A-10 crews keep up the fight during the holidays

Today, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs released a photo essay A-10 crews keep up the fight during the holidays with seven pictures. Only the four best shots:



An A-10C Thunderbolt II from the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron takes off from Bagram AB, Afghanistan, on December 2, 2008. Even after more than 30 years of service, the A-10 remains the king of close-air support, protecting coalition forces in sticky situations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse) Hi-res



A-10C 80-0144 from the 74th Fighter Squadron, piloted by Capt. Eric Fleming, prepares for takeoff at Bagram AB, Afghanistan, on December 2, 2008. Visible in the background at left is A-10C 80-0272, also from the 74th Fighter Squadron and additionally deployed from Moody AFB due to A-10 groundings. Parked between revetments are F-15E Strike Eagles from the 391st EFS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse) Hi-res



A-10 crewchief Airman 1st Class Michael Ward climbs the crew ladder to assist pilot Capt. Eric Fleming at Bagram AB, Afghanistan, on December 2, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse) Hi-res



Capt. Eric Fleming, Assistant Wing Weapons and Tactics and A-10 pilot, performs a preflight walk-around at Bagram AB, Afghanistan, on December 2, 2008. These preflight checks help to minimize the number of in-flight emergencies by catching small problems before they become big problems. GBU-38 JDAMs on stations 4 and 8, Mk 82 LDGPs on stations 5 and 7, AN-AAQ-28 LITENING AT pod on station 10. Not visible is the SUU-25 Flare Dispenser on station 3 (see picture two above). (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse) Hi-res

Note: 80-0144 is one more identified replacement, additionally deployed from Moody AFB due to A-10 groundings.