air Force expects steady state rotational requirements to remain constant, or perhaps increase.

According to Schwartz this continuing combatant commander requirement for Air Force aircraft and Airmen to deploy forward was a key factor in determining the required mix between Active and Reserve component forces due to differences in sustainable deployment rates and operations tempo.

Schwartz also explained the need for reductions in the Reserve Component.

"Two decades of military end strength and force structure reductions in our active duty component has changed the mix of active duty to Reserve Component forces," Schwartz said. "We've carefully considered the mix and what the appropriate balance should be between the active and reserve components. The Reserve Component is a critical and essential part of our Total Force, but must be balanced and matched appropriately within a constrained fiscal environment."

"We're going to do this intelligently in a way that balances tempo, that keeps the right mix of assets, modern and less modern, in each of the components, and we're doing this in an inclusive fashion with Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve leadership," said Schwartz.

The Air Force is going to get smaller, and all of the components--active, guard and reserve-- are going to get smaller together, he said.

Schwartz also emphasized that we will avoid a hollow force by protecting readiness at any force level, and strengthen our integration of the Total Force team of Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve Airmen.

"To ensure an agile and ready force, we made a conscious choice not to maintain more force structure than we could afford to properly train and equip," Schwartz said. "We've taken this approach to preserve the capabilities the Nation requires of its Air Force."

The announcement specifies the force structure changes experienced by the Total Force: Air Force Active Duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve and will save the Air Force $8.7 Billion over the next five years.

For fiscal years 2014-2017 the Air Force plans to reduce 50-plus aircraft from its inventory, continue to reshape the missions between the Total Force, and increase Reserve Component participation in the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance as well as cyber missions.

Implementation of these actions will occur only after completion of appropriate environmental analyses. The Air Force is scheduled to announce related force structure manpower changes in March.

For more details about the Fiscal 2013 Force Structure changes click here.

(Mitch Gettle, Air Force Public Affairs Agency contributed to this article)

Source

Please note: Detailed A-10C info will be posted later this evening.

CATM challenges Moody Airmen

2012-02-03T20:51:00.002+01:00

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs

2/2/2012 - U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Elijah Culpepper, 74th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot, loads a magazine at the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance range at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Feb. 1, 2012. Culpepper was in the process of qualifying for the Beretta M9 handgun. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Dominique) Hi-res

Source

402d EMXG witnesses firsthand the purpose for their work

2012-02-02T00:13:00.004+01:00

By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
23rd Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Joel Murphy, 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, shows the 402d Electronics Maintenance Group out of Robins Air Force Base, Ga., the wing of an A-10C Thunderbolt II at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Jan. 27, 2012. The 402d EMXG is the largest avionics group in the Air Force. They provide combat-ready avionics parts, services and equipment repair for aircraft such as the A-10. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eileen Meier) Hi-res

1/31/2012 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- It's not every day members of the 402d Electronics Maintenance Group out of Robins Air Force Base, Ga. visit Moody, in fact for most it was their first time to the base Jan. 27.

Their tour was not like most though, instead of visiting different areas around base the group centered on just one thing, the A-10C Thunderbolt II and its capabilities. Which for some may not seem important but these members hold a special tie with the A-10.

"We really wanted to come to Moody to give our technicians a chance to see an A-10 and know where all their hard work goes towards," said Col. Theresa Humphrey, 402d EMXG commander. "You really get a different take on things when you see the plane firsthand and what its capabilities are."

The group which is one of the largest avionics groups in the Air Force works to provide combat-ready avionics parts and services, supports equipment repair and many other things.

Approximately 30, 402d EMXG members spent their afternoon with A-10 pilots and maintenance members experiencing different aspects of the plane through their eyes.

The group received a brief from a pilot with the 74th Fighter Squadron during the day that included a variety of different systems as well as a video of the A-10 using a system that they work on.

"This group of people are the ones that work with the heads up display and the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod system that are used day to day on the A-10," said Humphrey. "These guys dig into these things and spend hours working on just one part, checking to make sure everything is in working order.

"For them to see that video was perfect, it really showed where all their hard work has been going towards," she added. "We are very interested in coming back with some different groups because this adds so much realism to what they do.

Col. Neal Robinson, 23d Maintenance Group commander accompanied the group of technicians during their visit of the base and talked with Humphrey about future visits from the group and possibly even sending some of their own people to Robins.

"This visit turned out really well and I think was a good opportunity for both our people and theirs," said Robinson. "We would love to send some of our people in the future to Robins to get a behind the scenes look of what happens."

Even though the visit only lasted a day, those members of the 402d EMXG have seen firsthand the purpose for what they do and how it helps to accomplish the mission.

Source

Proposed A-10 cuts total 29% of current inventory

2012-02-01T23:45:00.002+01:00

By Jeff Schogol - Staff writer
Air Force Times
Posted: Wednesday Feb 1, 2012 15:45:13 EST

The Air Force move in the proposed fiscal 2013 budget to stand down five A-10 squadrons over time will still leave it with a large number of Thunderbolts at its disposal.

The Air Force plans to stand down three Guard, one Reserve and one active A-10 squadrons. An F-16 tactical squadron and an F-15 training squadron would also be cut as part of a wider Defense Department effort to trim nearly $500 billion in spending over the next decade.

The Air Force currently has 348 A-10s across the active component, Guard and Reserve, said Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek. The proposed budget cuts would retire 102 aircraft, or about 29 percent of the current A-10 inventory, according to an Air Force white paper.

The proposed budget cuts also call for retiring 21 older F-16s, the white paper says.

The Air Force decided which aircraft it could cut after an analysis revealed the service had too many fighters, Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said at a Jan. 27 news conference.

"The mix of this was – again, had to do with emphasizing multirole over those kinds of aircraft with more niche or less versatility, because in a smaller force I think you can appreciate the mandate, the necessity for maximum versatility," Schwartz told reporters.

The Air Force and the other services want to gravitate toward the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which will be able to conduct a number of missions including close air support and air-to-air combat, but the expensive aircraft has already been plagued by a litany of problems and will remain in development for a number of more years, according to program officials.

Still, the Air Force needs aircraft that can do more than one mission, said Adm. James Winnefeld, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who spoke with Military Times reporters and editors on Jan. 26.

"Is the F-35 going to be as good a close-air support platform as an A-10? I don't think anybody believes that," Winnefeld said, "But is the A-10 going to be the air-to-air platform that the F-35 is going to be? So again, the Air Force is trying to get as much multimission capability into the limited number of platforms it's going to have."

Source

It's official now: USAF plans to retire 102 A-10Cs

2012-02-01T22:44:00.008+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Today, USAF released their Air Force Priorities for a New Strategy with Constrained Budgets.

The chapter Force Structure states: [...] More than 280 aircraft have been identified in the current budget submission for elimination across all Air Force components over the next five years. This includes 123 fighters (102 A‐10s and 21 older F‐16s), 133 mobility aircraft (27 C‐5As, 65 C‐130s, 20 KC‐135s, and 21 C‐27s), and 30 select ISR systems (18 RQ‐4 Block 30s, 11 RC‐26s, and one E‐8 damaged beyond repair). [...]

Related USAF news article:

Air Force leaders publish new strategy document

2/1/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz released the 'Air Force Priorities for a New Strategy with Constrained Budgets' white paper Feb 1.

"The Air Force has made the hard choices to closely align with the new strategic guidance in our FY13 budget submission by trading size for quality," the leaders stated. "We will be a smaller but superb force that maintains the agility, flexibility, and readiness to engage a full range of contingencies and threats."

The Air Force strategy document provides an overview of the way forward for the present and future Air Force. The Following areas are outlined in the document: The Air Force new strategy; force structure; readiness; modernization; more disciplined use of Defense dollars; and taking care of people.

"It is our intent, indeed our obligation, to the American people and our Airmen to remain the world's finest Air Force in the years and decades to come," Donley and Schwartz penned. "Innovative and adaptable, America's Air Force will continue to meet emerging challenges and ensure the security of the Nation and its bright future."

To read the 'Air Force Priorities for a New Strategy with Constrained Budgets' click here.

(Courtesy of Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs)

Source

122nd Fighter Wing in Jeopardy Because of $500 Billion in Defense Cuts?

2012-02-01T22:06:00.004+01:00

By Scott Sarvay and Ryan Elijah
Indiana's NewsCenter
February 1, 2012 Updated Feb 1, 2012 at 12:31 PM EST

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) – Announced at the beginning of the month, the U.S. Air Force was asked to reduce its budget at the request of President Barack Obama in his new military strategy plan.

While there has been no official word given to the base, an Air Force source told The Military Times that Fort Wayne's National Guard Airbase is one of three bases that will be cut.

The Fort Wayne National Guard Airbase which is home to the 122nd Fighter Wing retired their wing of F-16s in 2010 for a wing of A-10s.

The base employs nearly one thousand workers and is estimated to bring in nearly $60-million to the local economy.

A-10 "Warthogs" are considered the workhorses in the war on terror and work closely in support of ground forces. The military source says the military will shift focus to F-35's, which can fly more missions.

The 122nd Fighter Wing released this statement to Indiana's NewsCenter Wednesday morning:

"The Governor, Adjutant General, Congressional Delegation, Base Community Council and myself are ready to engage to ensure the 122nd Fighter Wing is positioned for the future. The Air National Guard is an extremely efficient fighting force costing our nation only 28 cents on the dollar when compared to our active duty counterparts. In this challenging time when budgets are driving national security decisions, it is only right that efficient solutions are prioritized in this debate. In the case of the 122nd Fighter Wing, as we await the final USAF recommendation for us, we will continue to protect our ground forces in combat via the world's premiere Close Air Support platform, the A-10 Warthog."

- Col David L Augustine, 122nd Fighter Wing Commander

Indiana's NewsCenter is investigating the story and will have updates as information becomes available.

Associated video:

Source

Units of further A-10 cuts identified now off the record

2012-02-01T08:05:00.008+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

According to an anonymous comment to my blog post 5 A-10 squadrons to be cut, slated are:

81st FS (USAFE)
47th FS (AFRC)
107th FS (ANG)
163rd FS (ANG)
184st FS (ANG)

Please note: That's NOT official. Please also watch the topic WTF? on Warthog Territory Forums. At first, I fully expected a cut of the 81st FS as part of the withdrawal from Germany after the Cold War. This "hot" post will be updated later today.

See also:
Air Guard Boss Pushes Back on Cuts
Venerable A-10 Warthog Faces Extinction
5 A-10 squadrons to be cut

Air Guard Boss Pushes Back on Cuts

2012-02-01T06:35:00.003+01:00

By Michael Hoffman
Military.com
January 31, 2012

The Air National Guard's top officer took aim at Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz Tuesday, questioning why the service chief protected active duty resources and targeted Guard units in the service's latest round of budget cuts.

Lt. Gen. Harry Wyatt, the Air National Guard director, expressed his frustration with Air Force leadership during a panel discussion with the military's Guard and Reserve chiefs at the Reserve Officers Association National Security Symposium in Washington.

"Chief said we are going to do this in a 'balanced' fashion. It will be interesting to see on the 13th of this month the practical implications of what 'balanced' means," Wyatt said, followed by cheers from the crowd.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced on Jan. 26 the Air Force would "divest" its C-27J cargo planes, many of which had been bound for Guard units, and close seven squadrons. Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Adm. James Winnefeld confirmed that four of the seven cut would be Air National Guard squadrons.

The Defense Department will send its defense budget to Congress Feb. 13. It is expected to include the entire layout of what the military will cut to account for the $259 billion reduction in planned defense spending growth over the next five years.

Schwartz has said he remains committed to the Air Force's Guard and Reserve as part of the service's "total force" concept, despite the budget reductions.

"Given the reality of fiscal austerity ahead, the need for maximum efficiency in the Air Force is clear. To this end, the Air Force remains committed to a 'total force' approach, because any solution will be, by necessity, a total force solution. Air Force restructuring will occur across the total force, consistent with future trends and potential threats, our collective priorities, our national security strategy, and our collective capabilities," Schwartz said in December.

Anticipating that the Guard would bear the brunt of the Air Force's budget cut, Wyatt parsed his words, but made sure to drive home his point that the Guard was upset with which units and aircraft the Air Force plans to retire.

"I think there are different interpretations of what 'balanced' really means and I think we are going to get the opportunity to see what 'balanced' means in shaping the Air Force of the future," Wyatt said Tuesday.

The Guard expects the Air Force to order the decommissioning of three of its A-10 Warthog squadrons in Indiana, Arkansas and Michigan, as well as an F-16 squadron in Iowa, according to Guard sources who asked not to be named because the Air Force had not yet made the official force structure announcement.

The three A-10 Guard squadrons set to close -- the 107th, 163rd and 184th Fighter Squadrons -- recently transitioned from F-16 squadrons as part of the congressionally mandated Base Realignment and Closure process.

Some airmen from those Warthog squadrons, as well as the 124th Fighter Squadron, which Guard officials said also appears vulnerable, will transition to other missions, such as flying MQ-9 Reapers, Schwartz said Jan. 27.

Retiring three Guard A-10 squadrons will cut the Guard's A-10 fleet in half from 108 aircraft to 54. Wyatt questioned whether retiring Guard squadrons lined up with the new defense strategy that emphasizes "reversibility" -- or the ability to easily undo changes made amid the budget growth reductions.

Meanwhile, Wyatt's counterpart on the Army side praised Army leadership for its continued commitment to the Army Guard and Reserve. Army Reserve Chief Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz hinted during the panel that he doesn't expect the Reserve to absorb major cuts when the defense budget is released Feb. 13.

Air Guard leaders saw these cuts coming. Adjutants general in Colorado and Texas both commended the Army for how it handled its reserve component, while predicting the Air Force would target the Guard and protect its active component in retiring aircraft and units.

When approached after the panel and asked if he'd like to further explain his pointed critique over Schwartz's definition of "balance," Wyatt said he couldn't say more until Feb. 13.

"Just wait until the [president's budget] comes out and then you'll know exactly what I am talking about," Wyatt said.

Source

See also:
Venerable A-10 Warthog Faces Extinction
5 A-10 squadrons to be cut

Venerable A-10 Warthog Faces Extinction

2012-02-01T06:06:00.002+01:00

By Michael Hoffman
Military.com
January 31, 2012

The venerable A-10 tank killer aircraft is taking a hit of its own as part of the Defense Department's decision to eliminate six of the service's tactical air squadrons and one training squadron.

Air National Guard squadrons will bear the brunt of the losses. Three of the five A-10 squadrons going away will be Guard units. Air Force leaders plan to eliminate one Reserve and one active duty squadron.

The Air Force will also decommission one Guard F-16 squadron and one F-15 training squadron.

Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Adm. James Winnefeld confirmed the type of aircraft and duty status of each squadron during an editorial board meeting with Gannett Government Media reporters, said Lt. Col. Patrick Seiber, Winnefeld's spokesman.

Seiber said the vice chairman would not name the specific squadrons the Air Force plans to eliminate. Air Force officials contacted Monday declined to name the squadrons.

"The Air Force plans to lay out the entire force structure announcement in the coming week," said Lt. Col. Ann Stefanek, an Air Force spokeswoman.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta first announced the Air Force would get rid of seven squadrons Jan. 26 as he highlighted that and other reductions the Defense Department would make to account for $487 billion reduction in growth to defense spending over the next decade.

"The review determined that we could eliminate six of the 60 [Air Force tactical air squadrons] as well as one training squadron. None of that will impact our ability to dominate the skies," Panetta said.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said the pilots in the decommissioned squadrons would transfer to other units, including those that fly unmanned aircraft like MQ-9 Reapers and MQ-1 Predators.

"What we are doing is re-missioning the units," Schwartz told reporters at the Pentagon Jan. 27. "In other words, for example, a unit that was operating manned aircraft might transition to a remotely piloted aircraft mission. And so, their fundamental skills will still be employed but in a different way."

A source with the Air National Guard, who asked not to be identified, said he expected the Air Force to target three A-10 Guard units that just recently transitioned from F-16s to A-10s as part of the Base Realignment and Closure process – known as BRAC.

The Guard source said he expected the Air Force to close the 107th Fighter Squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich.; the 163rd Fighter Squadron at Fort Wayne Air National Guard Station, Ind.; and the 184th Fighter Squadron at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Ark.

The Guard source also said the Iowa National Guard's 124th Fighter Squadron, which flies F-16s, is a target for decommissioning.

The Air Force will reduce its end strength by 10,000 Airmen to account for shrinking infrastructure, Schwartz said. It's unclear if the service will target Airmen assigned to the lost squadrons.

First built in 1975, the A-10 Thunderbolt II – better known as the "Warthog" -- is known as the infantryman's favorite Air Force aircraft because of its ability to fly low and slow over a battlefield providing close air support.

The Air Force flies 189 A-10s in the active duty, 108 in the Air National Guard, and another 48 in Reserves. Air Force leaders plan to phase out the A-10 and allow the F-35 Lightning II to take its mission sets once it enters the Air Force fleet in numbers.

But the F-35 program has experienced problems and Panetta announced in his budget "preview" that the Pentagon would delay it once again.

Source (including a fast growing discussion thread!)

See also:
5 A-10 squadrons to be cut

A-10's prepare for first flight during Beverly Bulldog 12-01

2012-01-31T22:34:00.008+01:00

Released by 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1/31/2012 - An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 51st Fighter Wing is ready to taxi onto the flight line to start the flying mission as a part of exercise Beverly Bulldog 12-01 Jan. 31,2012. The exercise is a peninsula-wide operational readiness exercise held to train U.S. forces throughout South Korea. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Craig R. Cisek) Hi-res

Note: Nice HAS (Hardened Aircraft Shelter) shot. But no chance to identify this "Hog" because lack of bow number (like in the next shot). Any "Hog" professional from Osan who can/will clear up that?

1/31/2012 - An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 51st Fighter Wing is ready to taxi onto the flight line to start the flying mission as a part of exercise Beverly Bulldog 12-01 Jan. 31,2012. The exercise is a peninsula-wide operational readiness exercise held to train U.S. forces throughout South Korea. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Craig R. Cisek) Hi-res

Note: SNIPER XR targeting pod on station 10.

1/31/2012 - Two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 51st Fighter Wing taxi onto the flight line to start the flying mission as a part of exercise Beverly Bulldog 12-01 Jan. 31,2012. The exercise is a peninsula-wide operational readiness exercise held to train U.S. forces throughout South Korea. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Craig R. Cisek) Hi-res

Note: Pictured in the foreground is A-10C 80-0283 from the 25th Fighter Squadron.

Source

451st AEW welcomes new commander

2012-01-31T21:17:00.004+01:00

Released by 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

1/29/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Brig. Gen. Thomas Deale relinquished 451st Air Expeditionary Wing command to Brig. Gen. Scott Dennis, the Kandahar Airfield commander, during a change of command ceremony Jan. 29, 2012.

Click here to view the slideshow.

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- From right, Brig. Gen. Thomas Deale, outgoing 451st Air Expeditionary Wing commander, congratulates Brig. Gen. Scott Dennis, incoming 451st AEW commander, at the change of command ceremony Jan. 29, 2012 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Dennis is currently dual-hatted as the commander of the 451st AEW and Kandahar Airfield. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle) Hi-res

See also:
Official USAF Biography of Brigadier General Scott L. Dennis. He was commissioned through Officer Training School in 1985 after graduating from Michigan Technological University. He has held various operational F-16 flying positions and served as a USAF Fighter Weapons School instructor pilot. He commanded the 14th Fighter Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan, including combat deployments in support of operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom. He also commanded the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group at Balad Air Base, Iraq, and the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The general has served on the Joint Staff and as Director of Air Operations in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.

355th Operations Support Squadron Control Tower

2012-01-30T23:56:00.003+01:00

Released by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

An A-10 takes off from the flightline on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Jan. 25. The control tower plays a vital role in ensuring safety of the pilots and the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Washburn) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 162 from the 354th Fighter Squadron.

Osan demonstrates mission readiness during exercise

2012-01-30T23:31:00.002+01:00

by Airman 1st Class Michael Battles
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Staff Sgt. Jimmy Mills, 25th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew member, attaches a GBU-38 to an A-10 Thunderbolt II during an exercise at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea Jan. 30. Beverly Bulldog 12-01 is the first week-long simulated wartime contingency exercise designed to test the base’s response during a wartime contingency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stefanie Torres) Hi-res

1/30/2012 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Team Osan reported for duty Jan. 29 in response to a base-wide recall for operational readiness exercise Beverly Bulldog 12-01.

Beverly Bulldog 12-01 is the first week-long simulated wartime contingency exercise executed in the Republic of Korea for 2012.

Airmen are evaluated every quarter on their skills to survive and operate in a wartime environment, as well as defend the base, execute combat operations and receive follow-on forces.

"We exercise because of the location we are in," said Capt. Rommel Villanueva, 51st Fighter Wing plans and programs. "We need to be ready to defend Osan and the Republic of Korea; it's why we are here."

The base exercises regularly due to the high-threat area and large personnel turn over each year, he said.

During the week, Airmen will showcase their ability to position, employ and sustain forces during a variety of simulated attacks and situations. Participants will also demonstrate the ability to administer self-aid and buddy-care and operate in a chemical environment.

