Airpower delivers 'critical' ammunition to Afghanistan National Army soldiers on the ground

Posted 7/31/2009 Updated 7/31/2009

by Capt. David Faggard
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

7/31/2009 - BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- Nothing ever goes by the book, but this is a classic example of Airpower supporting ground forces--primarily the Afghanistan National Army--with Close Air Support and air-drop capabilities.

The day could be like any other day, but the calls came in -- Coalition forces, engaged with the enemy on the ground were running low on ammunition and needed a re-supply.

Like a swarm of bees overhead looking to sting, U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopters, deployed from the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade of the 101st Airborne from Ft. Campbell, Ky. and U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthogs deployed from Moody AFB, Ga. weren't going to let anything happen to their allies fighting on the ground.

Captain Matthew Clementz, one of the Apache gunship pilots that day with Task Force Attack said that between his Apaches and the A-10 Warthogs, they cleared the way of insurgents for the airdrop and that there was "good interaction with eachother."

In classic fashion, a workhorse of modern warfare was ready to assist. Lumbering over enemy terrain, the C-130 Hercules and crew assigned to the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here had the ammunition destined for the Afghans fighting for their lives on the ground.

At the helm of the 25-year- old-airplane was Capt. D.J. Spisso deployed from Savannah, Georgia's 165th Airlift Wing and he knew this mission would be different.

The success of the mission rested in the hands of an aircrew blended of active-duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen from various units from the U.S., to include Schenectady, N.Y.; Savannah, Ga.; Little Rock, Ark.; Saint Joseph's, Mo. and Mansfield, Ohio.

"This was a complete team effort," Capt. Spisso said. "It was difficult terrain, communications were scarce and we made it; it was a good drop."

And making the drop right on target is important when the good guys are in need according to Capt. Spisso, a pilot whom is employed by the civilian airline Airtran when not in an Air Force uniform.

"It's something you feel good about-- helping Coalition partners in need," he said. "Coalition members coming together for a common good," the Citadel graduate said and that's just what happened "we're willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done."

And fortunately for the Afghan soldiers on the ground fighting the enemy, the Air Force's commitment to Total Force and joint operations paid off and the 'Herk-drivers' hit their mark.

Editor's Note: The location, date and time were intentionally left out of this story for security concerns.

Source

Load Crew of the Quarter Competition

Released by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs:



Airman First Class Crystal Simms and Staff Sgt. Brian Marchand of the 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare to load a MK-82 bomb onto an A-10 during the Load Crew of the Quarter Competition at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, July 24, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah R. Johnson) Hi-res



Staff Sgt. Brian Marchand of the 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepares a MK-82 bomb before loading it onto an A-10 during the Load Crew of the Quarter Competition at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, July 24, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah R. Johnson) Hi-res

Source

More 23rd Fighter Wing A-10Cs are returning from Bagram AB to Moody AFB

Updated 31 July 2009

By Joachim Jacob

According to Portuguese photographer and Warthog News contributor André Inácio, on July 28, 2009, five A-10Cs from the 23rd Fighter Group, 23rd Fighter Wing, Moody AFB, Georgia, arrived at Lajes Field, Azores, for stopover on their way from Bagram AB, Afghanistan, to CONUS. They departed Lajes Field on July 30, 2009. Logged and photographed were: 78-0697 (74th FS), 79-0192 (74th FS), 80-0140 (74th FS), 80-0226 (74th FS) and 81-0944. With the exception of 81-0944 (without unit markings, ex 190th FS, 124th Wg, Idaho ANG), these jets were deployed with the original 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron aircraft package. 81-0944 was one of the replacements, deployed after partial A-10 groundings do to wing cracks.

And here are the pictures (added 31 July 2009):



A-10C 80-0140 arrives. (Photo by André Inácio)



A-10C 78-0697 arrives. (Photo by André Inácio)



A-10C 80-0226 arrives. (Photo by André Inácio)



A-10C 79-0192 arrives. (Photo by André Inácio)



A-10C 81-0944 arrives. (Photo by André Inácio)

Note: Only A-10C 78-0697 carries mission markings (I'm surprised).