Another challenge during the exercise is the environmental elements participants must endure throughout the week, such as extreme cold and precipitation.

The 51st FW Safety office advises members to keep exposed skin to a minimum during cold weather and remember to hydrate.

"Every day, Team Osan proves they are capable of successfully executing the mission," said Col. Mark DeLong, 51st Fighter Wing vice commander. "This week will show that we have trained to defend, execute and receive and will highlight that we are ready to fight and win tonight."

In the spring, Osan Air Base will participate in a Consolidated Unit Inspection, which will evaluate the programs and mission readiness of the base.

Source

14th CMSAF Gerald Murray on...

2012-01-30T22:55:00.007+01:00

by Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley
23rd Wing Public Affairs

Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray speaks to 1st Lt. Philip Budenbender, A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot, during a static display at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Jan. 27, 2012. Murray was once command chief of the 347th Wing here and was invited back to speak at the 23d Wing Annual Awards Banquet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Dominique) Hi-res

1/30/2012 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force #14 (Ret.) Gerald Murray visited Moody Jan. 27 through 29 to mentor Airmen and attend the 23d Wing annual awards banquet.

His prior assignment at Moody along with his 29 years of service gave him an insight to what Airmen deal with, and he took the opportunity to impart some of the wisdom to students at the Jason D. Cunningham Airman Leadership School and Michael Maltz First-Term Airman Center.

Here are his views on... [...] Full story

Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray takes a look at an A-10C Thunderbolt II during a static display at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Jan 27, 2012. Murray visited numerous Airmen throughout his day and spoke to them about his experience while stationed at Moody and as CMSAF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Dominique) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 80-025...

Source

5 A-10 squadrons to be cut

2012-01-30T21:29:00.005+01:00

Tight budgets lead AF to focus on F-35 capabilities

By Jeff Schogol - Staff writer
Air Force Times
Posted: Monday Jan 30, 2012 10:01:18 EST

The A-10 Thunderbolt II provides the type of close-air support that ground-pounders love and the Taliban dread. Although the A-10s are workhorses in the war on terrorism, the Air Force in its new budget request is planning to get rid of five squadrons.

As part of the Defense Department's efforts to trim close to $500 billion in spending over the next decade, defense officials said Friday that the service intends to cut five A-10 tactical squadrons and two other squadrons as well.

The Thunderbolt squadrons to be stood down encompass one active-duty, one Reserve and three National Guard units. The remaining two squadrons disappearing are a Guard F-16 tactical unit and an F-15 training squadron.

The move was part of a series of proposed budget cuts announced Jan. 26 at the Pentagon. Also on the chopping block are the C-27 and the Global Hawk Block 30; and as the ground force shrinks, the service plans to retire the oldest of its aging transport aircraft.

Facing a new age of fiscal austerity, the Defense Department is trying to pivot away from the counterinsurgency campaigns of the past decade, which required large numbers of conventional forces, toward smaller, less expensive missions waged primarily by special operations forces.

While the A-10 is very good at providing close-air support, the Air Force needs aircraft that can do more than one mission, Adm. James Winnefeld, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Jan. 26 in an interview with Military Times reporters and editors.

"Is the F-35 going to be as good a close-air support platform as an A-10? I don't think anybody believes that," he said, "But is the A-10 going to be the air-to-air platform that the F-35 is going to be? So again, the Air Force is trying to get as much multimission capability into the limited number of platforms it's going to have."

While Air Force fighter aircraft are the most advanced in the world, some critics have said the need for an aircraft that can outfight near-peer rivals seems a bit over the horizon. But Winnefeld said the issue is not so clear-cut.

"It could be that those who think there's never going to be an air-to-air engagement ever again in the history of the world could be wrong," Winnefeld said. "It could be those who believe that the close-air support role of the A-10 is absolutely paramount could be wrong, as well."

As the Air Force looks toward the future, it expects its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions to become even more important. That's why the service wants to have the ability to conduct 85 unmanned aerial drone patrols when needed. Currently, the Air Force can provide a maximum of 61 continuous patrols.

The Global Hawk Block 30, which was supposed to replace the U-2 spy plane, has proved to be too expensive for its mission, so the Air Force announced Jan. 26 that it has also canceled the Block 30 (see story, facing page) and extended the life of the U-2.

The move does not affect the other variants of the Global Hawk, said Ashton Carter, deputy defense secretary.

As the ground forces shrink, the Air Force will need fewer transport aircraft, so the proposed spending cuts call for the Air Force to retire 27 aging C-5As and 65 of the oldest C-130s, leaving Air Mobility Command with 52 C-5Ms, 318 C-130s and 222 C-17s.

Carter called the older C-5As and C-130s excess capacity, adding, "In this budget environment, we can't justify capacity that is excess to need."

The Defense Department is also looking to kill the C-27, a joint Army-Air Force cargo aircraft.

"The C-27J was developed and procured to provide a niche capability to directly support Army urgent needs in difficult environments such as Afghanistan where we thought the C-130 might not be able to operate effectively," DoD stated in a budget presentation. "However, in practice, we did not experience the anticipated airfield constraints for C-130 operations in Afghanistan and expect these constraints to be marginal in future scenarios. Since we have ample inventory of C-130s and the current cost to own and operate them is lower, we no longer need — nor can we afford — a niche capability like the C-27J aircraft."

Even before the proposed cuts were announced, one aerospace nonprofit organization weighed in, arguing the Air Force has been putting "short-term operational demands over long-term global realties."

"While attributes like stealth, speed and range were not necessary above the occupied states [Iraq and Afghanistan], they are essential preconditions for securing U.S. interests elsewhere," according to a letter sent by the Air Force Association on Jan. 26 to Sens. Carl Levin, D-Mich., and John McCain, R-Ariz., chairman and ranking minority member, respectively, on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Signed by several former senior Air Force officials, the letter urges the service to pursue modernization programs put on the back burner since the end of the Cold War. "The need to strike distant targets and return safely did not emerge during the Cold War, nor did it end when the Berlin Wall fell," it says, "While the U.S. was engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan, other nations were busy designing, fielding and proliferating new weapons that have the potential to curtail our freedom of action throughout major regions of the world."

Source

Background info:

Current A-10 units (aircraft-equipped)

ACTIVE DUTY

23rd Wing, 23rd Fighter Group (ACC), Moody AFB, Georgia
74th Fighter Squadron
75th Fighter Squadron

51st Fighter Wing (PACAF), Osan AB, Republic of Korea
25th Fighter Squadron

52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany
81st Fighter Squadron

355th Fighter Wing (ACC), Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona
354th Fighter Squadron
357th Fighter Squadron
358th Fighter Squadron

Team Nellis (ACC), Nellis AFB, Nevada
66th Weapons Squadron
422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron

AIR FORCE RESERVE

442nd Fighter Wing (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri
303rd Fighter Squadron

917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana
47th Fighter Squadron

AIR NATIONAL GUARD

122nd Fighter Wing (Indiana ANG), Fort Wayne, Indiana
163rd Fighter Sqadron

124th Fighter Wing (Idaho ANG), Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho
190th Fighter Squadron

127th Wing (Michigan ANG), Selfridge ANGB, Michigan
107th Fighter Squadron

175th Wing (Maryland ANG), Martin State IAP, Maryland
104th Fighter Squadron

188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG), Fort Smith, Arkansas
184th Fighter Squadron

A-10 80-0221 in experimental arctic camouflage scheme

2012-01-29T03:04:00.018+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Still online is the following news article:

Arctic camouflage makes Eielson's hogs unique

Commentary by Don Fenton
354th Fighter Wing Historian

Arctic Snow Hog - EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska--An A-10 with an arctic paint scheme sits next to an A-10 with a regular all gray or green paint scheme sit on the flightline March 1982. That year, an A-10 was repainted in an arctic camouflage scheme as an experiment for an upcoming exercise titled OPERATION Cool Snow Hog. (File photo) Hi-res

8/6/2007 - EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Last week an article in the Arctic Sentry detailed the history of the A-10s here at Eielson--but there was an important piece of early A-10 history intentionally left out.

Any guesses to what was not mentioned or what the difference is between the two hogs ... and yes, the two are interrelated?

The only difference between the two 'hogs' is color. A snowhog is covered in arctic camouflage and a warthog is all gray or green. OK, maybe not so many know what in the world I'm talking about. Snowhogs and Warthogs are nicknames for our soon-to-be gone A-10s.

On December 18, 1981, two A-10 aircraft arrived at Eielson from the Fairchild-Republic factory in Hagerstown, Md. The aircraft tail numbers were 80-221 and 80-222 ... the first two A-10s assigned to Eielson.

However, not long after arriving, 80-221 was repainted in an arctic camouflage scheme. This was done as an experiment for an upcoming exercise titled Operation Cool Snow Hog.

The exercise was held from March 8 to 16, 1982, at a forward operating location in Kotzebue, Alaska.

Cool Snow Hog represented the Air Force's first test of forward basing A-10s in Alaska. Overall, the plan called for the Air Force to fly 16 close-air-support sorties in support of the 3rd Scout Battalion of the Alaska Army National Guard.

Over the following years, the forward operating location concept was tested through various operational readiness exercises and major joint forces exercises such as BRIM FROST, but they were never again referred to as Cool Snow Hog exercises.

It must be noted that this paint scheme was only an experiment. The Air Force never fully adopted the scheme, thus A-10s never flew operationally long-term in the arctic scheme.

There are a few sources that mention an upwards of three additional A-10s were painted this way however, official documentation has yet to be discovered to verify this information. Nevertheless, the Hogs sure looked good.

Robert "Combat Bob" Cologie contributed to this article.

Source

Most of related photos presented by DoD:

Two A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 18th Tactical Fighter Squadron arrive to participate in exercise Cool Snow Hog '82-1. Photographer's Name: SSGT Bill Thompson. Location: KOTZEBUE AIR STATION. Date Shot: 3/8/1982. Date Posted: unknown. VIRIN DF-ST-83-00314

A ground crewman performs maintenance on an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft during exercise Cool Snow Hog '82-1. Photographer's Name: SSGT Bill Thompson. Location: KOTZEBUE AIR STATION. Date Shot: 3/8/1982. Date Posted: unknown. VIRIN: DF-ST-83-00316

Ground crewmen perform maintenance on the two A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft being used during exercise Cool Snow Hog '82-1. Photographer's Name: SSGT Bill Thompson. Location: KOTZEBUE AIR STATION. Date Shot: 3/8/1982. Date Posted: unknown. VIRIN: DF-ST-83-00318

Ground crewmen load a Mark 82 bomb aboard an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft during exercise Cool Snow Hog '82-1. Photographer's Name: SSGT Bill Thompson. Location: KOTZEBUE AIR STATION. Date Shot: 3/8/1982. Date Posted: unknown. VIRIN: DF-ST-83-00319

An air-to-air view of a camouflaged A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, participating in exercise Cool Snow Hog '82-1. Photographer's Name: SSGT Bill Thompson. Location: KOTZEBUE AIR STATION. Date Shot: 3/8/1982. Date Posted: unknown. VIRIN: DF-ST-83-00326

An air-to-air right side view of two A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, one with camouflage paint, participating in exercise Cool Snow Hog '82-1. Photographer's Name: SSGT Bill Thompson. Location: KOTZEBUE AIR STATION. Date Shot: 3/8/1982. Date Posted: unknown. VIRIN: DF-ST-83-00328

Left side view of two A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, one with camouflage paint scheme, in flight over frozen terrain during exercise Cool Snow Hog '82-1. Photographer's Name: SSGT Bill Thompson. Location: KOTZEBUE AIR STATION. Date Shot: 3/8/1982. Date Posted: unknown. VIRIN: DF-ST-83-00330

Overhead view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, with camouflage paint scheme, parked on the apron beside a Beech C-12 aircraft. The A-10 is being used during exercise Cool Snow Hog '82-1. Photographer's Name: SSGT Bill Thompson. Location: KOTZEBUE AIR STATION. Date Shot: 3/8/1982. Date Posted: unknown. VIRIN: DF-ST-83-00333

Click here for all related photos.

The following six pictures are from the thread A-10 in Camo, posted on militaryphotos.net 08-27-2009:

Full size

Full size

Full size

Full size

Full size

Full size

The following info comes from the article 1/48 Revell-Monogram A-10 "SnowHog", published on ARC by Scott Nagle:

1/48 scale model built by Scott Nagle.

4-view drawings by Dana Bell - probably the very best reference for painting

Scott wrote: After I asked about this online, Dana Bell responded saying that this was in fact one of two aircraft flown during winter exercises from Eilson AFB, Alaska, in 1982. These aircraft were painted in the conventional Euro I scheme with the lighter green overpainted with a temporary white latex as an experimental arctic scheme. Mr. Bell had been working at the USAF Central Still Photo Depository when the photos of "cool snow hog" came in and had drawn up 4-view drawings of the scheme, which he kindly emailed to me and which I have included here. In addition, he mentioned that some of the photos had depicted a weapons load consisting of a small number of 500 lb. practice bombs.

Scanned book page, not known to me.

Other info:

Scanned page 73 of Ken Neubeck's book "Walk Around A-10 Warthog", Squadron/Signal Publications, 1999. Description: This A-10, assigned to the 343rd Composite Wing, wore a special black and white winter scheme while taking part in exercises at Kotzebue Air Station in Alaska during 1982.

A-10A Exercise "Cool Snow Hog", Alaska, March 1982. (Drawing by Jens Popp / Don Color)Full size Source More A-10 paint schemes by this source

BTW: For some related painting info please check Warthog Territory Forums for the topic Operation Cool Snow Hog 1-82 ????. Mentioned is:

Okay, here goes, this is what I got from somebody on this website a while back that either worked on the project of knew somebody who did, take it or leave it...

It is NOT black and white. What they did, is take white, latex housepaint and paint over the lighter of the two greens with a house-painting brush. He said it looked like crap up close, with all sorts of drips and runs, and was sloppily applied. He also said it BONDED to the paint beneath it, and had to be sent to depot to have it sand-blasted off. lol

See also:
Topic Snow camo A-10A help! Cant find any pics! on ARC Forums

Please note: Because some photos of Exercise Cool Snow Hog 82-1 are now online again on DefenseImagery, I decided to post this archived stuff. I would be very grateful for any additional photos and other info!

188th Not Mentioned In Defense Cuts

2012-01-28T23:26:00.003+01:00

By Jeff Arnold
Times Record
Posted: Friday, January 27, 2012 9:40 am | Updated: 9:48 am, Fri Jan 27, 2012

A plan for slowing the growth of military spending the Pentagon outlined Thursday didn't provide anything definitive about the future of the 188th Fighter Wing, said Tom Anderson, wing commander.

"He (Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta) talked more about the 30,000-foot overview versus the down-in-the weeds tactical view of what they're going to do," Anderson said.

Anderson said neither Panetta nor Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made any mention of the 188th or A-10s during their news conference, which he watched from his office.

Panetta provided an overview of some cuts recommended by the Pentagon, which must cut $487 billion from the defense budget over the next 10 years. The cuts included, but were not limited to:

- Closure of six of the Air Force's 60 tactical squadrons, although Panetta didn't indicate if the Pentagon already has identified those units.

- A reduction in active-duty Army soldiers from their current level of 562,000 to 490,00 in five years and a reduction in Marines from 200,000 to 182,000.

- Asking Congress to approve a new round of domestic military base closures, with the goal of identifying additional savings.

The 188th is among the Air Force's 60 tactical squadrons, but Anderson reiterated that nothing was said about the 188th being among the six units that would be closed.

"I saw no details of specific units anywhere and certainly no details of specifics in the combat air force," Anderson said.

Anderson said a significant reduction in ground troops isn't overly concerning in the larger scheme of overall budget cuts because the A-10 isn't the only air platform that protects troops on the ground.

The primary mission of the 188th is providing close-air ground support for ground troops.

"When it comes to doing that, we are very good at it as an A-10 platform; not just the 188th, the A-10 is superior at doing that," Anderson said.

Retired Col. Kevin Wear, chairman of the 188th Fighter Wing Community Steering Committee, said despite it being an election year, he expects Congress to approve moving forward with evaluating bases for closure but doesn't expect any will be recommended for closure before 2013. Wear was wing commander of the 188th from May 2006 until October 2008.

In July 2005, the Pentagon recommended stripping the 188th of its primary mission, F-16 fighters, pilots and about 700 employees. A local task force guided by civic leaders appealed that decision to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, which in August 2005 voted to remove F-16s from the 188th and replace them with A-10s.

Anderson said he wasn't surprised at Panetta's announcement that President Barack Obama would ask Congress to approve a new round of closures, but he didn't totally expect the announcement.

"That is in part a way they're going to try to pay the bills, because if they do make the cuts they're talking about there will be some places that probably wouldn't be economically effective for them to keep open," Anderson said.

Wear echoed Anderson's sentiment that the Pentagon news conference provided little insight on the future of the 188th.

"It was pretty large scale on how they plan to orchestrate our national defense strategy based on the budget cuts and the type of wars we're fighting … could be awhile before we hear anything specific," Wear said.

But based on the enormity of cuts recommended, even without specifics, Wear said it's obvious the cuts will affect everybody to some degree.

Anderson said he spoke to Maj. Gen. William Wofford, adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard, after the news conference, and Wofford remains committed to keeping a flying mission in Fort Smith.

The 188th, deployed to Afghanistan in March 2010, is slated for another Air Expeditionary Forces rotation to Afghanistan this year. The 188th has a force of 350 full-time airmen.

Source

A-10 squadron about to deploy

2012-01-28T23:09:00.002+01:00

Written by John Andrew Prime
shreveporttimes.com
12:05 AM, Jan. 21, 2012

Adapting to the latest in a series of dramatic changes, air crews with the local 47th Fighter Squadron will deploy to Afghanistan in the next few weeks.

The increased training tempo may be apparent to people living near the base and residents of the south Arkansas training ranges who have seen its twin-tailed A-10 Warthog jet fighters go through paces as the pilots ready to take part again in war.
Just over a year ago, the 917th Wing ceased to be and separated its components, with bombers going to the new 307th Bomb Wing and the A-10 fighters under Travis' command going into the 917th Fighter Group. Though based here, the Reserve fighters are under the Missouri-based 442nd Fighter Wing.

In addition to that corporate restructuring, the 47th Fighter Squadron was told to change from being a training unit to a combat unit, and also to transition to the newest model of the A-10, the A-10C.

"It's a significant change in the way we do business," said Lt. Col. Jim Travis, the squadron's commander. "There's tactics that changed, there's equipment that changed, and the guys have risen to the challenge of not only knowing how to do the tactics with the equipment, but they're school house instructors that are going to combat-coded level of skill-sets. And then all of a sudden we get this new equipment. We had three years to convert and we're deploying at the year-and-a-half mark."

The deploying air crews and other squadron personnel will catch up with almost 250 fellow Reservists from Barksdale and Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., who left for Afghanistan in late December.

The deployed airmen represent various units from the local 917th Fighter Group and Whiteman's 442nd Fighter Wing.

The units maintain and operate the Warthog, the informal crew name for what the service calls the Thunderbolt II, which provides close air support to ground troops with a wife assortment of bombs and missiles and its best-known weapon, a fierce 30-millimeter Gatling gun.

"The purpose of A-10 combat power is to keep others safe," Col. Eric S. Overturf, 442nd Fighter Wing commander, told his deploying troops at the December departure, according to the wing's website. "Because you're going over there to employ this aircraft and its munitions, you are ensuring that a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine can return home safely to his family."

The wing, which took over the 917th Fighter Group a year ago, has deployed four times since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the east coast.

The deployed personnel are expected to return in the spring, or as Travis put it, "home by Easter."

Morale is high, he said, with many personnel eager to fill the deployment slots.

"A good challenge makes for good morale," he said. "Everybody around here walks around with fire in their heart."

Travis said his squadron's job "is to defend the Army mission." Drawing a comparison to the end of the movie "Saving Private Ryan," where air power saves the day for the embattled soldiers, he said his unit's goal is "to make sure they've got what it takes to be able to provide somebody's movie ending right."

Source

'A-Team' A-10s, Apaches hone CSAR, CAS skills

2012-01-27T21:09:00.006+01:00

by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

BAUMHOLDER, Germany – U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Bob Carpenter, 81st Fighter Squadron pilot, uses a combat survivor evader locater radio to communicate that a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter that has arrived to rescue him during a joint training exercise at the Baumholder Major Training Area here Jan. 23. This training integrates U.S. Army and Air Force resources to more accurately simulate the real-life close air support and combat search and rescue scenarios encountered in deployed locations. The goal of this training is to develop tactics, techniques and procedures between military branches to enhance interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard) Hi-res

1/27/2012 - BAUMHOLDER, Germany -- A joint close air support and combat search and rescue exercise involving U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots and U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter pilots took place for the first time at the Baumholder Major Training Area here Jan. 23 - 26.

A-10 pilots who participated in this joint training are assigned to Spangdahlem Air Base's 81st Fighter Squadron and the AH-64 Apache helicopter pilots are assigned to Illesheim Army Airfield's Company C, the 2-159 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 25th Infantry Division.

The training simulated real-life CSAR and CAS scenarios. Its purpose was to establish joint tactics, techniques, and procedures for future deployment operations.

"We frequently work with Apache pilots downrange, and the ability to train with them now allows us to sharpen our skills prior to future deployments," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Briner, 81st FS commander.

Close air support is essential to the recovery of surviving service members in CSAR situation, but nothing is accomplished on either end without proper communication, which was the focus of the exercises, explained U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Bob Carpenter, 81st FS pilot.

"It's important everyone has the same level of understanding of what needs to be done and how to do it," Carpenter said of joint rescue missions. "The survivor on the ground needs to be picked up, and if all elements aren't working like a well oiled machine, that may not happen,"

Army and Air Force often work together in these rescues, but because they are from different military branches, they have different procedures, rules and even lingo. Training before real events gives them the opportunity to clear anything that may not be understood and establish joint procedures.

"The integration we're performing here is paramount training," said U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Karl Metz, 2-159 ARB Apache helicopter pilot. "We're learning each other's language and tactics, and in doing so, we have a baseline to grow from for when we're actually deployed. Today we got to integrate with A-10 pilots, and the most successful piece is learning their language. I know I will deploy with A-10s, and being able to work with them now is instrumental."

The Air Force pilots who were "rescued" in this training scenario used combat survivor evader locater radios to communicate and assist the A-10 pilots performing CAS. Pilots carry these radios along with a survival kit if they have to eject themselves from their aircraft.

These radios allow those being rescued to relay to the A-10 pilots their location and what hazards are in the area. The A-10 pilots then relay this information to the Apache pilots performing CSAR, lead them to the rescue pick-up area and simulate clearing the area of enemy threats.

"We're learning different capabilities and limits of each platform, and how our different capabilities can combine our strengths in order to prosecute targets more effectively," Briner said of the two aircraft working together.

Carpenter said practicing these scenarios now ensures once these two aircraft are deployed together, they can seamlessly seek, attack and destroy any enemies trying to keep them from their most important mission: rescuing their brethren.

"We do this for the guys on the ground," Metz said. "We'll do anything it takes to get service members to safety. Our job isn't to kill - it's to keep our guys alive, and we're really good at our job."

BAUMHOLDER, Germany – U.S. Air Force Capt. James Schmidt, 81st Fighter Squadron pilot, raises a signal smoke flare during joint forces close air support and combat search and rescue training at the Baumholder Major Training Area here Jan. 23 to signal a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter crew participating in the training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard) Hi-res

Source

See also:
Warthogs take flight with U.S. Army

Historic A-10 photos archived by DoD now online again

2012-01-27T00:38:00.012+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

An A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft is mounted on a pedestal during a test at the Rome Air Development Center's Newport Test Site.

Note: Pictured is the first YA-10A prototype 71-1369 (tail number 11369).

In late 2005, when I was very busy with posting some of my well-researched info about F-16 combat deployments of operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom on F-16.net - The Ultimate F-16 Reference, there was a Department of Defense (DoD) website, called dodmedia.osd.mil, which provided a lot of archived official photos. Sometime later, this website was offline. Later, DoD launched a new site, called defenseimagery.mil. But for years, there was at least no public access to this new site. Some weeks ago, they announced that they still have some problems with server relocations to provide searchable photo stuff. Yesterday, I tried it again and was surprised by the new-uploaded A-10 photo stuff. Please just try DefenseImagery for still images of A-10! If the search engine not works, just try it again - same technical problems like years ago...

I'm now in the process to download all available A-10 photos to preserve it.

Tactical Airlift Command A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft in camouflage paint scheme depart from the base following the Long Rifle III competition., The semi-annual air-to-ground gunnery competition tested tactical air crews' abilities to plan and execute long-range missions execute attacks on first-look targets and acccurately deliver ordnance.

A right side view of a 57th Fighter Weapons Wing A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft dropping parachute-retarded bombs during a tactical capabilities exercise.

Two A-10 Thunderbolt II and a C-130 Hercules aircraft are parked next to Highway 1 while participating in highway landing exercise during TEAM SPIRIT '86.

An aerial view of Highway 1, with two A-10 Thunderbolt II and C-130 Hercules aircraft parked alongside during TEAM SPIRIT '86. The aircraft are participating in highway landing exercises.

Please note: Some more sample pics and additional photo interpretation will be uploaded soon, also hi-res links.

25th AMU wins Load Crew of the Quarter

2012-01-25T20:40:00.003+01:00

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

Staff Sergeants Christopher DeGrizio (left) and Brian Crews, 25th Aircraft Maintenance Unit load crew members, work together to load a GBU-38 on an A-10 Thunderbolt II during the 4th quarter load crew competition here Jan. 20, 2012. The three-man team competed against the 36th AMU and won. They now compete against other load crews at U.S. Air Force bases in the Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Cisek) Hi-res

1/24/2012 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Two weapons loading teams competed against each other during the 4th quarter load crew competition here Jan. 20.

A three-person weapons load crew team under the 25th Aircraft Maintenance Unit loaded munitions onto an A-10 Thunderbolt II while another team under the 36th AMU loaded an F-16 Fighting Falcon during the competition.

"These two teams were the top-rated loaders for this quarter," said Senior Airman Jonathan Eusebio, 51st Maintenance Operations Squadron load crew trainer. "They had the greatest statistics from their individual squadrons, and now they are competing for the top spot for the base."

These competitions are always open for squadrons to watch as their top Airmen vie for the trophy, but the actual load is only a minor portion. The competitors also prepare for a written examination and a dress and appearance evaluation, Eusebio explained. Safety standards are extremely important in this type of environment, especially when teams are being graded for speed and accuracy.

Munitions loaders prepare the aircraft for combat, and working together as a team is a must in this high-stress environment, said Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Calvert, 36th Aircraft Maintenance Unit load crew member. Load crew members here practice day in and day out because they support the mission to continue to protect the Republic of Korea.

Even though a lot of pressure goes into the competition, it's all worth it to competitors, said Staff Sgt. Brian Crews, 25th AMU load crew member.

"This is my first competition and I'm ecstatic," he said. "We all know our jobs and it's great to be recognized in an organization like this."

"These competitions showcase our combat capabilities, improve morale and shows off their hard work," Eusebio said. "We are ready to fight tonight."

The 25th AMU took the lead in the competition for all categories. Team members include Staff Sergeants Dorinda Becker, Christopher DeGrizio and Crews. The winners will be submitted to compete against other Air Force bases in the Pacific.

Senior Master Sgt. James Faucette, 25th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons superintendent, performs dress and appearance inspections on the 25th AMU load crew team during the 4th quarter competition here Jan. 20, 2012. The 25th AMU won the competition and will go on to compete against other loaders in the Pacific Air Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stefanie Torres) Hi-res

Please note: This photo includes Staff Sgt. Dorinda Becker, the third member of the team.

Source (including video)

Warthogs take flight with U.S. Army

2012-01-24T19:57:00.009+01:00

Released by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

BAUMHOLDER, Germany – U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Matthew Kading, 81st Fighter Squadron pilot, raises a signal smoke flare during joint forces combat search and rescue training at the Baumholder Major Training Area here Jan. 23. The training integrates U.S. Army and Air Force resources to more accurately simulate the real-life CSAR and close air support scenarios encountered in deployed locations. The goal of this training is to build a stronger partnership between the military branches to enable pilots to train like they fight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dillon Davis) Hi-res

BAUMHOLDER, Germany – A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 81st Fighter Squadron simulates close-air support during joint forces combat search and rescue training at the Baumholder Major Training Area here Jan. 23. The training integrates U.S. Army and Air Force resources to more accurately simulate the real-life CSAR and close air support scenarios encountered in deployed locations. The goal of this training is to build a stronger partnership between the military branches to enable pilots to train like they fight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dillon Davis) Hi-res

Note: A very good overhead shot but presented by USAF in a very bad photo quality.

BAUMHOLDER, Germany – A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache takes off during joint forces combat search and rescue training at the Baumholder Major Training Area here Jan. 23. The training integrates U.S. Army and Air Force resources to more accurately simulate the real-life CSAR and close air support scenarios encountered in deployed locations. The goal of this training is to build a stronger partnership between the military branches to enable pilots to train like they fight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dillon Davis.) Hi-res

Background info:
U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder

BTW: Related to that, I remember the glory old days of A-10 TDY's to their Forward Operation Locations (FOL's) in Germany... (including the legendary "Autobahn" landing or stop-over spots...) Please check: German Autobahn

Request: Anybody who likes to provide me historic A-10 shots, taken on air bases in Germany? If yes, I would be very grateful for any related support!

Winter Hawgs

2012-01-22T19:22:00.009+01:00

Released by 124th Fighter Wing Public Affairs on their Beacon Live website (probably yesterday) and captured from the photo slideshow by Warthog News:

An A-10C Thunderbolt II sits on the snow covered flight line of Gowen Field, Boise, Jan. 18. This is the first major snow fall to hit Gowen Field. (U.S. Air Force photo by Robert Barney) Full size

Source

Note: Pictured at left is A-10C 78-0624 from the 190th Fighter Squadron.

Please enjoy this classic Christmas song by Old Frank:

BTW: Here in Berlin, Germany, we have still to deal with rain, rain, rain. Zero snow this winter, at least so far...

Question to 124th Fighter Wing maintainers: Do you have any problems with de-icing?

Warthogs provide top cover for ground troops

2012-01-21T21:54:00.010+01:00

By Staff Sgt. David Carbajal
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- A 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief waits for the pilot's call to pull the chalks during an A-10 Thunderbolt II launch at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Jan. 20, 2012. Kandahar's A-10s provide close-air support for U.S. and coalition ground troops throughout Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is an A-10C from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Fighter Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge ANGB.

1/21/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Kandahar's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provide close-air support for U.S. and coalition ground troops throughout Afghanistan. Members of the 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron make sure the "Warthogs" are fully-mission capable and launch on time.

Click here to see the photo slideshow.

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- A parked A-10 Thunderbolt II sits on the ramp in the early-morning hours at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Jan. 20, 2012. Kandahar's A-10s provide close-air support for U.S. and coalition ground troops throughout Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0111 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri.

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- An A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot taxis to the runway at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Jan. 20, 2012. The A-10 fires a 30-millimeter cannon and can carry up to 16,000 pounds of ordnance for close air support missions to support troops on the ground. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is an A-10C from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. Visible in the background is Kandahar International Airport's main terminal with the tower just behind the "Hog's" nose gear.

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- A 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief waits for the pilot's call to pull the chalks during an A-10 Thunderbolt II launch at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Jan. 20, 2012. The A-10 can employ a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general purpose bombs, cluster bomb units and laser guided bombs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 80-0262 from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Fighter Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge ANGB.

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Weapons load crew chiefs perform end-of-runway inspections on two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Jan. 20, 2012. The A-10 can employ a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general purpose bombs, cluster bomb units and laser guided bombs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal) Hi-res

Note: Pictured at left is an A-10C from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. Pictured at right is A-10C 80-0262 from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Fighter Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge ANGB.

Source

BTW: Special thanks to Staff Sgt. David Carbajal and the entire 451st AEW PA staff for sharing these impressive frontline pictures!

Further aircraft identification will be uploaded soon.

Visible standard combat loadout configuration:
Station 1: empty
Station 2: AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod
Station 3: LAU-117 launch rail (for a single AGM-65 Maverick)
Station 4: GBU-38 JDAM
Station 5: GBU-38 JDAM
Station 6: empty
Station 7: GBU-38 JDAM
Station 8: GBU-38 JDAM
Station 9: SUU-25 Flare Dispenser
Station 10: LAU-131 Rocket Pod
Station 11: empty

Air National Guard director visits 188th Fighter Wing

2012-01-21T21:29:00.003+01:00

By 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, Director of the Air National Guard, right, shakes hands with Col. Tom Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander. (National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Brambl / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

1/20/2012 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, Director of the Air National Guard, visited the 188th Fighter Wing Jan. 18. Wyatt met with 188th and Arkansas National Guard leaders as well as officials with the City of Fort Smith during his visit.

Wyatt also was able to gauge the 188th's capabilities and assets during a helicopter flight over Ebbing Air National Guard Base and Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center, where the 188th's Detachment 1 Razorback Range is located. Wyatt was able to observe an exercise at Razorback Range involving the 188th's A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" and the 188th Security Forces Squadron.

Source

STARBASE Photo Gallery

2012-01-20T20:05:00.007+01:00

Released by 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

The A-10 is always a favorite stop for STARBASE. (U.S. Air Force photo) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 78-0615, still without nose art and fuselage art which is typical for 47th Fighter Squadron "Hogs".

81st AMU wins load crew of the quarter competition

2012-01-18T21:03:00.004+01:00

Released by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1/18/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Senior Airman Michele Atencio, 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew member, works with Staff Sgt. Michael Elkington, 81st AMU weapons load crew chief, to load a CBU-103 bomb during a load crew of the quarter competition in Hanger 1 here Jan. 13. This 81st AMU team competed against a weapons load crew from the 480th AMU and won the competition. The crew will compete in the 2011 Load Crew of the Year competition against the winners from the previous quarterly competitions. The competitions are held to showcase the teamwork and capabilities of the weapons load crews during wartime, TDYs and deployments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res

1/18/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Staff Sgt. Michael Elkington, 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew chief, reads through a checklist while Staff Sgt. James Clay, 81st AMU weapons load crew member, inspects a CBU-103 bomb to be loaded onto an A-10 Thunderbolt II during a load crew of the quarter competition in Hanger 1 here Jan. 13. This 81st AMU crew competed against a weapons load crew from the 480th AMU and won the competition. The crew will compete in the 2011 Load Crew of the Year competition against the winners from the previous quarterly competitions. The competitions are held to showcase the teamwork and capabilities of the weapons load crews during wartime, TDYs and deployments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res

1/18/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Staff Sgt. Michael Elkington, 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew chief, prepares an MJ-1 to be driven by Staff Sgt. James Clay, 81st AMU weapons load crew member, during a load crew of the quarter competition in Hanger 1 here Jan. 13. This 81st AMU team competed against a weapons load crew from the 480th AMU and won the competition. The crew will compete in the 2011 Load Crew of the Year competition against the winners from the previous quarterly competitions. The competitions are held to showcase the teamwork and capabilities of the weapons load crews during wartime, TDYs and deployments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res

Source

Note: The CBU-103 is a Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD). It's the result of a program to add a tailkit to existing cluster bomb units, such as the CBU-87, CBU-89, and CBU-97. The WCMD tailkit assembly corrects for wind effects and errors during the weapon's ballistic fall, achiving an accuracy of within 30 feet. It is capable of delivery from medium to high altitude, allowing the A-10 to remain at a safer, higher, altitude during weapons delivery. The A-10C is the only A-10 variant to employ WCMDs. Pictured here is a training version. They are marked with the inscription DO NOT FLY - INERT LOAD CREW TRAINING ONLY, shortened LCT - DO NOT FLY on the tailkit.

Moody Airmen participate in ORE

2012-01-18T20:42:00.002+01:00

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs

1/17/2012 - A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot taxis before takeoff during an operational readiness exercise at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Jan. 11, 2012. Team Moody conducts OREs in preparation for an operational readiness inspection this spring. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 81-0964 from the 74th Fighter Squadron.

Source

Olson reaches 5,000 hours

2012-01-17T21:39:00.009+01:00

Released by 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

1/17/2012 - Lt. Col. Marc Olson, an A-10 pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, waves as he taxis an A-10 Thunderbolt II to the runway at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 11, 2012. Olson led a four-ship sortie, and in doing so accumulated 5,000 hours in the A-10. To complete this feat took Olson more than twenty and a half years of flying the A-10. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

1/17/2012 - Lt. Col. Marc Olson, an A-10 pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, taxis an A-10 Thunderbolt II to the runway at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 11, 2012. Olson led a four-ship sortie, and in doing so accumulated 5,000 hours in the A-10. To complete this feat took Olson more than twenty and a half years of flying the A-10. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

1/17/2012 - Lt. Col. Marc Olson, an A-10 pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, touches down on the runway in an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 11, 2012. Olson had just returned from a four-ship sortie, and in doing so accumulated 5,000 hours in the A-10. To complete this feat took Olson more than twenty and a half years of flying the A-10. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

1/17/2012 - Lt. Cols. Marc Olson and Patrick McKeever, both A-10 pilots assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, Col. John Breazeale, commander of the 917th Fighter Group, and Lt. Col. Robert Hetland, weapons officer for the 47th FS, strike their "Warrior" pose after returning from a four-ship sortie at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 11, 2012. That sortie pushed Olson over the 5,000 flying hours mark in an A-10 Thunderbolt II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Note: THOR'S HAMMER ladder door art, LI'L ABNER fuselage cartoon art.

1/17/2012 - Lt. Col. Marc Olson, an A-10 pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, performs a pre-flight inspection of an A-10 Thunderbolt II before a flight at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 11, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

1/17/2012 - Lt. Col. Marc Olson, an A-10 pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, stows an American Flag in an A-10 Thunderbolt II before a flight at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 11, 2012. Olson carried the burial flag of Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ronald L. Hutchison on the sortie. Hutchinson, who was a Bossier City resident, retired at Barksdale in 1978. During his career, Hutchinson flew the F-86, F-100, and the F-4 in Vietnam. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

1/17/2012 - Lt. Col. Marc Olson, an A-10 pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, is congratulated by Lt. Col. Travis Caughlin, deputy commander for maintenance, 917th Fighter Group, following his return from a four-ship sortie at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 11, 2012. The sortie pushed Olson over the 5,000 flying hours mark in an A-10 Thunderbolt II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Source

163th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at D-M January 14, 2012

2012-01-16T00:52:00.011+01:00

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

Three more A-10Cs from the 163rd Fighter Squadron "Blacksnakes", 122nd Fighter Wing (Indiana ANG), Fort Wayne IAP, arrive at D-M. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

A-10C 79-0095 still only with tail number. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

A closer look on A-10C 79-0095. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

A-10C 79-0162 still only with tail and bow number. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

A-10C 80-0152 already with IN tail code, and the last three digits also painted on the right main gear well. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

Ohio ANG KC-135 Stratotanker arriving just prior to "Blacksnakes" A-10Cs. Probably their supporting tanker. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

Full size

Loadout configuration:
Station 1: empty
Station 2: SUU-25 Flare Dispenser
Station 3: LAU-117 launch rail (for a single AGM-65 or CATM-65 Maverick)
Station 4: Triple Ejector Rack (TER) with a LAU-131 Rocket Pod on the bottom
Station 5: MXU-648 baggage pod
Station 6: empty
Station 7: MXU-648 baggage pod
Station 8: Triple Ejector Rack (TER) with a LAU-131 Rocket Pod on the bottom
Station 9: LAU-117 launch rail (for a single AGM-65 or CATM-65 Maverick)
Station 10: AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod
Station 11: empty

Note: mounting a LAU-131 Rocket Pod to a TER (designed for "dumb" and practice bombs) is unusual and a very rare view. Maybe they did that to ferry the pods to their TDY location. But as mentioned in Jake Melampy's book "The Modern Hog Guide - The A-10 Warthog Exposed", in the 1980's it was not uncommon to see them hanging from the bottom of a TER mounted on stations 4/8 and 5/7 (See page 114).

See also:
163th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at D-M January 10, 2012

Note: According to a comment from Anonymous, they are on a training TDY as part of "Operation Snowbird". Logged so far by Ned's pictures are:
A-10C 78-0679 (10 January arrival)
A-10C 78-0692 (10 January arrival)
A-10C 79-0095 (14 January arrival)
A-10C 79-0162 (14 January arrival)
A-10C 80-0152 (14 January arrival)
A-10C 80-0244 (10 January arrival)

Please note: Photo captions will be further updated soon.

Please also note: In a couple of days I will post an A-10C aircraft inventory update of the 163rd Fighter Squadron "Blacksnakes". I've already logged 15 aircraft. Anybody who can/will tell me the serial numbers of the remaining others? I would be very grateful for any support.

422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron A-10C caught at Nellis January 10, 2012

2012-01-13T22:18:00.007+01:00

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

A-10C 80-0242, marked 53 WG as the 53th Wing's boss bird. AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod on station 10. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

Please note: This shot seems very special due to the lights underneath.

Waiting our turn

2012-01-13T21:32:00.003+01:00

Released by 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

1/12/2012 - Three B-52 Stratofortresses assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing wait their turn on a busy runway as two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 917th Fighter Group make their approach at Barksdale Air Force base, La., Jan. 11, 2012. One of the A-10s landed while the other peeled off and landed later. (U.S Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Source

Maintaining operational readiness

2012-01-13T21:24:00.002+01:00

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

1/12/2012 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Aircraft not only fight wars, but they transport war fighters. This makes them an important factor to any deployment. During an operational readiness exercise the generation of aircraft is a major aspect. D-M held its first ORE of 2012 Jan 9-11 and the 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron played a pivotal role.

During an ORE, the 355th AMXS is broken up into cells. Each cell spends its days loading fuel tanks and munitions onto A-10C aircraft on the flightline.

"Our goal during an ORE is to generate 22 aircraft in 24 hours," said Master Sgt. Andrew White, 355th AMXS maintainer and the cell boss of Cell Six. Squadron members work 24-hour operations split into two 12-hour shifts to meet this deadline.