Special thanks to André Inácio for providing these shots exclusively.

'Just do it' ... it works in all aspects of life

The following commentary was published in the Commander's Corner of Sandy Hog Gazette (111th Fighter Wing newspaper), August 2009 public online PDF issue:

By Lt. Col. Bill Griffin, 103rd Fighter Squadron Commander

If you just do your job correctly, it all works. Every person in the wing is relied upon to do their job correctly. Unit Manning Documents (UMDs) are built to work but only if you are trained and actually do your job. This concept starts with the Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman on the ground with a gun in his hand and goes through every link in the chain and you're one of those links.

Just do your job first then if you have time, help somewhere else you have experience. Just realize you might not be the Subject Matter Expert anymore and AFIs change so be careful with the "help" you provide. Most of the write ups found in any inspection come directly from guidance in an AFI not being followed. Lesson Learned: get in the books.

JUST DO IT. The 111 FW just did it - extremely well, again. The IG inspectors were impressed by the attitudes of our unit members, and rightly so. You should roam confidently knowing you're part of a winning team. Attitude goes a long way – either way, positive or negative, so you may as well have a positive attitude. Positive attitudes paid huge dividends on this last inspection and positive attitudes will take us safely and efficiently to the end of the A-10 mission. As long as we fly even just one jet, we must do the job like we are preparing for combat – lives depend on it. While we will not deploy in combat in the A-10 again, a small number of pilots, maintainers and weapons loaders will deploy to MacDill later this year to spin up Joint Terminal Area Controllers (JTACs) who will. This will require every member of the 111 FW to do their job as if the entire
squadron was deploying.

We must set the JTACs up to win on the battlefield. Vince Lombardi said "Winning isn't everything. It's the only thing." And he was just talking about a football game. Basics – get back to basics and do them well, and I will assure you success.

We understand the stresses around here. We are all in this together and on the same team, so take care of yourself first and provide mutual support to your teammates. Manage stress – go to the gym, run, swim, but do something to affect a positive means of managing stress. Do something to challenge yourself and go beyond your comfort level – learn a new hobby, skill or sport, but do it smartly and learn from someone fully trained and accredited in the activity. Be goal oriented but set timelines and goals that are attainable. For whatever reason, we now call the same old stuff by new names and think we're on to something. ORM (Operational Risk Management) used to be called "common sense." Either way, get it and employ
it.

So far this article reads like something out of Airman Magazine, so in that spirit I'll continue with "Finish Strong." While I'm not a fan of some of the Air Force's goofy slogans, this one applies, especially as we enter our final year of aviation. The 103rd Fighter Squadron just celebrated its 85th birthday in June. And while the 103rd Observation Squadron has grown into the 103rd Fighter Squadron, our goal is to go out with dignity and the throttles pushed up doing things right. It will take the work of every 111 FW member to make that happen so, in short, JUST DO IT.

Source

National Guard Bureau Chief comes to Idaho

Colonel James Compton and Captain Eric Newman explain the modifications being made to an A-10 Thunderbolt II to Chief of the National Guard Bureau Gen Craig McKinley during a visit to Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho. Colonel Compton is the Commander of the 124th Wing and Captain Newman is a Maintenance Officer with the 124th Maintenance Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard in Boise. The A-10 in the background could be 79-0165, according to the serial number on the air intake cover. (Air Force photo by Master Sgt Tom Gloeckle) Full size

by Capt Tracy Giles
124th Wing Public Affairs

7/28/2009 - GOWEN FIELD, Boise, Idaho -- Chief of the National Guard Bureau Gen. Craig R. McKinley visited here July 23 and 24 to see Soldiers and Airmen from Idaho, Oregon and Montana in action.

During day one of his jam-packed agenda, General McKinley visited 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team Soldiers in the field as they performed annual training maneuvers in preparation for future deployments.

He flew aboard a Blackhawk helicopter to the Idaho Army National Guard's Orchard Training Area in the desert 20 miles south of Boise. During his visit, the general was able to experience first-hand the unique training opportunities that Idaho's training range offers.

Day two of his visit included a visit to Airmen from both Idaho and Oregon. Idaho Airmen from the 124th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron gave the general a rundown on the Air Force's new A-10 assembly-line maintenance concept being conducted here.

Called the Consolidated Install Program and known locally as the "mod line," some 54 Idaho Airmen are upgrading warfighting capabilities of roughly one third of the Air Force's A-10 fleet. The program is projected to save more than $3 million in manpower costs and 26,000 labor hours during the yearlong program. It is the first time an Air National Guard unit has been tasked to implement a total force initiative in the A-10 community.

"Just seeing the mod line here tells me it was picked because of (the Idaho Air National Guard's) maintenance capabilities," he said. "There's not another ramp in the United States and the Guard that can equate to this kind of capability. It's very impressive."

McKinley also visited members of the Oregon Air Guard's 173rd Fighter Wing who are based here temporarily while their runway in Klamath Falls, Or. undergoes repair.

"I'm constantly amazed at the ingenuity, creativity and adaptability of our Airmen," McKinley said. "They do great work."

Maj. Gen. Larry Lafrenz, Idaho National Guard Commanding General, said it was an honor to have General McKinley come here to visit.

"His visit coincided with the brigade having its annual training. It gave him a real insight on what the Army does and how we train at our training facility here in Boise," Lafrenz said. "The A-10 mod line and the Oregon F-15's we're hosting give the Chief a real good look at what we do here."

Also coinciding with the general's visit was an Employer Bosslift sponsored by the Idaho chapter of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. He was the keynote speaker at a dinner event for more than 200 employers from Idaho and Oregon and during his speech he recognized the work of the Idaho ESGR chapter.

"Idaho is a state that continually puts emphasis on support to employers and education of employers." McKinley said. "People in Idaho are taking care of Guard and Reserve members. You can't put a price on that."

Source

Weapons ready!

Stand-alone news photo released by 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs:



Providing weapons for the fight, Staff Sgt. Todd Wolf, a Saint Joseph, Mo. native now deployed from Charleston Air Force Base's 437th Maintenance Squadron in South Carolina, works with Airman 1st Class Michael Chiniquy deployed from the 23rd Maintenance Group at Moody AFB, Georgia, to deliver weapons to their awaiting A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the Warthog. The A-10 is well-liked by ground commanders in combat due to its high payload, ability to stay on station over targets and the GAU-8 high explosive dispensing cannon in the nose of the aircraft. The A-10 plays a pivotal role in Afghanistan's Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. David Faggard)

Hi-res

For the same picture see also: Deployed Moody Airman delivers weapons

A-10C maintainers prepare for ORE

Photos released by 23rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs 7/27/2009:



Several A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft stand ready at Moody AFB, Georgia, July 22, 2009, in case of a possible deployment. The 23rd Wing recently held a Phase I Operational Readiness Exercise to test its capabilities to rapidly deploy Airmen and assets in the event of a short-notice tasking. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Schelli Jones) Hi-res



Staff Sgt. Nathan Flitcraft, 23rd Component Maintenance Squadron aircraft fuels systems, instructs Airman 1st Class Armando Del Valle II, 23rd CMS aircraft fuels systems, on proper techniques while performing an in-flight refuel check here July 22. They perform the check to prepare for a possible deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Schelli Jones) Hi-res

Hi-res



Members of the 23rd Component Maintenance Squadron prepare for a shift turnover here July 22. During a shift turnover, both shift workers and supervisors discuss what tasks were completed and what needs to be accomplished. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Schelli Jones) Hi-res



Airman 1st Class Havilah Kornhaber, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, fastens tridairs here July 22. Airman Kornhaber fastened the tridairs to replace old ones and secure a panel on an A-10C Thunderbolt II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Schelli Jones) Hi-res

A-10 attack jets from Arkansas to train over Tucson this week

By Carol Ann Alaimo
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.26.2009

A squadron of A-10 attack jets from Arkansas will swoop into Tucson early this week.

Warplanes from the Air National Guard's 188th Fighter Wing of Fort Smith, Ark., will be in town the last week of July and first week of August to train for war in the desert.