"These exercises are about practicing the steps required to deploy our A-10s to any overseas conflict," White said. "If a real-world deployment order dropped we would have to work around the clock to get the planes ready. So we try to play like we work."

During this 24-hour manning, the focus is kept on pumping out combat-ready aircraft.

"We have to strip the name from the aircraft for operational security reasons, check the in-flight refueling then load the guns," White said.

After the guns are locked and loaded, maintainers hang avionics pods, missile racks and a roughly 600-gallon external fuel tank that takes a minimum crew of three to lift.

A group of Airmen perform these tasks simultaneously, with it all culminating in a combat-ready aircraft.

"The planes cannot fly without all of its components, such as the engine, in working order," said Tech. Sgt. Omar Wright, 355th AMXS aerospace propulsion mechanic. "We maintain the parts so that the plane can fly. As long as the planes can fly, the mission gets done."

Airmen from the 355th Component Maintenance Squadron and 355th Equipment Maintenance Squadron collaborate with members of the 355th AMXS to ensure that all tasks were completed on time.

"It is a team effort from across the group and the wing to make a successful ORE happen," White said.

Source

Crash of A-10C 80-0282 - The official Accident Investigation Board Report

2012-01-13T03:53:00.003+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Thanks to Air Force Times, the report is published now! Later today, I will post the entire content (which includes a lot of typos) and try to post also the included pictures.

Report: Multiple failures led to A-10 crash

2012-01-13T03:28:00.006+01:00

By Jill Laster - Staff writer
Air Force Times
Posted: Wednesday Jan 11, 2012 15:57:50 EST

Pilot inexperience and a malfunctioning warning system contributed to an A-10C crash last year that destroyed the aircraft and resulted in $150,000 in environmental damage, an Air Force investigation has found.

The Sept. 26 crash occurred about 20 miles northwest of Moody Air Force Base, Ga., during a functional check flight, which tests an aircraft's airworthiness after major maintenance. The pilot ejected safely from the aircraft before the $14.7-million Warthog was destroyed.

Investigators found several incidents culminated in dual-engine failure and the aircraft's subsequent crash.

For one, the pilot was inexperienced at flying over 23,000 feet, according to the accident report released Wednesday. A warning system within the aircraft also malfunctioned, and the checks the pilot conducted at about 35,000 feet weren't required by any sort of guidance.

"The cause of the mishap was the [A-10C's] engines flaming out due to being flown under conditions where aircraft stall and engine failure were imminent," the report states.

Investigators found that the pilot acted in a way that was logical and appropriate during the accident.

The pilot faces administrative action, however, because a toxicology screening after the crash found the presence of amphetamines consistent with "go pills," used to keep pilots awake and alert during long flights.

The presence of amphetamines in the pilot's system isn't believed to have contributed to the crash.

First Lt. Chelsey Garrison, a Moody spokeswoman, said that "appropriate administrative action will be taken" because of the results of the toxicology screening. She declined to release the pilot's name, citing Air Force regulations.

Problems began when the pilot reached 15,000 feet and the aircraft's stall warning system malfunctioned. Although that meant that the pilot couldn't hear stall warning tones, no explicit guidance kept him from stopping the flight, and he proceeded.

He conducted high altitude checks at about 34,000 feet, but noticed the aircraft entering a stall with a slight right bank. He then noticed that both engine gauges were winding down and tried to recover the engines, which ultimately failed.

"The [pilot] attempted to restart the left and right engines multiple times without success," according to the accident investigation board report. "He continued his attempts until reaching an unpopulated area and ejected from the [aircraft]."

The engines had flamed out and failed to restart because of engine seizure, which kept the engines from rotating and starting, according to the report.

The report faulted training for not putting enough emphasis on high-altitude aircraft- or engine-stall possibilities. Because the pilot hadn't received the techniques to accomplish high-altitude checks, the report states, he was ill-prepared for the mishap scenario.

"Therefore, at 34,000 feet, the [pilot] was unaware he was operating the [aircraft] in an envelope where aircraft stall and engine failure were imminent," according to the report.

Source

Please note: Because this news article includes some more details, including a PDF of the report, let me post this news article separately. The full PDF will be published ASAP.

A-10C accident investigation report released

2012-01-12T18:25:00.008+01:00

Released today on USAF'S public main website

(U.S. Air Force Graphic / Corey Parrish) Full size Note: Pictured in this graphic is A-10 81-0954.

1/12/2012 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFNS) -- Dual engine failure during a functional check flight caused the crash of an A-10C Thunderbolt II Sept. 26, 2011, according to the Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released Jan. 11.

According to the report, the mishap aircraft's stall warning system malfunctioned at 15,000 feet, preventing stall warning tones from functioning properly. Without evidence of additional malfunctions, the mishap pilot continued the FCF.

At 34,000 feet, the mishap aircraft experienced a stall that quickly resulted in dual engine failure. The mishap pilot performed checklist items to recover the aircraft, but without success. The pilot located a controlled bailout area and safely ejected from the aircraft.

The aircraft crashed onto private property approximately 20 miles northwest of Moody Air Force Base, Ga., and was destroyed. The pilot did not sustain serious injuries. The aircraft loss is valued at approximately $14.7 million. The environmental clean-up costs are estimated at $150,000.

(Courtesy of the Air Combat Command Public Affairs Office)

Source

Related info:
Investigation ongoing for A-10C incident
Moody locating dropped aircraft ejection seat
Moody A-10C pilot ejects from aircraft

Please note: As visible on the relased USAF photos, the crashed A-10C clearly belonged to the 75th Fighter Squadron. And according to a non-official source, it was A-10C 80-0282. By the way: The serial number of the A-10C from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, which alreday crashed near Laufeld, western Germany, on Friday, April 1, 2011, is known to Warthog News as A-10C 81-0963. Meanwhile, from a personal contact I got a non-official and probably interim crash report. But please understand: I will held back it before an official accident investigation report is released.

This breaking news will be updated ASAP. But please note: At least on the moment there's no related info on ACC's public main website. And there's also no new entry in their website's section Accident Investigation Board Reports

163th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at D-M January 10, 2012

2012-01-11T21:07:00.006+01:00

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

ICE 11 flight of three A-10Cs from the 163th FS "Blacksnakes" over Davis-Monthan AFB. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

A-10C 78-0679. Note: Litening AT pod on Station 10, two MXU-648 Baggage pods, a rocket pod on station 4 and a possible rocket pod on Station 2.
(Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

A-10C 78-0692. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

A-10C 80-0244. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

Please note: Loadout info will be updated soon.

Question: What did the "Blacksnakes" at D-M?

CPI Aerostructures Announces $12.7 Million Purchase Order from Boeing for A-10 Assemblies

2012-01-11T20:14:00.005+01:00

A news release from CPI Aerostructures, published by defense.aerospace.com

(Source: CPI Aerostructures, Inc.; issued January 4, 2012)

EDGEWOOD, N.Y. --- CPI Aerostructures, Inc. (CPI Aero) today announced that it has received its first new business award for 2012, a purchase order valued at $12.7 million from the Boeing Defense, Space & Security unit of The Boeing Company for assemblies for the A-10 aircraft. This represents a follow-on order for CPI Aero's previously announced long-term requirements contract to support Boeing's A-10 Wing Replacement Program (WRP).

The A-10 WRP contract between Boeing and CPI Aero is worth up to approximately $84 million for the production of a variety of structural assemblies for up to 242 enhanced wings. To date, CPI Aero has received firm requirements for 117 ship sets at a value of approximately $47.3 million for the A-10 WRP program.

In addition, CPI Aero announced that new business awards from all customers for the year ended December 31, 2011 was approximately $83.6 million compared to $61.7 million for all of 2010.

CPI Aero is engaged in the contract production of structural and other aircraft parts for leading prime defense contractors, the U.S. Air Force, and other branches of the armed forces. CPI Aero also acts as a subcontractor to prime aircraft manufacturers in the production of commercial aircraft parts. In conjunction with its assembly operations, CPI Aero provides engineering, technical and program management services.

Source

Please note: At least at the moment, there are no related news releases available on CPI Aero's or Boeing's websites. Maybe this version, published by defense.aerospace.com, should be one of the very first releases, meanwhile copied a lot by other sources.

See also:
Boeing's Other Delay: New Wings for the Warthog

BTW: Let me link some older related sources after checking my own archives.

Selfridge Airmen to Return Home [Update]

2012-01-10T20:25:00.015+01:00

Col. Michael Thomas welcomes home members of the Michigan Air National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., Jan. 9, 2012. The Airmen returned home after a 4-month deployment to Afghanistan, where they flew, maintained and supported the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The Airmen are all members of the 127th Wing at Selfridge, of which Thomas is the commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. Dave Kujawa) Hi-res

by TSgt. Dan Heaton
127th Wing Public Affairs

1/9/2012 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. -- Approximately 300 Airmen of the Michigan Air National Guard returned to Selfridge Air National Guard Base Monday, Jan. 9, after a four-month deployment to Afghanistan. The Airmen operated and maintained the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft while deployed, serving with the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing, based at Kandahar Airfield. [...]

Major Gen. Gregory J. Vadnais, the adjutant general of Michigan, welcomes home a group of Airmen at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., Jan. 9, 2012. The Airmen, all members of the 127th Wing at Selfridge, were returning home after a 4-month deployment to Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. Dave Kujawa) Hi-res

Hundreds of friends and family members welcome home members of the Michigan Air National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., Jan. 9, 2012. The Airmen returned home after a 4-month deployment to Afghanistan, where they flew, maintained and supported the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The Airmen are all members of the 127th Wing at Selfridge. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. David Kujawa) Hi-res

Source (Including 7 photos and a video)

Please note: The rest of this news article is identical with it's previous version, already published on January 6, 2012. See: Selfridge Airmen to Return Home

This video is available now also on YouTube:

Comment: Welcome home, 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and all of your supporters!

Monarch Fury ORE at Gowen Field

2012-01-09T19:25:00.008+01:00

Released by 124th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, and captured by Warthog News as screen shots from a slideshow on their restricted "The Beacon Live" website - The Official Online Newsletter of the Idaho Air National Guard

Members of the 124th Fighter Wing, Maintenance Squadron, participate in Operational Readiness Exercise (ORE) Monarch Fury, Jan. 7 at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Robert Barney) Full size

Note: Pictured is A-10C 78-0707 from the 190th Fighter Squadron.

124th Fighter Wing munitions system specialists participate in Operational Readiness Exercise (ORE) Monarch Fury, Jan. 7 at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Robert Barney) Full size

Note: Probably the same aircraft. AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod on station 10.

Source (including some more related pictures)

A-10 ladder door art now on Facebook

2012-01-08T17:46:00.010+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Please don't miss this brand-new Facebook page, created by Joe "Dice-man" Hodges, the world's top source for A-10 Thunderbolt II ("Warthog") ladder door and other related art:

Joe's Facebook page captured early this evening. (Screenshot by Joachim Jacob) Full size

As a long time "Hog" maintainer, since years Joe does a great job with his outstanding and unique A-10 art project, formerly published only on his website The Warthog Pen, check Art Index. If you like to add some more related photos or info to identify pictured stuff by aircraft serial numbers, please contact Joe directly. I would be very grateful for any support.

For the next time, please visit Joe's Facebook page several times a day! He's still very busy with uploading more and more of his collected stuff...

BTW: Special thanks to Joe for linking Warthog News on his own website!

Two new A-10 books announced by Reid Air Publications

2012-01-07T18:39:00.014+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Good news for the A-10 Thunderbolt II community and "Hog" enthusiasts all over the world! Reid Air Publications is preparing two new books about this amazing aircraft.

Already in 2007, Jake Melampy - as author and his own publisher - had released his outstanding book "The Modern Hog Guide - The A-10 Warthog Exposed". I got my own copy in December 2008 as a Christmas gift from my son. And I declared this book as a "Must have" for A-10 enthusiasts.

Meanwhile, on November 13 last year, Jake announced a second edition of this book. He wrote:

Since the Hog Guide sold out back in the Spring, I bet I get 10 e-mails daily asking if it's going to be reprinted. The answer is no, it will not. However, a 2nd Edition of the book is nearly done, and will be released sometime in 2012, depending on how other releases (The Modern Hornet Guide, and two new Modeler's Guides) shake out early in the year. The 2nd Edition features all-new images, more pages, and more coverage of the early, pre-LASTE jets, and even more coverage of the A-10C and A-10A+. It will also have a lot more "in action" and air-air photos, something lacking in the first edition. Couple that with the new printing company we're using now, and it should be a far superior book to the first release, for the same price.

Source on zone-five.net

Jake Melampy

Secondly, on January 5, 2012, Jake announced another new A-10 book. He wrote:

If you're a follower of the aviation magazines such as Combat Aircraft, Air Forces Monthly, etc, you've probably seen Neil Dunridge's name before. He's an astonishingly talented photographer from the UK, and a great guy to hang around with.

He's been chasing the A-10 around the world now for a couple years compiling images and information to put together his book, which will be published by Reid Air Publications this summer. I'll let the images speak for themselves. This is going to be a very, very cool book, with combat pics from Afghanistan and Iraq, and every A-10 squadron at home.

His title will be "A-10C Thunderbolt II -- 21st Century Warthog".

Source on zone-five.net
Source on Facebook

Just three of the preview pictures (More will be uploaded soon):

Full size

Full size

Full size

Full size

Please note: Photo descriptions will be uploaded soon. Can't wait to get my own copies of both of these books...

Neil at work: He's posing here in front of A-10C 80-0208 from the 75th Fighter Squadron, parked in an aircraft revetment at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Full size

See also:
74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron featured in Combat Aircraft Magazine, August 2011 issue (Story by Neil Dunridge)
Neil's website

Selfridge Airmen to Return Home

2012-01-06T22:09:00.003+01:00

by TSgt. Dan Heaton
127th Wing Public Affairs

1/6/2012 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. -- Approximately 300 Airmen of the Michigan Air National Guard are returning to Selfridge Air National Guard Base this month, after a four-month deployment to Afghanistan. The Airmen operated and maintained the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft while deployed, serving with the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing, based at Kandahar Airfield.

"The safe return of our Michigan Airmen is a very welcome way to begin the new year," said Col. Michael Thomas, commander of the 127th Wing, the home unit of the returning Airmen. "The selfless service rendered by these men and women, which included being deployed over the holiday season, epitomizes the core values of the U.S. Air Force."

The deployment was the fourth major deployment of the unit's since 2001. This was the first deployment for the Selfridge fighter aircraft unit to Afghanistan and the first since the 107th Fighter Squadron made the transition to flying the A-10, an air-to-ground attack aircraft. The deployment included members of the 127th Operations Group and the 127th Maintenance Group.

Over the 120-day deployment period, the unit logged approximately 8,300 flight hours in 2,000 sorties, or flight missions.

While the bulk of the unit is returning home in early January, a small cadre will remain behind to assist with the transition of the unit that replaced the Michigan Air Guardsmen at Kandahar, a NATO base in southern Afghanistan.

Composed of approximately 1,700 Citizen-Airmen, the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard is the host organization at Selfridge, flying the KC-135 Stratotanker, an aerial refueler, and the A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the Warthog, which is an air-to-ground attack fighter. In addition to the Wing, Selfridge is home to numerous other military and federal agencies, which fly a variety of helicopters and small, light fixed-wing aircraft.

More information on the 127th Wing and Selfridge Air National Guard Base is available at www.127wg.ang.af.mil.

Comment: Job well done, 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and all supporting units! That was the first leg of an ongoing "Total Force" A-10C combat deployment to the 451st AEW at Kandahar Airfield in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

A-10 pilot surpasses 1,000 combat hours flown

2012-01-06T21:50:00.004+01:00

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Capt. "Rudy," an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot with the 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, surpassed 1,000 combat flying hours in support combat operations in Afghanistan and eclipsed more than 2,000 total flying hours during this deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal) Hi-res

by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

1/6/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- (Editor's note: The name of "Captain Rudy" is being held for security and safety reasons.)

At a typical deployment, leaders will encourage you to "make every second count." One pilot here has done just that. In fact, he's made more than three million seconds count.

Capt. "Rudy," an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot with the 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, surpassed 1,000 combat flying hours in support combat operations in Afghanistan and eclipsed more than 2,000 total flying hours during this deployment.

"This is a milestone rarely achieved for a fighter pilot," said Lt. Col. Joshua Ruddell, 107th EFS assistant director of operations. "This equates to being in a combat flying deployment for roughly two years."

He is completing his second deployment to Kandahar Airfield and his fourth overall.

However, this combat-hours milestone was not one of his goals.

"I didn't even know I reached the 1,000 combat hour point until I saw guys from the squadron arriving at my aircraft parking spot after I landed," Rudy said. "I wouldn't trade the experiences I've gained protecting our soldiers on the ground and the strong friendships I have made with squadron mates throughout my deployments."

But this mark comes at a price, he said.

"It also means I've spent about two years away from my wife and missed a lot of birthdays and anniversaries," Rudy said.

An Austin, Texas, native, he is currently assigned to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

"Reaching 1,000 combat hours is honestly not an important milestone to me," he said. After all, it's really just a number. Nothing special happened to me when I reached that point. I didn't get smarter, didn't instantly become a better pilot."

"What's important to me is I've spent 1,000 hours in the air doing my best to make sure the guys on the ground can go home safely to their families," Rudy added. "If just five minutes of that time was enough to give a family a chance to see their father or son again then for me every second was worth it."

"Overall it has been a bittersweet experience but one that I am proud of and it's something that I will remember for the rest of my life."

Beyond his seldom-reached milestone, he is seen as much more than a pilot in his squadron, said Ruddell.

"He is an exceptional instructor pilot and strives to make every pilot he flies with better," said Ruddell. "Whether it's on the ground or in the air, he is constantly improving the quality of our pilots' flying skills."

Source

Please note: According to this official USAF source, Captain "Rudy" is deployed from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, to be part of the currently combat-deployed "Total Force" A-10C team.

23rd AMXS continues the mission after the holidays

2012-01-06T21:28:00.003+01:00

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs

1/5/2012 - U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Eric Mastin, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, conducts a pre-flight inspection on an A-10C Thunderbolt II prior to a pilot upgrade training session at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Jan. 5, 2011. The A-10 remained in limbo during the holiday break but is now back in action to prepare for next week's operational readiness exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eileen Meier) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 186. Crew inscription: PLT: CAPT JOHN MYERS, DCC: SSGT JEREL MOORE, ACC: SRA ERIC MASTIN.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Eric Mastin, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, climbs an A-10C Thunderbolt II to conduct pre-flight checks prior to a pilot upgrade training session at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Jan. 5, 2011. Pre-flight inspections are vital to the safety of pilots and maintainers of aircraft. The ability to conduct these inspections and other mission-related tasks will soon be challenged during an upcoming operational readiness inspection being held March 28 to April 4. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eileen Meier) Hi-res

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. William Smith, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, uses an ammunition loading adaptor to download 30-millimeter rounds into an A-10C Thunderbolt II ammo drum prior to a pilot training mission at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Jan. 5, 2011. The weapons download helped prepare the 23rd AMXS for an upcoming operational readiness inspection being held March 28 to April 4. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eileen Meier) Hi-res

U.S. Air Force Capt. Brandon Liabenow, 74th Fighter Squadron, conducts a pre-flight inspection on an A-10C Thunderbolt II prior to a pilot upgrade training session at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Jan. 5, 2011. Since the holiday break ended, the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 74th FS are back in game-mode preparing for next week's operational readiness exercise and an operational readiness inspection being held March 28 to April 4. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eileen Meier) Hi-res

Source

Professional A-10 photography by Paul Filmer

2012-01-04T19:06:00.014+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Some days ago, on my Warthog News fan page on Facebook, Jared Soergel hooked me up to excellent A-10 slideshows by aviation photographer Paul Filmer from the United States - never seen before by myself. Meanwhile, I'm in personal contact with Paul via e-mail, and he provided me some of his shots for posting on Warthog News exclusively. Just a few samples:

A-10C 80-0176 from the 357th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, fires it's gun, February 28, 2011. (Photo by Paul Filmer) Full size

A-10C 78-0689 from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge ANGB, during Red Flag 11-3 at Nellis AFB, Nevada, March 9, 2011. (Photo by Paul Filmer) Full size

A-10C 78-0689 from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge ANGB, during Red Flag 11-3 at Nellis AFB, Nevada, March 9, 2011. (Photo by Paul Filmer) Full size

A-10C 641 from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge ANGB, during Red Flag 11-3 at Nellis AFB, Nevada, March 7, 2011. (Photo by Paul Filmer) Full size

An A-10C from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge ANGB, during Red Flag 11-3 at Nellis AFB, Nevada, February 23, 2011. (Photo by Paul Filmer) Full size

A four-ship of A-10Cs from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge ANGB, during Red Flag 11-3 at Nellis AFB, Nevada, February 22, 2011. (Photo by Paul Filmer)

A-10 79-0148 from the 47th Fighter Squadron, April 1, 2009. (Photo by Paul Filmer) Full size

A-10C ... from the 47th Fighter Squadron, April 2, 2009. (Photo by Paul Filmer) Full size

A-10 80-0171 from the 47th Fighter Squadron, April 1, 2009. (Photo by Paul Filmer) Full size

Close-up shot of the 47th Fighter Squadron's DOGPATCHERS fin cap marking, April 1, 2009. (Photo by Paul Filmer) Full size

MOONBEAM McSWINE ladder door art of A-10 79-0148 from the 47th Fighter Squadron, April 1, 2009. (Photo by Paul Filmer)

MOONBEAM McSWINE fuselage art of A-10 79-0148 from the 47th Fighter Squadron, April 1, 2009. (Photo by Paul Filmer) Full size

BRUTE FORCE ladder door art of A-10 79-0151 from the 47th Fighter Squadron, April 1, 2009. (Photo by Paul Filmer)

CAVE GAL fuselage art of A-10 79-0151 from the 47th Fighter Squadron, April 1, 2009. (Photo by Paul Filmer) Full size

Please note: In the next couple of days I will share a lot of links related to Paul's online slideshows. Please re-check this post again.