The eight visiting jets are here as part of Operation Snowbird, a program based at Davis-Monthan Air Force base that hosts U.S. and allied pilots to prepare for upcoming deployments.

The A-10s will fly about 20 missions a day. Most will be during daylight hours, but there will be some night flights, said 1st Lt. Mary Pekas, a D-M spokeswoman.

D-M already flies dozens of its own A-10s as the nation's largest training base for the aircraft.

So even with several more in town, the impact on residents should be minimal, Pekas said.

Source

Note: Since May 14, 2009, the 188th Fighter Wing's public website www.arftsmn.ang.af.mil/home.asp (still outdated as of December 15, 2005, and only related to their former F-16Cs) is not more online. In this case, the only available official online source for 188th Fighter Wing news is the Arkansas National Guard's public website, on which some 188th Fighter Wing's base newspaper issues of "The Flying Razorbacks" were published. But unfortunately, since the April 2009 PDF issue, there's no further update. Excuse me, but that looks to me like a very bad job of 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, still ignoring the work of their wing's Warthog people...

Flying Tigers break records, employ precision engagement

Two Warthogs from the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron sit on the tarmac awaiting clearance to launch on a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 74th EFS, deployed from Moody AFB, Georgia, recently surpassed 12,200 combat flight hours - a record. From left: A-10C 78-0674 from the 74th Fighter Squadron (marked 74 FS as squadron bird) and A-10C 78-0596 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Jung) Hi-res

Posted 7/25/2009 Updated 7/25/2009

by Tech. Sgt. John Jung
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

7/25/2009 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- In the past five months, the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., set a record number of combat flying hours in the A-10 Thunderbolt II - 12,200 to date - breaking a former record held by their sister squadron, whom they replaced in March.

During that span of time the 74th EFS 'Flying Tigers,' who trace their roots back to the American Volunteer Group of WWII, have employed hundreds of 500-pound bombs, 2.75-inch rockets and more than 54,000 30-mm high explosive shells, according to Lt. Col. Philip Weilhouwer, 74th EFS commander.

"What the team of the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit have accomplished is fly more than 2,800 missions in support of troops on the ground. Whether we drop [bombs] or shoot doesn't really matter, it's whether we've supported the guys on the ground, and if they are protected and they get the mission accomplished is what counts," said Col. Philip Weilhouwer.

The partnership between the operations and maintenance groups is one to be envied as the Flying Tigers have not gone a single day where there were not A-10s airborne conducting operations in the skies over Afghanistan.

The A-10 'Warthog,' as it is affectionately nicknamed, excels in its role of precision engagement, close air support and airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for American and Coalition ground forces throughout Afghanistan.

Among the Warthog's large array of weapons is the GAU-8 Gatling gun mounted on internal pylons in the aircraft that makes the enemy 'fear the Hog" most when it comes to precision engagement and close air support. The GAU-8 is capable of firing upwards of 4,000 rounds of high explosive 30-mm shells per minute in a very compact footprint.

"The 30-mm is the preferred weapon of the ground commander," said Maj. Kevin Eilers, a veteran A-10 pilot. "It's a distinct advantage in a close-in fight, because I can confidently target a bad guy with almost surgical precision. There's just a lower risk of unintentional casualties."



Lt. Col. Philip Weilhouwer, 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, readies his Warthog for a mission in the skies of Afghanistan. His A-10 squadron has a lineage prior to WWII and were known as the Flying Tigers and recently they've completed over 12,000 combat hours – a feat for any fighting unit. The native of East Windsor, Connecticut, is currently deployed from Moody AFB, Georgia. Note: Ladder door art "Claw One" and 20 mission markings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Jung) Hi-res



The Airmen who fly, maintain and support the 'Warthog' strive to uphold the proud heritage of the unit, which traces its roots to the American Volunteer Group, better known as the 'Flying Tigers' of WWII. The Warthog, like P-40 Warhawk of WWII, still sports the iconic gaping smile of a shark's mouth. Within that smile rests the GAU-8, 30-mm Gatling gun, capable of unleashing a torrent of high explosive rounds. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Jung) Hi-res