451st AEW support Kandahar Air Wing open house

2012-01-02T17:44:00.002+01:00

KANDAHAR AIR WING, Afghanistan -- An A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot speaks to an interested event attendee during the 2012 Kandahar Air Wing Open House at Kandahar Air Wing, Afghanistan, Jan. 1, 2012. The 451st Air Expeditionary Wing supported the open house by having an MQ-9 Reaper and an A-10 Thunderbolt II static display for Afghan locals to see and ask questions about. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal) Hi-res

Note: Pictured in the background is A-10C 81-0965 from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. The A-10C pilot is called BUBBLES on his name patch (probably his personal callsign), and due to the checkerboard design of the A-10 logo he's deployed from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG), Selfridge ANGB.

by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

1/2/2012 - KANDHAR AIR WING, Afghanistan -- Hundreds of Afghan locals, Kandahar Air Wing leadership and Kandahar Airfield leadership attend the 2012 Kandahar Air Wing Open House at Kandahar Air Wing, Afghanistan, Jan. 1, 2012. Leaders at the Kandahar Air Wing invited more than 300 local children to the open house to show them the various airframes flown at Kandahar Air Wing and Kandahar Airfield.

Source

Barksdale Reservists do their part

2011-12-30T18:58:00.004+01:00

Released by 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

12/29/2011 - Col. John Breazeale at right, commander of the 917th Fighter Group, converses with two 47th Fighter Squadron pilots at Hoban Hall on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 28, 2011. The pilots assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, are a part of approximately 124 Airmen who deployed from the 917th FG to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 917th FG is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Source (including four more photos)

Related info:
Reservists head to Afghanistan

Note: And so, according to all of these official sources, at least approximately 254 reservists are currently deployed to take over the A-10C OEF combat missions at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, from the Air National Guard. Maybe later next year they will be replaced by personnel from the 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, for the third and final leg of this "Total Force" A-10C team combat deployment.

Reservists head to Afghanistan

2011-12-29T18:41:00.008+01:00

Approximately 130 reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing deployed to Afghanistan, Dec. 28, 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The deployed reservists are scheduled to return in spring 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nick Wilson) Hi-res

by Staff Sgt. Danielle Wolf
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/28/2011 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Approximately 130 Citizen Airmen from the 442nd Maintenance and Operations groups here deployed to Afghanistan today in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The units maintain and operate the A-10 Thunderbolt II, which provides close air support to ground troops and is most notable for its 30-millimeter gatling gun.

"The purpose of A-10 combat power is to keep others safe," said Col. Eric S. Overturf, 442nd FW commander to the deploying Airmen at their final out brief. "Because you're going over there to employ this aircraft and its munitions, you are ensuring that a soldier, sailor, Airman or Marine can return home safely to his family."

Members from throughout the community, to include the Whiteman Base Community Council and local retirees had to opportunity, Dec. 28, to wish the reservists well on their deployment. The Whiteman BCC made hundreds of cookies that each reservist got to take with him to make the flight more comfortable.

"The support from the local community is outstanding," Overturf said. "They not only support our Airmen, but they support the families the Airmen have to leave behind, which makes it much easier for them to accomplish the mission in theater."

Despite the 3 a.m. takeoff, the reservists had dozens of people sending them off.
The wing has a rich history in deployments - four deployments since 9/11 - where it has sent a package of maintainers, operators and aircraft to the area of responsibility.

Hundreds of reservists from other parts of the wing have also deployed in previous years, but most recently the 442nd Security Forces Squadron, and currently, the 442nd Civil Engineers Squadron.

The reservists are scheduled to return in the spring.

For more photos, see the 442nd Fighter Wing slideshow.

Source

See also:

Whiteman reservists deploy over holidays

by Staff Sgt. Danielle Wolf
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/27/2011 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Approximately 230 reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing here and from its geographically separated unit, the 917th Fighter Group, Barksdale AFB, La., will deploy at the end of December in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The reservists, most of whom maintain civilian employment in the local area, are assigned to the 442nd Maintenance and Operations groups.

The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

The reservists are expected to return in April.

Source

Note: Seems like this deployment marks the second leg to operate and maintain a "Total Force" A-10C team which is currently combat-deployed to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The reservists will replace guardsmen from the 127th Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge ANGB, which deployed for the first leg in late September 2011. As a result of this replacement, maybe the designation of the deployed A-10C aircraft package will be changed from 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to another designation. But I'm not sure.

23rd Wing weapons manager retires

2011-12-21T19:20:00.003+01:00

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs

Being Recognized: U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Lilly [right], 23rd Wing weapons manager, is presented with a plaque of recognition from Master Sgt. Steven Glick, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit section chief, during his retirement ceremony held at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Dec. 19, 2011. Throughout his 30 year career, Lilly has worked with several different units and with various weapons systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Dominique) Hi-res

Note: According to the caption of another related photo, Lilly is scheduled to retire March 1st from active duty.

Overturf nominated for brigadier general

2011-12-21T09:05:00.003+01:00

by Staff Sgt. Danielle Wolf
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/20/2011 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Col. Eric S. Overturf, commander of the 442nd Fighter Wing here, has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general, as announced Friday.

Overturf is responsible for approximately 2,000 reservists here and at three other geographically separated units: the 917th Fighter Group, Barksdale AFB, La.; the 476th Fighter Group, Moody AFB, Ga.; and the 924th Fighter Group, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.

Overturf was born in Greeley, Colo. He is a 1984 honors graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He served 14 years in the regular Air Force in a wide variety of F-16 assignments in U.S. Air Forces Europe, Pacific Air Forces, and Air Combat Command and as an instructor at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School. He joined the Air Force Reserve in 1998 as a traditional reservist and is currently serving in full-time status. Colonel Overturf is a command pilot with more than 4,300 hours of fighter time in the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-22A Raptor and the F-16 Fighting Falcon including missions in support of Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Northern Watch, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Enduring Freedom. He took command of the 442nd Fighter Wing in December 2010.

The promotion ceremony is pending Senate confirmation.

Source

See also:
Official USAF biography of Col. Eric S. Overturf

442nd Fighter Wing members deploy for Afghanistan

2011-12-21T08:48:00.003+01:00

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Approximately 30 reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing departed Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., and headed for Afghanistan, Dec. 19. Made up of mostly maintainers and pilots, the group is scheduled to return around April 2012. 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 Staff Sgt. Danielle Wolf) Hi-res

Note: This combat deployment to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom is part of the currently deployed "Total Force" A-10C team. For some more related pictures please check the 442nd FW public website's photo section.

Bobby Bell tours 442nd Fighter Wing

2011-12-21T08:31:00.004+01:00

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Bobby Bell, NFL hall-of-famer and retired Kansas City Chiefs football player, tours the 442nd Fighter Wing with his family, Dec. 16. Bell, an ambassador for the KC Chiefs and supporter of the Air Force Reserve, presented the wing with an autographed football during the tour. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman AFB, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Padden) Source

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0114 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron. Please take a look on the air intake cover with the new unit logo, honoring the Kansas City Chiefs. More pictures will be uploaded soon.

Home on the range: Joint Terminal Attack Controllers train with 188th Warthogs

2011-12-20T21:16:00.010+01:00

Updated 22 December 2011:

An A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthog" with the 188th Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard fires its 30mm Gatling gun at the 188th's Detachment 1 Razorback Range during a Close-Air Support (CAS) training exercise with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs). (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Heath Allen / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

By 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/20/2011 - FORT CHAFFEE MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER, Ark. -- Several A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" with the 188th Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard conducted a Close-Air Support (CAS) training exercise with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) at the 188th's Detachment 1 Razorback Range located at Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center, Ark., Dec. 12, 2011.

The Warthogs conducted strafing runs, shot targets with their 30mm Gatling gun and dropped sundry munitions while working with JTACs, who plotted coordinates for air strikes during the CAS training. The JTACs are members of the 19th Air Support Operations Squadron based in Fort Campbell, Ky.

Razorback Range is a key asset and currently is the best among all Air National Guard units nationwide in terms of proximity to the wing. Razorback Range's proximity to Ebbing Air National Guard Base allows the 188th's A-10s to be on the range just two minutes after takeoff, which makes the unit the most efficient A-10 wing in the ANG in terms of training costs.

To view additional photos from this training exercise, watch the slideshow.

An A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthog" with the 188th Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard conducts a strafing run at the 188th's Detachment 1 Razorback Range during a Close-Air Support (CAS) training exercise with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs). (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Heath Allen / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs. (Note: This picture is copied from the 188th FW's Facebook page. The hi-res link of this picture on their website doesn't work.)

Source

See also:
Related album on Facebook

Update 22 December 2011:
The following additional hi-res photo has been released:

Updated December 21, 2011

An A-10C drops a 25 pound BDU-33 practice bomb. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class John Hillier / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

188th family members take to skies, range to observe mission

2011-12-20T06:34:00.010+01:00

Updated December 22, 2011

The 188th Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard conducted spouse orientation rides on a KC-135R Stratotanker with the 185th Airlift Wing, Iowa Air National Guard Dec. 2-3, 2011, in Fort Smith, Ark. Spouses of 188th members were able to observe the Flying Razorbacks' A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" conduct aerial refueling from the KC-135R's boom operation area during the flight. The flight was part of an open house in which 188th family members were afforded the opportunity to fly an A-10 simulator as well as observe A-10 training exercises at the 188th's Detachment 1 Razorback Range located at Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center, Ark. The objective of the program was to showcase the 188th's mission to family members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Landeros / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 78-0642 (ex 131st FS, 104th FW, Massachusetts ANG) from the 184th Fighter Squadron.

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

12/19/2011 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- It was a family affair at the 188th Fighter Wing during the December Unit Training Assembly.

Spouses took to the skies over Fort Smith for an up-close look at flight operations during a "Spouse Lift" orientation flight here Dec. 3.

Unit family members also took advantage of the opportunity to observe the 188th's A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" drop munitions, conduct strafing runs and fire their 30mm Gatling guns at Detachment 1 Razorback Range, which is located at Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center, Ark.

Family members were also afforded the chance to operate an A-10 flight simulator during the two-day program.

"I thought it would be a good idea to do something for the families, to show them a small part of what we do here," said Capt. Josh Parnell, a 188th pilot who also functioned as the project officer for the spouse orientation flights. "I wanted them to see what their spouse as a unit member does to contribute that as a civilian you wouldn't normally get to see."

In all, 97 spouses had the opportunity to fly aboard a KC-135R Stratotanker from the Iowa Air National Guard's 185th Air Refueling Wing as it conducted mid-air refueling exercises with the 188th's A-10s.

After a safety briefing from Tech Sgt. Mike Dunlop, a boom operator with the 185th, spouses were given a tour around the KC-135R, and learned about the refueling mission of the aircraft.

Spouses then boarded the KC-135R and strapped in for takeoff. Once the aircraft reached 16,000 feet, spouses were able to explore the aircraft and talk with the crew and visit the cockpit.

While the spouses took photos of the Stratotanker and watched out the windows for the arrival of the A-10s, Dunlop talked about the KC-135R's mission, and entertained them with stories from his career.

Each spouse had the opportunity to observe a contact drill between the KC-135R and an A-10, in which the boom operator connects the refueling hose to the other aircraft in preparation for mid-air refueling.

Parnell, who flew with the 185th for three years before coming to the 188th had flown spouse flights with KC-135Rs before, he said. He was able to use that relationship to benefit both the 185th and 188th.

"I've flown with both the pilots and boom operators many times," Parnell said. "I know them really well. That helped with organization of the flights, and would have been much more difficult without that personal relationship."

Parnell said it can be challenging to keep current with training requirements, especially for part-time flyers. Parnell said they don't get to refuel A-10s very often, so it's a change of pace for them.

"The 185th gets get to fly sorties out of a different location and refuel an aircraft that they don't normally get to practice with," Parnell said.

Parnell said the 188th pilots got to not only exhibit the aerial refueling process to unit member spouses but it was also a chance to prepare for the 188th's upcoming Air Expeditionary Forces deployment to Afghanistan this summer.

"We've got a lot on our plate next year, and air refueling is a big part of letting us execute our mission." Parnell said. "It's also something that family members were able to go see. Knowing that we're going to be deployed next summer, it's a way to say 'thank you' to the families for supporting us when we have to go away and do our jobs."

The flight was certainly appreciated. It was the first flight ever for Shelley Staggs.

"It was really neat; I enjoyed it," she said. "We went up in the cockpit and got down in the [boom area]. I'd definitely do it again."

A-10C 78-0586 (ex 118th FS, 103rd FW, Connecticut ANG) from the 184th Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class John Hillier / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

A-10C 78-0646 (ex 118th FS, 103rd FW, Connecticut ANG) from the 184th Fighter Squadron. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Landeros / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

Source

Update December 20, 2011: Today, 184th FW Public Affairs released some more related pictures on the wing's website and posted a huge album 188th family members observe unit's mission with 77 photos on the wing's fan page on Facebook, ncluding a lot of additional air-to-air shots.

Update December 22, 2011
The following two additional hi-res photos has been released:

A-10C 78-0642 approaches the tanker. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Landeros / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Hi-res

A brilliant shot of A-10C 78-0586. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class John Hillier / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

Impressive A-10 albums by Ken Middleton on Flickr

2011-12-19T18:53:00.006+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Some years ago, aviation photographer and Warthog News contributor Ken Middleton from the United States created his two websites about the 103rd Fighter Wing and the 104th Fighter Wing, both linked in the section "Other A-10 Sites" on my blog's left navigation sidebar.

Already in 2009, but unfortunally overlooked by me, Ken launched his own photostream on Flickr. Meanwhile, his collections include five different sets of A-10 photos, also related to the 111th Fighter Wing and the 175th Wing. Please enjoy!

Here are two of Ken's latest added shots, uploaded on December 17, 2011:

A-10 80-0230 from the 103rd Fighter Squadron, 111th Fighter Wing (Pennsylvania ANG), Willow Grove, taken on June 27, 2009. (Photo by Ken Middleton) Full size

A-10 78-0659 from the 131st Fighter Squadron, 104th Fighter Wing (Massachusetts ANG), taken on June 25, 2006, at Barnes 2006 Airshow. (Photo by Ken Middleton) Full size

Please also visit Ken on Facebook.

Nice A-10 slide show by photographer Tom Hildreth

2011-12-19T03:47:00.002+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

This night, photographer Tom Hildreth from the United States hooked me up via Facebook to his very nice A-10 slide show on photo.net. At first, let me share this sample picture which deals with the current winter season (Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!):

A-10A 79-0104 from the 131st Fighter Squadron "Death Vipers", 104th Fighter Wing (Massachusetts ANG), Barnes ANGB, Massachusetts (Tailcode MA); photo taken on December 8, 1996. The nose in the foreground belongs to A-10A 78-0644 from the same unit. (Photo by Tom Hildreth) Full size

Source

See also all of Tom's online pictures

By the way: In the next couple of days I will ask Tom for posting some more (if not all) of his historic A-10 shots on Warthog News.

354th Fighter Squadron Change of Command

2011-12-17T21:38:00.005+01:00

Released by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Samuel Milam, 355th Operations Group commander, passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Daniel Luce [on the right] as he assumes command of the 354th Fighter Squadron on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Dec. 16, 2011. Before assuming command of the 354th FS, Luce was the 355th Operations Support Squadron director of operations here on D-M. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Timothy D. Moore) Hi-res

Note: The "Hog" with 354th FS "Bulldogs" insignia in the background should be A-10C 78-0706, formerly assigned to the 357th Fighter Squadron and marked as 357th FS boss bird. Anybody who can identify the cartoon art on the ALQ-131 ECM pod? It looks to me like a raven. It is usual to apply such art on ECM pods at D-M?

Some historic Fairchild Republic Company's A-10 stuff preserved now by Warthog News

2011-12-16T21:09:00.006+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Thanks to a German aviation friend of mine who wants to remain anonymous, today I was able to preserve a small but very informative collection of original Farchild Republic Company's news releases and some of their black-and-white press photos from the seventies. Now, I have to scan and digitalize all of this, allongside with some clipped newspaper stuff and additional personal A-10 photos.

Just an appetizer:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

354th TACTICAL FIGHTER WING COMPLETES FIRST FULL YEAR OF A-10 OPERATIONS

FARMINGDALE, L.I., N.Y., September 3, 1978 -- The 354th Tactical Fighter Wing at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina, is the first operational U.S. Air Force wing to complete a full year of operations equipped with the USAF/Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II close air support aircraft.

The wing commander of the 354th, Colonel Robert H. Reed, reported that his organization, which started in July 1977 with 14 new A-10 aircraft and 11 pilots, had grown to 55 A-10s and 68 mission-ready pilots in June 1978. In the previous 12 months, according to Colonel Reed, those pilots flew 7,165 sorties for a total of 12,184 hours.

Three tactical fighter squadrons comprise the 354th. They include the 353rd (Black Panthers) Tactical Fighter Squadron, the 355th (Fighting Falcons) Tactical Fighter Squadron and the 356th (Green Demons) Tactical Fighter Squadron.

When A-10 operations got underway last year, a total of 138 sorties representing 294 hours were flown in the initial month. Last June, Myrtle Beach Air Force Base operations handled 1,016 A-10 sorties totaling 1,651 hours.

Production aircraft are also in service with the U.S. Air Force's Tactical Air Command at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, and Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. With nearly 140 A-10 aircraft presently in the Air Force's inventory, plans are to ultimately procure 733 aircraft to equip tactical fighter wings in Europe and components of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve in the United States.

Chaffee Panel Plots 188th Fight

2011-12-16T19:33:00.005+01:00

A squadron of 188th Fighter Wing A-10 Thunderbolts sit on the flightline Wednesday, July 20, 2011, after a recent inspection at Ebbing Air National Guard Base. (Photo by Corey S. Krasko, Times Record) Full size

Note: Pictured in the foreground is A-10C 78-0626 from the 184th Fighter Squadron.

By Wanda Freeman
Times Record
Posted: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 8:40 am

As the Defense Department grapples with $450 billion in possible budget cuts nationally, the case for keeping the 188th Fighter Wing and its current mission intact will center on cost-effectiveness, said community and military leaders Monday.

During a news conference of the 188th Fighter Wing/Fort Chaffee Community Council, Col. Tom Anderson, 188th commander, said the reason the wing can perform its training mission so economically is its location. The close proximity to Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center allows for short commutes and time for two training missions a day instead of one.

"When you count all the missions over a year, it adds up pretty quickly," he said.

Gen. Dwight Balch, commander of the Arkansas Air National Guard, said the best value for the country is to keep the A-10 Thunderbolt II in the military and specifically with the 188th in Fort Smith.

"The cost per flying hour for the A-10 is one of the cheapest," Balch said.

Although the Air Force continues to develop plans for the F-35 and F-22, Balch said those planes are more expensive to operate than the A-10, an older plane that is not in the Air Force's long-term vision.

"We would like to see the F-35 on that ramp," Balch said, gesturing toward a ramp just outside of the 188th headquarters building.

After the news conference, he said the F-35 is in the long-term plan for the 188th, and could certainly replace the A-10 if the A-10 mission were to end. Compared to the A-10, which performs air-to-ground support, he said, the F-35 does both air-to-ground and air-to-air work.

Col. Keith Klemmer, chief of staff for Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford, Arkansas Guard adjutant general, said Wofford was in Washington meeting with leaders on behalf of the 188th, the Arkansas National Guard and the entire reserve component of the military.

Dr. Jerry Stewart, president of the Community Council, said the current arena for discussion is within the military, but the more political arena will come into play when President Barack Obama presents the budget in February.

The Community Council steering committee recently formed to defend the 188th against budget cuts will meet with political leaders on Dec. 20. During that briefing, the committee will speak in detail with state legislators and elected leaders from municipal and county governments.

The 188th was home to a wing of F-16 fighters, known as the Fighting Falcons, until 2005, when the Base Closure and Realignment Commission approved moving the F-16s to the 144th Fighter Wing in California. In 2008, partly as a result of community support, the 188th transitioned to the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

Source (Please check this source for more related news stories)

See also:
PRESS RELEASE: Rumors addressed with Fort Smith's 188th Fighter Wing; A-10 units among discussion of Department of Defense budget cuts

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011!

2011-12-16T01:45:00.008+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Dear visitors, contributors and other friends of Warthog News. I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for 2012! Special greetings to the entire USAF A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthog" community and their families, especially to the airmen of the 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron which is currently combat-deployed to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

To make you smile, from my archives I selected the following historic USAF photo, taken at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, December 24, 2003:

Original photo caption: A visit from Santa. Staff Sgt. John Hamilton, 455th Expeditionary Operations Group resident "Santa," deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., spreads holiday cheer Dec. 24 to the troops along the flightline at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Brian Davidson) Larger version

Please note: This funny official USAF picture was taken during the deployment of the 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Wing (ACC), Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, commanded by Lt. Col. Tim Saffold, to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). This deployment was part of the Air Expeditionary Forces's AEF 5/6 (Cycle 4) rotation (December 2003 – February 2004).

Related OEF background info:
A-10 Units of Operation Enduring Freedom

For Christmas 2011 see also:
A Warthog Christmas by Joe

BTW:
If anybody needs a hi-res copy (2100 x 1500) please drop me a line via e-mail.

Airmen showcase fighter-wing mission to SACEUR, EUCOM commander

2011-12-15T22:49:00.002+01:00

by Staff Sgt. Daryl Knee
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Navy Adm. Jim Stavridis, U.S. European Command commander and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, visited with Airmen in Hangar 1 here Dec. 14 as part of a familiarization tour. He thanked the Airmen for their hard work to secure enduring stability in Europe and Eurasia. During the visit, Stavridis saw the unique capabilities the 52nd Fighter Wing provides to the European theater of operations and learned about some of the wing’s accomplishments this year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res

12/15/2011 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The commander of U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe visited with Airmen here Dec. 14 as part of a familiarization tour.

U.S. Navy Adm. Jim Stavridis saw the unique capabilities the 52nd Fighter Wing provides to the European theater of operations and learned about some of the wing's accomplishments this year.

"Here at Spangdahlem, we have a wonderful example that we can show to the 51 different countries in U.S. European Command - the vast majority of which have air forces," he said about the base earning the 2011 Air Force Installation Excellence Award. "They can come to a place like Spangdahlem and have an opportunity to see the very best in installation management, and I'm just so proud of what's been accomplished here."

During the visit, pilots and maintainers of the F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft briefed the admiral about Spangdahlem's weapon systems and how those systems allow Saber Airmen to provide combat power to the current fight.

The wing supported Operation Odyssey Dawn, NATO's operations in Libya earlier this year. Stavridis said Spangdahlem's F-16, A-10 and mobility operations all combined to form a part of the global air capability the United States is known for delivering.

"In terms of Libya, this is where the first flights were launched, we saw the suppression of enemy air defense and above all, these great Airmen forward deployed into Italy to continue that mission," Stavridis said. "They did terrific work."

While EUCOM's overall mission involves conducting military operations and partnering with international military and interagency departments to defend the United States forward, Stavridis said there is more he wants Airmen to think about during their day-to-day operations.

"One thing I really admire about how we do business here is we deliver combat capability, we support partnership building with all of our European allies and we also deliver a wonderful environment for our families," he said. "So, we do combat, we prepare to partner in the international world, and we take care of our families.

"That's our mission," he continued.

More than 100,000 military and Department of Defense civilian employees work for the command, and Stavridis thanked them all for their hard work in the effort to secure enduring stability in Europe and Eurasia.

"To all of our great Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and outstanding DoD civilians - have a wonderful holiday," he said. "I give thanks every single day that I get to work in Europe with great members of the Department of Defense, and I'm very proud today to be in Spangdahlem, Germany, with my Airmen."

Source

A Warthog Christmas by Joe

2011-12-15T05:07:00.012+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Please enjoy A Warthog Christmas, edited by Joe "Dice-man" Hodges from the United States.

As a long-time Hog maintainer, Joe is the owner and webmaster of The Warthog Pen, already founded in 1998 and still one of the few A-10 online sources. Meanwhile, Joe's website is the world's top source for A-10 ladder door art. Please visit his unique Ladder Door Art Pages. Joe is also one of the moderators of Warthog Territory Forums - the only A-10 forum on the web.

I really enjoy the pretty childlike voice of Joe's daughter Melissa, performing the unique song "Warthog, The Ugly Airplane". Don't miss it! This song should be a "must have" for all Warthog enthusiasts.

Joe, would you be so kind to share a picture of Melissa?

Enlistment Oath

2011-12-15T04:45:00.003+01:00

Released by 175th Wing Public Affairs

New enlistee Zachary A. Zarbos repeats the enlistment oath from Col. Scott L. Kelly, commander of the 175th Wing Maryland Air National Guard, at Warfield Air National Guard Base, Baltimore, MD. Federal law requires everyone who enlists or re-enlists in the Armed Forces of the United States to take the enlistment oath. The oath of enlistment into the United States Armed Forces is administered by any commissioned officer to any person enlisting or re-enlisting for a term of service into any branch of the military. The officer asks the person, or persons, to raise their right hand and repeat the oath after him. The oath is traditionally performed in front of the United States Flag and other flags, such as the state flag, military branch flag, and unit guidon may be present. John enlisted into the Maryland Air Guard for six years as a Munition Specialist. Col Kelly had referred Zachary and John Weinhold to the guard under the referral program. Air National Guard Referral Rewards Program is a voluntary recruitment referral program where members who successfully help recruit a new member are rewarded with incentives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ed Bard) Hi-res

Note: Please check the 175th Wing website's photo section for two more related pictures.

KC Chiefs interview Airmen, fans for webisode

2011-12-13T23:42:00.003+01:00

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/12/2011 - The 442nd Fighter Wing has adopted the arrowhead logo to represent the wing. The logo combines that of the Kansas City Chiefs and the A-10 Thunderbolt II. The KC Chiefs is a National Football League team that is making a web episode about the 442nd Fighter Wing for their internet-based show, Chiefs Kingdom. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Wolf) Hi-res

Source

Please also visit the official website of the Kansas City Chiefs.

47th Fighter Squadron commander selected for colonel

2011-12-13T22:55:00.003+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

According to 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs, four lieutenant colonels from the 442nd Fighter Wing were announced as O-6 selectees, Dec. 12, 2011. Among the officers who will be promoted to colonel is Lt. Col. Jim Travis, 47th Fighter Squadron commander.

The 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, and their 47th Fighter Squadron are subordinated units of the 442nd Fighter Wing (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri.

Source

Moody prepares for ORI

2011-12-13T21:55:00.003+01:00

Relased by 23rd Wing Public Affairs

12/12/2011 - A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II taxis to an aircraft ramp after a mission during a phase II operational readiness exercise at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Dec. 7, 2011. The A-10 can maneuver at low air speeds and altitude, and has a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 0180 with 76th Fighter Squadron markings.

12/12/2011 - U.S. Air Force crew chiefs with the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft for refueling during a phase II operational readiness exercise at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Dec. 7, 2011. The A-10 received maintenance, a weapons load and fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Note the crew inscriptions: PLT: LT COL MITCHELL HANSON, DCC: TSGT JACOB FLINK, ACC: SRA STEVE GRENAT

12/12/2011 - U.S. Air Force weapons armament systems specialists with the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron secure munitions onto an A-10C Thunderbolt II during a phase II operational readiness exercise at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Dec. 8, 2011. Following proper procedures and safely working with a sense of urgency increases efficiency in loading munitions onto the aircraft, which is vital to the A-10 mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C ..60.

Source

81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught on TDY in the UK - Photos by Stevie Beats

2011-12-13T07:14:00.006+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

On Saturday, aviation photographer Stevie Beats from the United Kingdom provided me the following 1024-pix-width pictures of his great shots of A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, taken during their recent exercise in the U.K.

These pictures were already released by Stevie on his website. See: USAF A10 "Warthogs" Low Level. See also: A10 "Warthogs"

Stevie wrote: August 15th 2011 - The rare sight of two Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" flying low level through the Welsh Valleys was memorable. Also known to many as "Tankbusters" these welcome visitors were from the 81st Fighter Squadron, part of the 52d Fighter Wing based at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany. The A-10's were in the UK for a few weeks in August and were based at RAF Lakenheath in support of a UK led exercise. Many days were spent hunting these aircraft when at last after much speculation they appeared. Their agility and flying skills were superb and fantastic to watch. All photos taken with Nikon D3s and Nikon 300mm F2.8.

A-10C ... This very impressive top view should be a nice reference for weathering of scale models. (Photo by Stevie Beats) Full size

A-10C ... (Photo by Stevie Beats) Full size

A-10C 81-0992. (Photo by Stevie Beats) Full size

A-10C 81-0992. (Photo by Stevie Beats) Full size

A-10C 81-0992 with vapor. (Photo by Stevie Beats) Full size

A-10C ... (Photo by Stevie Beats) Full size

A-10C ... (Photo by Stevie Beats) Full size

Please note: Special thanks to Stevie for sharing this larger pictures on Warthog News! But it seems like Stevie caught THREE different "Hogs". I will try to identify the two others.

See also:
81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught on TDY in the UK - Photos by Rick Ingham
Photo links: 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught on TDY in the UK

STARBASE students get a hands-on lesson of the A-10 Thunderbolt II

2011-12-12T21:16:00.002+01:00

Released by 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

12/12/2011 - STARBASE students get a tour of an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 9, 2011. The students interact with military personnel to explore careers and observe science, technology, engineering and math applications in the "real world". (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Hi-res

12/12/2011 - U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Peter Olson, 47th Fighter Squadron pilot, talks about the A-10 Thunderbolt II to STARBASE students at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 9, 2011. The STARBASE program provides students with 20-25 hours of stimulating experiences at National Guard, Navy, Marine, Air Force Reserve and Air Force bases across the nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Hi-res

Source (including two more picures)

Note: Pictured is a preserved A-10.

917th FG recognizes quarterly award winners

2011-12-12T20:38:00.005+01:00

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/8/2011 - U.S. Air Force Col. John Breazeale, 917th Fighter Group commander, recognizes U.S. Air Force Maj. Grant McCall during a commander's call ceremony, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Nov, 4, 2011. McCall, an A-10 pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, was recognized as the Field Grade Office of the Quarter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Full size

The other award winners:

U.S. Air Force Capt. Brian Plauche, 917th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance officer, was recognized as the Company Grade Office of the Quarter, September 2011.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Arthur Cowan, who is assigned to the 917th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, received the 917th FG Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter award for the 3nd quarter, September 2011.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Lance Duay, who is assigned to the 917th Maintenance Squadron, received the 917th FG Airman of the Quarter award for the 3rd quarter, September, 2011.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Thomas Hire, who is assigned to the 917th Maintenance Operations Flight, received the 917th FG Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter award for the 2nd quarter, June 2011.

Source (including four more pictures)

Ladder door art of A-10C 79-0123

2011-12-11T21:07:00.002+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Yesterday, Joe "Dice-man" Hodges from the United States e-mailed me this very nice ladder door art close-up shot of A-10C 79-0123 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri. I asked him for such a picture after posting Kansas City Chiefs visit 442nd Fighter Wing.

Joe is the owner and webmaster of The Warthog Pen, already founded in 1998 and still one of the few A-10 online sources. Meanwhile, Joe's website is the world's top source for A-10 ladder door art. Please visit his unique Ladder Door Art Pages. Joe is also one of the moderators of Warthog Territory Forums - the only A-10 forum on the web.

66th Weapons Squadron A-10C mishap at Boise

2011-12-11T20:47:00.001+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

A-10C 80-0200 from the 66th Weapons Squadron, 57th Wing (ACC), Nellis AFB, Nevada, got a "broken leg" while taxiing at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, November 11, 2011, "Air Forces Monthly" reported in their January 2012 issue (see Accident Report, page 35).

The aircraft's starbord undercarriage collapsed while taxiing for take-off at around noon at Boise-Gowen Airport, Iaho, where it was visiting from its base at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Damage appeared to be minimal and the pilot was unhurt, but one of the airport's runways had to be closed while the aircraft was removed, the magazine reported.

An associated Idaho Air National Guard photo shows the aircraft awaiting recovery after its undercarriage collapsed.

Background info:
Together with five other A-10Cs from the 66th WPS, the aircraft was participating in a two-week combat flying training, hosted by the 124th Fighter Wing (Idaho ANG). See: USAF Weapons School chooses 190th Fighter Squadron as A-10C advanced tactics test-bed

Anybody who can provide related photos and further information? I would be very grateful for your support.

Some questions about gear-up landing of A-10C 79-0118 at Whiteman

2011-12-11T02:08:00.002+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

According to 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs, A-10C 79-0118 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron landed at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, with its gear up sometime in June 2011. See: A-10 lands 'code 1' in October after gear-up landing in June

Anybody from the A-10 community who can/will share the date of this mishap and related recovery pictures? I would be very grateful for any support.

Last known archived official USAF info about a similar mishap which happened before Warthog News has been launched in late October 2008:

A-10 makes wheels-up landing at Edwards

by 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

3/27/2008 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II made an emergency landing here without its landing gear at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The aircraft was participating in a Green Flag sortie out of Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The plane, which had one person aboard, was assigned to the 75th Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

The pilot safely exited the aircraft unharmed and was evaluated by flight surgeons here before being released.

"Edwards is uniquely suited to handle these kinds of in-flight emergencies," said base officials. "Not only do we have first responders who are well-prepared and equipped to work these incidents, Edwards has the benefit of an enormous lakebed, which can provide a soft landing for any aircraft in distress."

Although a lakebed landing was an option, the A-10 performed a landing on the base's primary landing strip, Runway 22, officials said.

A board of officers will investigate the incident.

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFMCNS) — An A-10 sits on Runway 22 after making an emergency landing here March 25. The A-10 touched down with its landing gear in the up position after declaring an in-flight emergency. The pilot was not harmed. The aircraft, assigned to the 75th Fighter Squadron at Moody AFB, Ga., was participating in a Green Flag sortie out of Nellis AFB, Nev. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brad White) Hi-res

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFMCNS) — The tail section of an A-10 makes direct contact with Runway 22 after making an emergency landing here March 25. The A-10 touched down with its landing gear in the up position after declaring an in-flight emergency. The pilot was not harmed. The aircraft, assigned to the 75th Fighter Squadron at Moody AFB, Ga., was participating in a Green Flag sortie out of Nellis AFB, Nev. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brad White) Hi-res

Source

Note: Involved in this mishap was A-10 78-0600 from the 75th Fighter Squadron.

66th Weapons Squadron A-10Cs caught at Nellis December 7, 2011

2011-12-09T21:53:00.006+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

(Updated December 11, 2011)

At Nellis AFB, Nevada, Warthog News contributor Bruce Smith from the United States had the opportunity to take the following shot, uploaded yesterday to his Photostream on Flickr:

A-10C 80-0185 from the 66th Weapons Squadron. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

Update December 11, 2011:

On December 9, 2011, Bruce added the following related picture on Flickr:

A-10C 80-0200 from the 66th Weapons Squadron. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

Kansas City Chiefs visit 442nd Fighter Wing

2011-12-08T22:38:00.005+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Pictured is A-10C 79-0123 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron. Note the "LET'S ROLL" logo (co-related to 9-11 and Operation Enduring Freedom), the "JOKER" ladder door art, and the following crew inscriptions: PILOT: CAPT LANCE ORR, CREW CHIEF: TSGT CHRIS BARTON, ASST CREW CHIEF: SRA SABRINA BERTZ. (Photo by Senior Airman Laura Goodgame, 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs) Full size

The picture above is extracted from the December 2011 online PDF issue of "Mohawk", official newspaper of the 442nd Fighter Wing. The PDF suggests: Check out more photos of when the Kansas City Chiefs visited the 442nd Fighter Wing on our website! But sorry, at least currently I can't find any related info.

Other sources:
KC Chiefs Visit Whiteman AFB (I wasn't able to watch the full video)

I will try to further update this post...

A-10 lands 'code 1' in October after gear-up landing in June

2011-12-08T20:58:00.005+01:00

by Tech. Sgt. Kent Kagarise
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

A-10C 79-0118 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron taxis to the runway, Oct. 24, for its first takeoff since June when it landed with its gear up. The 442nd Maintenance Group is responsible for the quick repair of the aircraft making it safe for flight in less than four months. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an Air Force Reserve unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. James Kirksey)

12/8/2011 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Oct. 24, Aircraft 79-118 performed its first functional flight check after landing gear-up June 30.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, assigned to the 442nd Fighter Wing here, returned from its approximate one-hour flight with zero discrepancies - a testament of hard work and dedication to the many maintainers who worked diligently for four months to repair the jet.

After taking a hard landing that day, the aircraft was lifted on a 40-foot flatbed trailer and hauled off the flightline into 5-bay A-10 hangar.

The aircraft was parked in the hangar for approximately three weeks while a safety investigation was conducted.

Maintainers in the inspection phase section; the repair and reclamation shop; and the aircraft's dedicated crew chief were responsible for unusually quick repair of the A-10.

"We basically had to start from scratch and go through every part of the aircraft with a fine-tooth comb," said Tech. Sgt. Mike Schuler, 442nd Maintenance Squadron phase-dock crew chief.

During the inspection and repair process, the maintainers were tasked with finding replacement parts, ordering and painting the components to meet Air Force regulations.

"The A-10 is unique in that each plane has its own finger print, which can make it difficult when you're taking parts from one aircraft fit another," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Yates, 442nd MXS phase-dock crew chief.

Cannibalizing aircraft components from a non-functional A-10 to one that is in need of repair allows the Air Force to save money on fully-functional components - but sometimes those parts need minor maintenance. Most of the parts that arrived for AC 79-118 had been painted green.

"Some of these components may have been sitting dormant for 25 years because the A-10 was painted gray in the mid-'80s," said Master Sgt. Tyler Bane, 442nd MXS Repair and Reclamation shop chief. "But they are all fully-functional components."

Each component, as well as the aircraft, undergoes rigerous inspection throughout the repair and reclamation process.

"It's pretty incredible when you think about it," Yates said. "It's not like a car that undergoes a 100-point inspection - it's more like a 10,000 point inspection."

There is a great sense of accomplishment and pride within the team that it took a little more than three months to get the plane flying again - and the dedicated crew chief of aircraft 79-118, Staff Sgt. Robert Bagby, is one person maintenance recognized as playing a vital role in the successful turnover of the aircraft.

"He oversaw all the maintenance performed on the aircraft to get it back to a safe, flyable condition," said Capt. Rob Mehan, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. "His attention to detail was crucial during the repair process."

When the aircraft first landed gear up, maintenance supervision asked Bagby and Schuler how long it would take to get the aircraft back in the air -- they projected October.

"We were really proud to be able to do what we said we could," Schuler said.

Major malfunctions are rare on the Warthog, but when they happen, the 442nd Fighter Wing maintainers are there to get these A-10s back in to the combat-readiness status.

A-10C 79-0118 taxis to the runway, Oct. 24, for its first takeoff since June when it landed with its gear up. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. James Kirksey)

Source

Note: Hi-res photos are currently not available.

"Hot" screenshot of the news article, already published some days ago in the December 2011 online PDF issue of "Mohawk", the 442nd Fighter Wing's official newspaper. (Sreenhot by Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor) Full size

Original photo caption of the large background picture:

THUNDERBOLT REPAIRS / Photo by Staff Sgt. Tracy Brown. After landing with its gear up in June, Aircraft tail number 79-9118 performed a functional flight check, Oct. 24, and landed code one with zero discrepancies. While many shops contributed to its quick repair, the 442nd Maintenance Squadron Reclamation Shop worked on its removal from the flightline in June and headed up the inspection and repair process. Here, the aircraft is photographed a few months before it's gear-up landing.

Note: A-10C 79-0118 is also "called" as 79-9118 (maybe just a typo) in the caption headlines of the photos above. According to the PDF version, they are courtesy of Master Sgt. James Kirksey, 442nd Maintenance Group Quality Assurance.

Source

47th FS makes historical Pearl-Harbor flight

2011-12-07T21:07:00.004+01:00

The cover of the December 2011 online PDF issue of "Mohawk Online" with the headline "70 years since 47th FS makes history"

by Senior Airman Wesley Wright
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/4/2011 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The skies were partly cloudy on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The temperature was about 70 degrees with a light breeze out of the northeast. The calmness and tranquility of the morning would later prove a stark contrast to the aftermath of Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

The Airmen of the 47th Pursuit Squadron (today the 47th Fighter Squadron, now part of the 917th Fighter Group, Barksdale AFB, La.), deployed to Haleiwa Landing Field, Oahu, Hawaii were there that day and took to the skies in P-40s to help America fight back.

Decades later, Maj. Gen. James W. Graves carried on the fight as commander of the 47th FS from July 1996 to October 1997. Graves already had ties to the events of Dec. 7, 1941: His father, grandfather and uncles had served with the Army Air Corp and his mother lived in Hawaii. Upon entering the Air Force, Graves began researching the history of the unit he would later lead.

According to Graves, two pilots of the 47th PS were instrumental in the response to the Japanese attack: Lieutenants George Welch and Kenneth Taylor. They, and a few others, were able to get to their aircraft and get airborne, where Welch and Taylor downed a combined seven Japanese planes (fighters and a carrier-based dive-bomber) after launching their P-40 Tomahawks from Haleiwa Landing Field.

"While Dec. 7, 1941 was a disastrous day for America, I feel that the symbolic losses inflicted on Japan by Welch and Taylor that day were the first steps on the long climb back toward winning World War II," Graves said.

Welch and Taylor were later awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for their actions that day.

Graves was later approached by retired Lt. Col. Gerald Wenner, who had been a first sergeant in the 47th PS at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack. The colonel was terminally ill and wanted to donate several foot-lockers full of 47th PS memorabilia including maps, mission reports, photos and a banner that now hangs in the heritage room of the 47th FS at Barksdale.

These photographs came into play later when Graves was tasked with the reunification of flightline maintenance and operations at the 47th FS. Because this was how units were structured during the World War II era, Graves used the photos of the 47th PS to drive the change while linking the unit's past to its present.

Graves said he is committed to maintaining that connection to the past.

"It is incumbent on us who have devoted our lives to defending freedom to take time,
Veteran's and Memorial Day, to talk to people about the strength and sacrifice of the greatest generation," he said.

In order to pass on the experiences and memories of past Airmen, Graves hosted a reunion banquet for the 47th PS in September 1997. A number of men who had gotten airborne, along with Welch and Taylor, spoke and passed on their experiences to the current generation of Airmen. Welch himself had perished in the 1950s in a test-pilot accident, while Taylor, who had retired from the Alaska Air National Guard as a brigadier general, was not well enough to attend.

While later serving at Pacific Air Force Headquarters and continuing to research the history of the 47th FS, Graves collaborated with an officer who would later lead the 47th Fighter Squadron as commander of the 442nd Fighter Wing, Col. Eric S. Overturf.

"Colonel Overturf and I worked closely on a number of initiatives concerning this chapter of Air Force history," Graves said.

The 47th FS has had notable first and last contributions during the WWII period, he added.

"We were among the first to attack Japan, which was the first step to victory in World War II, and the 47th was also part of the last major air action of war," Graves said. "That action was a raid on renegade Japanese elements who were continuing to fight after the emperor had entered into talks on terms of surrender."

At the behest of Gen. Paul Hester, Graves began preserving and supplementing the memorabilia and lore concerning the unit's history in 2006 at the 65th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks. Graves met and talked with other Pearl Harbor survivors, including retired Lt. Col. Kermit Tyler.

Tyler, at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack, was the air officer on duty at the command post at Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

"Tyler received a telephonic report about blips coming in from the north on the radar, but he was expecting B-17s coming in from the mainland," Graves said, "so he said 'Turn off the radar and get breakfast.'"

While Graves retired a few years ago, he still continues to speak at events and pass on the accumulated history of the 47th FS and what happened on Dec. 7, 1941 so future generations can learn lessons from the sacrifices made in the past.

"We have to remember when huge numbers of people set aside civilian jobs and volunteer to put on the uniform."

Physical reminders of Pearl Harbor persist to this day, both beneath the waters with the departed and above the shoreline where battle damage to what would later become the Pacific Air Forces Headquarters was deliberately kept intact as a constant reminder.

"There is a plaque that says, and I'll paraphrase, that the battle damage was purposely left as a reminder for constant vigilance in the defense of freedom," Graves said.

Source
Mohawk Online, December 2011 issue

Col. Mike Nolan's fini flight as outgoing 124th OG commander

2011-12-06T23:36:00.005+01:00

Released by 124th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Out with a splash — 124th Operations Group Commander, Colonel Mike Nolan accepts a traditional dousing from fellow fighter pilots at his finis-flight reception last month on the aircraft parking ramp at Gowen Field. Colonel Nolan moves on to become director of staff—Idaho National Guard. (U.S. Air Force Photo by MSgt. Tom Gloeckle)

Note: Published as photo news in the December 2011 PDF issue of "The Beacon" — official newsletter of the 124th Fighter Wing.
Source
Archived source

124th Operations Group Change of Command

2011-12-06T22:57:00.004+01:00

Released by 124th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Lt. Col. Paul Kingsley (left) assumes command of the 124th Operations Group from Col. J.R. Compton, Commander 124th Fighter Wing, at Gowen Field, Boise, on December 4. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Barney)

Source

Note: The picture is presented here as a screen shot because the source is restricted for military members only.

USAF Weapons School chooses 190th Fighter Squadron as A-10C advanced tactics test-bed

2011-12-05T18:46:00.009+01:00

Lt. Col. Gary A. Daniel
124th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
(Published as cover story in the December 2011 PDF issue of "The Beacon" — official newsletter of the 124th Fighter Wing)

BOISE, ID. The universally recognized masters of A-10 combat flying visited Gowen Field in November and integrated with numerous 124th Fighter Wing units throughout their two-week stay. After dozens of combat training sorties, mutual respect and common dedication to excellence in the A-10 community abounded as the most noted postdeployment sentiment from 190th Fighter Squadron and 66th Weapons School (Nellis AFB) leaders.

Nine instructor pilots and four upgrade students from the prestigious USAF Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB journeyed to Boise for two weeks of flying in Southern Idaho military flying ranges. The 66th Weapons School Squadron also brought over 60 maintenance specialists to ready six of the squadron's A-10C aircraft that joined the Warthogs of the 190th for low to medium threat flying while operating with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) of the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron.

"They are the Top-Gun program of the Air Force," said Lt. Col. Ryan Odneal, commander of the 190th.

"It's good doing business with the Weapons School, because we know we're doing business the right way, it's nice to validate our tactics and procedures, good to have another set of eyeballs (on squadron training sorties)," Odneal said.

According to 66th Weapons Squadron (A-10) Director of Operations, Major Colin Donnelly, the combination of a fully combat capable 190FS and the airspace in Southern Idaho dedicated to military flying, the combat flying assets at nearby Mountain Home AFB, and the Army Aviation just across Gowen Field allowed for "Interaction with multiple combat platforms and assets to achieve timely ordinance in supporting the ground commander."

The Purpose of 66th WPS traveling to A-10 units and mixing their training with that of operational squadrons like the 190th is directly from lessons learned by operational combatant commanders in the current CENTCOM fight. They have clarified the A-10C mission as Close Air Support, Combat Search and Rescue, and Forward Air Control—Airborne.

"We've realigned our syllabus and this is the first time executing this new draft syllabus (of combat mission flying)," said Major Donnelly. "This is our first forward air control deployment. We chose Boise. We like the challenges of going to a new location. The ranges here provide us new challenges with unfamiliar targets, new combat scenarios; it is awesome for our instructor pilots and student upgrade pilots," he said.

As part of that upgrade process the Weapons School students proved their leadership mettle in realistic training sorties alongside 190th aviators of all experience levels.

"Our WPS students are learning the skill of taking on-scene command of the "stack" of combat aircraft to meet the ground commander's objectives," Donnelly said.

The 190th Fighter Squadron has been flying the A-10 "Charlie" variant for the past 30 months. In October the Air Combat Command Inspector General recognized them as the best A-10 unit seen to date and awarded them the of highest possible overall grade of outstanding. Major Donnelly assessed the 190th participation as "a class act."

"It's nice to be validated by who you consider to be the best of the best in the A-10 business," said Lt. Col. Odneal.

124th Intel Flight shouldered a considerable additional workload providing weapons, threat response, and tactics research and training according to Major Steve McHargue, 124 IFTU Chief of Intelligence.

"66WPS is a Class Act," he said, "Their crews participated in some world-class training of our 124 IFTU (Intelligence Formal Training Unit) students."

The 66WPS may be bringing students back through Idaho to train with the 124th Fighter Wing every six months according to 190FS Director of Operations Lt. Col. Shannon Smith.

"This was a win-win. We accomplished the kind of training that we usually need to travel for right here at our 'home drome.' It doesn't get better than that," Lt. Col. Smith said.

"We've got a history of sending successful students to graduate from the Weapons School program.'

'What's key is: to stay relevant in your (aircraft) community, you need to engage the other squadrons — everyone recognizes the weapons school in being the leaders in weapons and tactics. They also have a goal to maintain in constant contact with the CAF (Combat Air Forces) to make sure their graduates are what the flying squadrons want.'

'Another huge benefit was our participating in weapons school style preparation briefs and debriefs that we don't get to see all the time. Short of getting a new weapons officer out of the experience — we experienced a class act" Smith said.

And the 66WPS experienced some combat flying training that even an elite Weapons School instructor like Major Donnelly found worth noting as "the 266th Range Squadron and the flying ranges in Southern Idaho offer us 'smoky SAMS,' good target sets realistic targets and interaction with the Rotary Wing aircraft that operate here."

The U.S. Air Force Weapons School provides the world's most advanced training in weapons and tactics employment, and every six months, produces a new class of graduates who are expert instructors on weapons, weapons systems and air and space integration. Upon completing the course, graduates return to their home stations, taking the latest tactics, techniques and procedures for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat to their respective units.

The Weapons School traces its roots to the Aircraft Gunnery School established in 1949 at Las Vegas Air Force Base, which became Nellis Air Force Base in 1950. This organization brought together a cadre of World War II combat veterans dedicated to teaching the next generation of pilots. The Gunnery School converted to combat crew training to meet the needs of the Korean War. Today's Weapons School encompasses 17 squadrons, teaching 22 combat specialties at eight locations.

Source
Archived source

Please note: Associated photos extracted by screenshots will be uploaded soon. An HTML version of this news article and associated JPEG photos are currently not available to the public.

Maintenance group hosts holiday party before deployment

2011-12-05T02:01:00.003+01:00

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/4/2011 - In December 2011, approximately 250 members of the 442nd Maintenance Group and Operations Group will deploy to Afghanistan. Pictured is: (bottom row, left to right) Master Sgt. Elgin Cline, Senior Master Sgt. Aaron McRoberts, (top row, left to right) Capt. James Patrick Chevalier, Tech. Sgt. Brian Bilbruck, Tech. Sgt. Darrin Rawson, Senior Master Sgt. Chuck Sampson, and Chief Master Sgt. Russell Robinson, all of the 442nd Maintenance Group. The 442nd MXG and OG is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman AFB, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kent Kagarise) Hi-res

Source

Note: Maybe that marks the second leg of the "Total Force" A-10C team's ongoing combat deployment to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

ACC grounds A-10 East and A-10 West Demo Teams for 2012 airshow season

2011-12-04T23:19:00.015+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

The following statement has been released by Air Combat Command in the ACC Aerial Events section of their public website on Thursday, December 1, 2011:

ACC statement about reduction of single-ship demo teams in 2012

We face significant fiscal constraints and are making tough decisions about the best ways to continue providing combat airpower to warfighting commanders, which is what we do as the Air Force's primary force provider.

One decision we've made is to sponsor one single-ship demonstration team for the 2012 air show season, scaling back from the six teams we've historically sponsored – A-10 East & West, F-16 East & West, F-15E and F-22.

For the 2012 season, we're sponsoring our F-22 demonstration team to perform at up to 20 shows. In addition to the F-22 demonstration team, the Thunderbirds are set to complete a full season next year, and their schedule will be announced next week at the International Council of Air Shows conference.

Reducing the number of single-ship demonstration teams will allow us to reallocate more than 900 sorties to our wings so they can maximize their flying hours for combat readiness training, offsetting some of the reduction we've seen in flying hours. Most importantly, reallocating those sorties will provide an increase in more than 25 combat-ready fighter pilots – that's a very good thing for our Nation and wise stewardship of our limited resources.

The opportunity to showcase our aircrew at air shows around the country is important – and we're confident our Thunderbirds, F-22 demonstration team and Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation will continue highlighting the extraordinary work of all our Airmen.

Source

Related info:

New US Air Force Budget Grounds Airshow Demonstration Teams

By Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren
NYCAviation
December 2, 2011

The US Air Force will cut five of its six single-ship demonstration teams for the 2012 airshow season, according to a statement released Thursday on the Air Combat Command website.

A "sad" A-10 West Demo Team pilot, sitting in the cockpit of A-10C 80-0279. (Photo by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren)

Citing budget constraints, only the Air Force's flagship aircraft—the F-22 Raptor—survived the chopping block, subsequently banishing the A-10 Warthog East and West, F-16 Viper East and West, and the F-15E Sentry Eagle teams to the history books, at least for the 2012 airshow season.

Up in the Air

The decision leaves the success of the 2012 season up in the air only weeks after the 2011 season drew to a close. The statement projects a savings of more than 900 sorties that would have otherwise been flown by the teams—900 sorties of which will not be hitting the circuit this year. While none of the USAF's multi-ship teams, which include the iconic Thunderbirds and the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation programs, were significantly affected by the cuts, the budget blast will leave a number of airshows without a big-ticket, high-powered performer—like the F-16 Viper—to anchor the show.

Small and mid-sized shows across the country who often "rely on these assets will experience a significant reduction in visitors and sponsors," said a seasoned airshow organizer who asked to remain anonymous in order to speak candidly.

Additionally, "for the organizations that don't have private owners to tap [to fill the show-bill], this will impart a very negative impact on not only the show itself but the community that has come to expect the economics benefits of having the show in town," the source said.

Chris Trobridge, a member of the Commemorative Air Force with strong ties to the airshow community, agrees. "Unfortunately…this will hurt airshow attendance and sponsorship. The draw of the demo teams was always very high and, without them, I do not know how many people in the general public will want to attend shows of [only] warbirds and aerobatics performances."

As goes the money, so go the airplanes. Without big, military-issue afterburners, sponsors will be less likely to buy into the show. Consequently, many shows will be sent scrambling to shore up enough support to drop a civilian act into the anchor slot. But private acts do not come cheap, with the crowd-drawing jet acts often running at several thousand dollars per hour.

Someone to Look Up To

It is not just the airshow circuit that will lose out as a result of the cuts, though. Indeed, the Air Force itself stands to come out on the losing end of the deal. With less presence in the public eye, the branch will lose a substantial channel by which to connect to the nation it serves.

Considered a powerful tool for recruitment, "[the single ship demo teams] make you feel directly connected to those who are fighting tooth and nail for our interests abroad. They create a fire in your gut, a powerful sense of exhilaration and patriotic defiance," says defense blogger Ty Rogoway, owner of AviationIntel.com. "They are much more real, down to earth, and approachable than their flawless Thunderbird counterparts," he said.

"Unfortunately, the result will be the USAF experiencing a reduction in new recruits," the anonymous airshow organizer said.

But while disappointed, the organizer was undeterred. "I can work with this sacrifice—if it is just for one year. Our show will go on." the source said.

Source

Please note: This post will be further updated soon. At the moment, please also check related info and discussion on:
Aerial Events on Facebook
Air Combat Command on Facebook
Thread on Airshowbuzz.com - the leading airshow website in the United States.

Gibson promoted to Chief

2011-12-04T00:51:00.002+01:00

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/3/2011 - Chief Master Sgt. Darold Fish (left) and Chief Master Sgt. Russell Robinson (right) tack on chief's rank to newly promoted Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Gibson during a promotion ceremony, Dec. 1, 2011. Gibson is a weapons loader with the 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadorn. The 442nd MXG is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Wolf)

Source

An A-10C Inspection at Kandahar Airfield

2011-12-03T22:38:00.010+01:00

Released by 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Senior Airman Steve Roeper, 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons load crew two man, performs a rack inspection and cleaning on an A-10 Thunderbolt at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 2, 2011. The A-10 can employ a wide variety of conventional muntions, including general purpose bombs, cluster bomb units, laser guided bombs and others. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Hook) Hi-res

Note: Visible in the revetment far right in the background is an A-10C from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge.

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- (Right) Senior Airman Ken Choate and Tech. Sergeant James Foster, 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons load crew members, unload a Guided Bomb Unit, GBU-38 from an A-10 Thunderbolt at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 2, 2011. The load crew is unloading weapons on an A-10 to conduct a rack inspection and cleaning. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Hook) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is an A-10C from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana).

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- (Left) Senior Airman Ken Choate and Tech. Sergeant James Foster, 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons load crew members, load a Guided Bomb Unit, GBU-38 on an A-10 Thunderbolt at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 2, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Hook) Hi-res

Note: An external fuel tank is stored at the revetment's wall.

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --Tech. Sergeant James Foster, 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons load crew chief, helps unload the flare dispenser from an A-10 Thunderbolt at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 2, 2011. Crew chiefs maintain and repair aircraft and aircraft equipment, inspect and perform various functional checks and ensure aircraft are in optimal condition after flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Hook) Hi-res

Note: Rear view of an SUU-25 Flare Dispenser

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Senior Airman Steve Roeper, 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons load crew two man, inspects the rocket pod attached to an A-10 Thunderbolt at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 2, 2011. The A-10 can employ a wide variety of conventional muntions, including general purpose bombs, cluster bomb units, laser guided bombs and others. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Hook) Hi-res

Note: Rear view of a LAU-131 Rocket Pod

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Tech. Sergeant James Foster, 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons load crew chief, documents a rack inspection performed on an A-10 Thunderbolt at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 2, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Hook) Hi-res

Note:
These are the very first official USAF photos of the "Total Force" A-10C team, currently combat-deployed to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). It consists of 18 A-10Cs from different units. According to the original photo captions, at least currently this team is designated as 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. That suggests the 127th Wing (Michigan Air National Guard) with their 107th Fighter Squadron is the leading unit on this deployment's first leg.

Italian air force reps observe Moody capabilities

2011-12-03T22:16:00.004+01:00

Italian air force Capitano (Capt.) Maurizio De Guida, 74th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II exchange pilot, left, shows an A-10 to Colonnello (Col.) Flavio Danielis, air attaché to the Italian embassy in D.C., Tenente Colonnello (Lt. Col.) Michele Ciuffreda and Colonnello (Col.) Giorgio Foltran, Comando delle Forze da Combattimento chief of training at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Dec. 1, 2011. De Guida explained the capabilities of the A-10, the training required to operate it and the benefits of the exchange pilot program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

by Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley
23rd Wing Public Affairs

12/2/2011 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- An Italian air force delegation visited Dec. 1 to observe how Capitano (Capt.) Maurizio De Guida is integrating into the 74th Fighter Squadron as an A-10C Thunderbolt II exchange pilot.

De Guida falls under the authority of the Comando delle Forze da Combattimento (CFC), also known as the Italian Attack Forces Headquarters.

"Being an exchange pilot and moving to another country is not easy, especially when you have a family," said Colonnello (Col.) Flavio Danielis, air attaché to the Italian embassy in D.C. "He has become one of them. That is the spirit of the exchange program, and I am proud for him."

Danielis was accompanied by Colonnello (Col.) Giorgio Foltran, CFC chief of training, and Tenente Colonnello (Lt. Col.) Michele Ciuffreda, who works at the Italian equivalent of the Pentagon. It was the first visit to Moody for all three.

"We're visiting to thank De Guida for his operations here," he added. "Moody is a great base and he's very lucky."

He added the relationship between the countries is important because, "most problems can usually be solved if you know each other."

De Guida, who arrived for his three-year tour in 2009, agreed it is good for leadership to get out and see what's going on.

"My leadership has always paid a lot of attention to this program," he said. "The fact they are here highlights this and is proof of how important the relationship between Italy and the U.S. is."

After meeting the 23rd Wing and 74th FS commanders, the delegates were given an up-close look at an A-10C before observing its capabilities over Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range.

"The different training De Guida applies here is more realistic than what we do," said Danielis, who also completed pilot training in the U.S. as a junior officer. "Italy has different limitations on carrying armament over land."

Part of the reason for this is the greater availability of space for training in the U.S. compared to Italy.

Both countries have been a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization since its creation in 1949.

There are currently two other Italian exchange pilots- one at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., and the other at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.

"I've met guys at the squadron here who I knew in initial pilot training and Afghanistan," De Guida added. "The program is a great idea because it helps our relationship grow more and we learn a lot from each other."

That shared knowledge was put to use when he deployed with the squadron for about six months earlier this year. Recent news articles put the number of Italian troops in Afghanistan between 3,5000 and 4,000.

Italian air force Colonnello (Col.) Giorgio Foltran, Comando delle Forze da Combattimento chief of training, sits in the cockpit of an A-10C Thunderbolt II during a visit at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Dec. 1, 2011. Capitano (Capt.) Maurizio De Guida, 74th Fighter Squadron A-10 exchange pilot, gave the tour and answered questions about the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 80-0277.

Italian air force Colonnello (Col.) Flavio Danielis, air attaché to the Italian embassy in D.C. and Tenente Colonnello (Lt. Col.) Michele Ciuffreda, watch strafing capabilities of an A-10C Thunderbolt II over Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range at Moody Air Force, Ga., Dec. 1, 2011. This was their first time visiting Moody and they got to see the A-10 capabilities up close. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Source

Video: Death of a Warthog

2011-12-02T20:09:00.003+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Ouch - Oh dear! WARNING: Watching this video should be horrible for every "Hog" professional and enthusiasts like me. Nevertheless special thanks to Warthog News contributor James O'Rear from the United States for linking this very sad clip on Facebook, uploaded on YouTube on December 1, 2011. Anybody who can identify this scrapped "Hog" by serial number?

104th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at Nellis

2011-12-02T17:41:00.008+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

At Nellis AFB, Nevada, Warthog news contributor Bruce Smith from the United States had the opportunity to take the following shots of A-10Cs from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland Air National Guard).

A-10C 78-0719 on November 29, 2011. AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod on station 10, MXU-648 baggage pods on stations 3 and 9. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

79-0082 on November 28, 2011. AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod on station 10, MXU-648 baggage pods on stations 3 and 9. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

As Bruce told me via e-mail, A-10Cs 78-0640 and 78-0704 from the 104th Fighter Squadron are also currently at Nellis. He wrote: Not sure what they are doing here. They may be here to participate in the ME phase of Weapons School, or not. They flew twice a day Monday and Tuesday by themselves as GUN, did not see them on Wednesday during the ME day mission, but other things like local "Hogs", "Buffs" and "Bones" did not fly either.

Bruce, many thanks for sharing these rare shots! And good hunting for taking some more!

Please note: Currently, there's no related official info on 175th Wing's and Team Nellis's public websites.

23rd MXG wins ACC maintenance trophy

2011-12-02T17:30:00.002+01:00

by Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
23rd Wing Public Affairs

12/1/2011 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Every year only one maintenance group within Air Combat Command is chosen to receive "the crown jewel of maintenance awards."

The Clements McMullen Memorial Daedalian Weapons System Maintenance Trophy recognizes the unit that has best met the objective of providing safe, serviceable, and available equipment for sustained use in peace and war.

Moody was chosen as the best base throughout ACC and will be moving on to the next level.

All commanders within the 23rd MXG believe in their folks and in what they do.

"We think our folks absolutely deserve this award, we worked extremely hard to get where we are today," they said. "The Flying Tiger maintainers definitely bring the teeth to the fight."

"The men and women of the 23rd Maintenance Group sustain personnel recovery and precision attack airpower capability anywhere in the world," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Aaron Buck, 23rd Maintenance Operations Squadron commander. "Whether it's humanitarian relief or putting bombs on target, we are there."

Throughout the year 2011, the Flying Tiger maintainers provided 365 days of combat airpower in four separate areas of responsibility.

The group also deployed a total of 45 aircraft and 1,372 personnel. This generated 28,500 flights and 71,200 flight hours. This flight production accounted for over 1,500 lives saved and 167 enemies killed in action.

Since being chosen for the ACC award, the maintenance group will be going against all other major command winners to prove they are the best in the Air Force.

Source

Airmen complete munition-load qualification

2011-12-01T21:35:00.003+01:00

Released by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/1/2011 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Airmen assigned to the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron take part in a mission briefing before starting a munitions-loading evaluation here Nov. 29. The evaluation ensures load-crew members and team chiefs retain their qualification to load all munitions and are ready for mission taskings. Crew members complete an evaluation every month and are required to be evaluated annually while wearing chemical-warfare gear. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dillon Davis) Hi-res

12/1/2011 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Airmen assigned to the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron slide a LAU-117 launcher onto an AGM-65 missile before loading the complete assembly on an A-10 Thuderbolt II during a munitions-loading evaluation here Nov. 29. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dillon Davis) Hi-res

Source

A year of change: more coming

2011-11-30T21:43:00.008+01:00

By Col. Michael Thomas
127th Wing Commander
(Published in the December 2011 public online PDF issue's Commander's Call section of "Prevailing Wind" - the official newspaper of the 127th Wing)

Larger picture

Wow 2011, what a dynamic year! We all experienced significant change in 2011. We also experienced tremendous success. Bringing pride to our Selfridge community and the State of Michigan.

First the change: The year stated with Col. Augustine announcing his move to the 122nd Fighter Wing in Indiana. In March, Brig. Gen. Peplinski announced his pending retirement scheduled for June. Command Chief Edwards also retired in March. These announcements initiated massive change that we experienced at all levels of this wing.

Here are just a few of the leadership changes throughout the 127th Wing: Col. Thomas to Wing Commander, Lt. Col. Sheridan to Vice Wing Commander, Chief Master Sgt. Dobson to Wing Command Chief. Lt. Col. Brooks to Air Refueling Group Commander, Lt. Col. Krasovic to 171st ARS Squadron Commander, Lt. Col. Spehar to 127th MXS Commander, Lt. Col. Holmes to Force Support Squadron Commander, Major Dominissini to 191st Director of Maintenance, Major Hitchcock to 191st AMX Commander. This was some serious change and folks are still feeling the affects of all this change.

With all this change also came tremendous success. The Operations and Maintenance Groups came out of conversion from the F-16 to the A-10. Following a very successful Red Flag exercise in March, the unit reported their Initial Operational Capability in June. No rest for the weary! The Air Force needed our A-10 aviation package in CENTCOM six months earlier then initially scheduled. With only two months to prepare, the OG and MXG spun up for war and the wing successfully deployed ap-proximately 300 personnel trained and equipped ready to answer the call in late September. This was by far the most successful, mini-mum time, deployment I've seen to date. Thanks to all the OG, MXG and MSG folks that worked so hard to make this deployment such a success. As I write this article, let's all keep these wing members in our thoughts and prayers until their safe return early next year.

All of our wing personnel have contributed significantly to the war fight in numerous ways. Let's all thank our Civil Engineering folks for their successful, six-month deployment to Afghanistan; our Services personnel for their deployment to Kuwait; Special Operations Weather Team to unknown locations around the globe and all the Air Refueling Group folks that deployed to both CENTCOM and PACOM. The Air Refueling Group is also currently involved in a rolling mobilization to CENTCOM where we'll be deploying aircraft and airmen for 60-day rotations far into the future.

Other deployments included Logistics Readiness Squadron to Alaska, Air Refueling Group to Germany, Africa and the Pacific Rim. We stand ready to answer the nation's call. This was evident during the Libya contingency when the Air Refueling Group deployed an airplane and personnel in less than 48 hours -- with some of our maintenance folks only receiving a four-hour heads up call. Pack a bag, kiss the kids and spouse goodbye, leave a message for the civilian boss and report to the base for deployment.

You all answered the call so others could prevail. What you do each and every day is important to our state and nation. Your skills and expertise are saving lives all around the world. Keep up the great work!

Now we're looking forward to 2012. What will be in our future? Whatever comes our way, I know that you're all prepared to meet the challenge ahead. Don't be afraid of change. As I've said in the past, change leads to opportunity and opportunity leads to success. We have what it takes to be the best Wing in the U.S. Air Force and your actions and commitment prove that each and every day.

Thank you for your service. Thank you and your family for all your sacrifice. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season and look forward to getting it done again in 2012.

Source

Official USAF biography of Colonel Michael T. Thomas

Airmen perform maintenance to keep A-10's flying

2011-11-29T21:32:00.002+01:00

Senior Airman Jeremy Fly, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons loader, updates aircraft forms after a gun is loaded onto an A-10 Thunderbolt II here Nov. 4. These forms are updated every three to four days. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nick Wilson)

Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0117.

by Senior Airman Nick Wilson
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

11/28/2011 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- As the Air Force's A-10 Thunderbolt II's climb high into the sun to fly, fight and win, Airmen from the 442nd Maintenance Squadron are on the job day and night to maintain their engines. They keep the warthogs in the skies so they can continue to provide close air support to Airmen and other servicemembers fighting on the ground down range.

One of the A-10 Thunderbolt II engines these Airmen have been maintaining recently accumulated more than 3,000 flight hours.

"That's a pretty significant accomplishment," said Chief Master Sgt. Mike Pignotti, 442nd MXS propulsion supervisor. "You won't see any other fighter aircraft in our Air Force inventory that can keep an engine on as long as an A-10 Thunderbolt II can."

According to Airmen who maintain these engines, one process that helps accomplish such a feat is the phase inspection that each A-10 Thunderbolt II is required to undergo every 500 flight hours.

"A lot of mishaps can be prevented by performing these inspections," said Master Sgt. Kellie Askew 442nd MXS phase dock flight chief.

To ensure mishaps with the airplane are prevented, technicians specializing in fuels, avionics, hydraulics, sheet metal, egress, armament and propulsion play a part in the phase process when it comes to repairing discrepancies once they are found.

"When the airplane goes into phase, that is everyone's chance to see what's going on with the airplane and to introduce reliability into it," Pignotti said. "The more you can fix during that phase period, the more problems you can prevent down the road."

"It is very important that we perform these inspections so we know that these airplanes and motors will not fail. We take these inspections very seriously," said Staff Sgt. Boyd Kempher, 442nd MXS aerospace propulsion craftsman.

Maintenance veterans who have operated in the game for more than 25 years, like Pignotti, are living proof of the experience, knowledge and expertise that assists younger Airmen in accomplishing feats such as maintaining an engine that has compiled more than 3,000 flight hours.

"Working on machinery that's more than 30 years old isn't easy," explained Pignotti. "When you've worked on something for 25 or 30 years, and then you hear the problem coming in on the radio from the pilot, you already have an idea of what it is and how to fix it."

Technicians working on the aircraft are responsible for paying attention to every detail when inspecting and troubleshooting various components. To ensure steps aren't missed, Airmen follow sets of procedures in work decks, job guides and troubleshooting guides to get the job done right.

"It's basically a checklist that tells you what you'll need to look for," said Pignotti. "When something needs to be fixed, it'll tell you what panel to open up and what components to inspect."

In spite of having these troubleshooting manuals available as a reference, Pignotti explains that there are times when even the troubleshooting manuals won't solve certain problems.

"Some guides are better than others," said Pignotti. "Some are more generalized to where the effectiveness of that troubleshooting procedure is going to merely be based on the experience of the technician that's trying to figure out what's wrong. That's where the experience comes in that makes up for the lack of what the troubleshooting book tells you. When that happens, we look at the problem to brainstorm what the problem is and identify a pathway to isolate what's going on."

As the A-10 Thunderbolt II ages, Airmen from the 442nd MXS are working with trained and skillful eyes to keep them flying while adapting to overcome to new difficulties and setbacks that will continuously arise through the years.

"We learn something new every day," said Pignotti. "We see something on these airplanes almost on a weekly basis that we've never seen before. I've worked on them since 1984. That's just a product of the airplanes just getting old; things happen."

Source

Success in 2011: Thanks to all of you

2011-11-29T21:09:00.003+01:00

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Col. Eric Overturf (left) his daughters and his wife, Karla (second from left.) Overturf is the commander of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force/courtesy photo)

Note: They are posing in front of A-10C 122. A hi-res picture is currently not available.

by Col. Eric S. Overturf
442nd Fighter Wing commander

11/28/2011 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Congratulations on wrapping up an incredibly successful year of unprecedented mission accomplishment for the 442nd Fighter Wing.

We started 2011 with an ambitious set of goals to pursue along with our mission to Train and Deploy Ready Reservists, and we achieved all of them while providing outstanding Reserve Airmen to support combatant commander tasking around the world.

We supported AEF deployments with more than 100 reservists including a full mobilization of the 442nd Civil Engineers Squadron for service in Afghanistan.

We won the ORI, and we successfully integrated geographically separated units at Barksdale, Moody and Davis-Monthan Air Force Bases into our wing procedures and
programs.

We are off to a great start preparing for our process inspections next year under the leadership of Maj. Cathy Roberts and the combined unit inspection steering group, and we continued to develop and care for Airmen and their families through education, training, promotions, career enhancement and family oriented events like our wing family day and the Yellow Ribbon program.

We faced many challenges this year, and we still have plenty of things to work on next year, but there is no doubt that 2011 was a tremendous success for the 442nd Fighter Wing thanks to YOU.

Our focus for the remainder of 2011 will be on safely and successfully deploying more than 300 of our operations and maintenance personnel to provide combat air power in Operation Enduring Freedom. Some of our 442nd Airmen will be among the thousands of American servicemen and women who will spend Christmas overseas this year, so please keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

We are putting together a team of key spouses (including my wife Karla) who call the families of deployed Airmen to see how they are doing and provide advice on resources that are available to help them. Our key spouse team is looking for friendly, outgoing volunteers to join them, so if you're interested, please call Master Sgt. Nicole Willeford (660) 687-6415. To find out more about the key spouse program, you may attend the training session Dec. 4.

Next year we are beginning a new era for the Mohawk by moving to an online version posted on the 442nd Fighter Wing website. I have to admit I'm going to miss the printed magazine, but the online Mohawk will allow us to provide more up-to-date information and save more than $4,500 every month in printing and shipping costs. You'll still get the same great stories, pictures and unit information, and you can even print a hard copy if you're one of the old timers like me who likes the printed version better than a computer screen.

For those of us who are fortunate enough to be home over the holidays, I encourage you to take some well-earned time off to slow down, relax, and enjoy the spirit of the season with your families and friends. Whether you are lighting candles, opening packages or singing carols, the common themes of peace, hope and joy are shared around the world as we celebrate our past while looking forward to a bright future.

For me, this is also a time to think about what I want to do next year, and how I need to rebalance my priorities and actions to get there. A plan that includes personal and professional development on the job, strong family connections, leisure activities, and regular exercise is a proven recipe for a healthy, happy lifestyle. I hope the Air Force Reserve is a part of that plan for you. Please include the 442nd Fighter Wing in your thoughts and let us know what we can do to help you achieve your goals.

Thanks for all the amazing things you did in 2011, and here's to even greater things in 2012!

Source

Some more 25th Fighter Squadron A-10C shots of 2011 Air Power Day at Osan

2011-11-28T21:27:00.011+01:00

The following additional photos of A-10Cs from the 25th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Wing (PACAF), Osan AB, Republic of Korea (Tailcode OS), has been published on the well-recommended airliners.net:

What a great shot, taken on October 30, 2011! From front: A-10Cs 80-0283, ...183, 78-0685 and ...615 (possible 78-0615), all from the 25th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Yunjin Lee - Korea Aero Photos)

October 30, 2011: A-10C 80-0283 from the 25th Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Chang Kyu Kim - Korea Aero Photos)

October 30, 2011: A-10C 78-0685 from the 25th Fighter Squadron drops flares. (Photo by Yunjin Lee - Korea Aero Photos)

184th Fighter Squadron A-10C inventory update

2011-11-25T04:25:00.003+01:00

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

So far, by photos I've identified the following 18 "Hogs" assigned now to the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG), Fort Smith, Arkansas (Tailcode FS):

A-10C 78-0583 (ex 131st FS, 104th FW (Massachusetts ANG)
A-10C 78-0613 (ex 118th FS, 103rd FW, Connecticut ANG)
A-10C 78-0614 (A10-0234) to AMARC as AC0207 8 Mar 2000; returned to service 8 Jun 2000)
A-10C 78-0621 (ex 118th FS, 103rd FW, Connecticut ANG) ("Boomer" ladder door art)
A-10C 78-0626 (ex 131st FS, 104th FW, Massachusetts ANG)
A-10C 78-0630 (A10-0250) to AMARC as AC0462 27 Jul 2005; returned to service
A-10C 78-0638 (ex 118th FS, 103rd FW, Connecticut ANG)
A-10C 78-0639 (ex 118th FS, 103rd FW, Connecticut ANG)
A-10C 78-0642 (ex 131st FS, 104th FW, Massachusetts ANG)
A-10C 78-0646 (ex 118th FS, 103rd FW, Connecticut ANG)
A-10C 78-0647 (A10-0267) to AMARC as AC0453 25 Mar 2005; returned to service; 184th FS, 188th FW (FS)
A-10C 78-0649 (ex 131st FS, 104th FW, Massachusetts ANG)
A-10C 78-0659 (78-0659 (A10-0279) to AMARC as AC0446 25 Jan 2005
A-10C 78-0696 (ex 131st FS, 104th FW, Massachusetts ANG)
A-10C 79-0129 (A10-0393) to AMARC as AC0324 22 Oct 2002; returned to service; 184th FS, 188th FW (FS)
A-10C 79-0216 (79-0216 (A10-0480) 184th FS, 188th FW (FS)
A-10C 80-0166 (A10-0516) 76th TFS, 23rd TFW (EL); Desert Storm; 184th FS, 188th FW (FS)
A-10C 80-0188 (marked as 188th Fighter Wing boss bird)

Please note: I would be very grateful for any additional info or corrections. Some of this info is re-posted from my Warthog Aircraft Database

355th Training Squadron change of command

2011-11-24T20:47:00.005+01:00

Released by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Col. Samuel Milam, 355th Operations Group commander, passes the guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kevin Eilers as he assumes command of the 355th Training Squadron on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Nov. 23, 2011. Before assuming command, Colonel Eilers was the 75th Fighter Squadron chief wing inspections, director of operations at Moody AFB, Ga. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Timothy D. Moore) Hi-res

Please note: If I'm right, pictured in this stand-alone news photo (titled "355th TRS CoC") is the 355th Operations Group guidon, and not a 355th TRS guidon. Question: Has been really established a 355th Training Squadron at D-M, alongside the well-known 354th, 357th and 358th Fighter Squadrons? Did I miss anything of their current wing structure?

A final tribute to fallen Airmen

2011-11-24T20:13:00.005+01:00

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs

11/23/2011 - U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Austin Stradala, forefront, Staff Sgt. Jason Maple, left, and Tech. Sgt. Dan Reed, 23rd Emergency Maintenance Squadron, share a few words about three Airmen who recently passed away during a memorial service at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Nov. 22, 2011. The three Airmen were A-10C Thunderbolt II inspection section journeymen with the 23rd EMS. Family, friends and coworkers showed their respect for three young Airmen who recently lost their lives after a single-vehicle automobile accident. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Source (including 4 more pictures)

See also:
MOODY AFB News Release - MXG Airman deceased after car vehicle accident
MOODY AFB News Release- One MXG Airman dead after vehicle accident
Moody AFB News Release: 2 MXG Airmen die in vehicle accident

Condolences from the entire Warthog News community!

PRESS RELEASE: Rumors addressed with Fort Smith's 188th Fighter Wing; A-10 units among discussion of Department of Defense budget cuts

2011-11-24T03:36:00.001+01:00

by Maj. Chris Heathscott
Arkansas National Guard State Public Affairs Officer

11/23/2011 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- The adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard met with members of the 188th Fighter Wing Nov. 22 to address concerns relating to pending budget cuts within the Department of Defense. With DoD facing its greatest cuts since World War II, the future of the 188th - one of five A-10 units in the Air National Guard - has been the subject of multiple conversations.

"We wanted to clarify some rumors that are floating around," said Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford, the adjutant general. "The reality is, after visiting with the director for the Air National Guard, the 188th could potentially be under consideration. What we've been told is that anything and everything is on the table. At this point we don't know what the cuts are going to be in the DoD budget."

The Department of Defense is already facing proposed budget cuts of $450 billion, but with the Super Committee's deadline met without decision those cuts will potentially double. Wofford said there have been no official talks of changes to the force structure in Arkansas at this point, but added "We don't want to take anything for granted."

"We've got to show that the Fort Smith unit is the most cost effective A-10 unit in the Air Force," said Wofford. "We think we've got a good argument. With Fort Chaffee right next door, they can be on the range in just a matter of minutes. From a flying hour perspective, we've got a good argument for taxpayers."

The unit's location is not only a benefit in terms of taxpayer dollars, but also a tremendous strategic benefit in being centrally located in the nation. Following the aerial attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the unit was immediately called to deploy its force of F-16s at the time to protect America's skies from border to border.

Those fast and furious fighters transitioned out of Fort Smith in 2007 as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure Committee recommendations of 2005. The resulting spark of community and congressional support helped the 188th earn its current mission aircraft, the A-10 Thunderbolt II. Wofford assured the unit's force of 350 full-time Airmen that that same support would no doubt be there for the 188th as needed in the future. The 188th has a total of more than 1,000 unit members.

"As part of the Arkansas Air Guard's strategic plan, we've got to be looking beyond right now. What do we need 10 years from now, 20 years from now, so we can stay relevant," said Wofford. "From a long-range planning perspective, we want to keep the A-10. That's our number one priority, but we would like at some point in the future to transition to the F-35."

Wofford said the location of the base would make it an ideal candidate strategically for the F-35, as it was for the F-16. And while the F-35 is not currently an available mission for the unit, it is a possible option for the future of this unit, which has already proven its readiness to respond and commitment to serve.

"Nobody knows what's going to happen yet but whatever happens is not going to occur until after the unit's upcoming deployment," said Wofford.

The unit is slated for an Air Expeditionary Forces rotation to Afghanistan in 2012, after having already logged 2,870 combat flight hours there in 2010.

Stressing that there has been nothing official handed down reference the 188th, General Wofford said he wanted to help ease rumors in the unit while preparing the troops for that potential fight in the future.

"I wanted the people to know we were going to be up front with them," Wofford said of his meeting with the troops Nov. 22. "We've heard the same rumors they have. We've got the same concerns they do. The earliest we would probably know would be February, when the president's budget comes out. We can't wait till February to tell our story and make the case. We've got to work now."

Source

The Flying Razorback spotlight for December 2011

2011-11-24T03:24:00.004+01:00

Released by 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Staff Sgt. Richard Danford was recognized as The Flying Razorback spotlight for December 2011. Danford is a member of the 188th Maintenance Group. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Landeros/188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

Note: Staff Sgt. Danford is posing in front of A-10C 79-0216 from the 184th Fighter Squadron.

Source