Captain Kyle Lanto, an A-10 pilot with the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing's 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, checks munitions on his 'Warthog,' during his preflight inspection here. Capt. Lanto is deployed from Moody AFB, Georgia, and is a native of Rantoul, Illinois. Capt. Lanto is a graduate of Eastern Carolina University is currently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Capt. Lanto's A-10 squadron has a lineage prior to WWII and were known as the Flying Tigers and recently they've completed over 12,000 combat hours – a feat for any fighting unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Jung) Hi-res

Source

Stand-alone A-10 Afghanistan shot on DefenseLINK

A-10 79-0135 from the 74th Fighter Squadron flies a combat mission over Afghanistan June 14, 2009. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Robertson, U.S. Air Force) Hi-res

Team Osan: Ready to fight-tonight!

A-10 80-0192 from the 25th Fighter Squadron takes off the runway at Osan AB, Republic of Korea, during exercise Beverly Bulldog 09-03 July 22, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephenie Wade) Hi-res

23rd FG welcomes new commander

Posted 7/21/2009 Updated 7/22/2009

by Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
23rd Wing Public Affairs

7/21/2009 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- History takes place once again as a group with a rich and illustrious heritage receives a new leader during a change of command ceremony here.

Col. Ellwood Hinman IV took reigns of the 23rd Fighter Group from Col. Michael O'Dowd, who will be moving to the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing.

"To the Flying Tigers of the 23rd Fighter Group, I am very proud to join you as a fellow member of this premier organization," said the new commander. "The opportunity to lead Airmen, to command the 23rd FG, to join the proud heritage and storied legacy of the Flying Tigers, to fly the A-10 again, to live in Valdosta and to become part of the special relationship between the base and the community is almost too good to be true."

Before Colonel O'Dowd officially handed over command of the 23rd FG, he thanked his Airmen for their hard work over the past two years.

"I declare with great admiration and pride toward each of you--mission accomplished and exceptionally well done," he said. "You are at home within the sound of the guns and it was in the call to battle these past two years that your greatest moments availed."

During Colonel Hinman's previous assignment, he served as a policy advisor to the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. From 2006 to 2007, he attended the Marine Corps War College in Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., and was a distinguished graduate. He is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours in the A-10, T-37, F-117A and T-38.

"Colonel Hinman's consistent outstanding performance and varied background make him uniquely qualified to lead this group," said Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander. "His experiences flying several different aircraft and working with our joint and coalition partners are notable."

During Colonel Hinman's speech, he revealed his vision for the 23rd FG.

"As your commander, building 'people first' leaders, 'safety first' operations and 'integrity first' Airmen will be my top priority," said Colonel Hinman. "It is through our collective commitment to these principles and to those from our past that will allow us to succeed."

The 23rd FG directs the flying operations for the largest combat-coded A-10 fighter organization in the Air Force, consisting of two 24-aircraft, combat-ready A-10C Thunderbolt II squadrons and an operations support squadron.

The group ensures overall combat readiness of more than 80 pilots and 135 operations support personnel and plans and executes worldwide contingency taskings in coordination with 23rd Wing rescue assets.

In addition, the group is responsible for all Moody airfield operations, encompassing more than 5,500 square miles of airspace and more than 75,000 operations, as well as Grand Bay Aerial Gunnery Range operations.

"It's absolutely essential that we remain fully combat-ready," said Colonel Hinman. "It's also paramount that we put safety first and foremost as we train and prepare for future deployments."

Colonel Hinman has master's degrees in arts, political science and public administration from Midwestern State University, Texas, in addition to a bachelor's degree in science from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.

The colonel and his wife, Jennifer, have three sons, Parker, Hunter and Chase.

"Jennifer and I are honored and stand ready to serve the fine men and women of this outstanding organization," said Colonel Hinman. "I look forward to leading you and working in partnership with the 476th Fighter Group and with fellow group commanders in the 23rd Wing."



Airmen salute as the Moody Air Force Honor Guard presents the colors during a change of command ceremony here July 20, 2009. Col. Michael O'Dowd relinquished command of the 23rd Fighter Group to Col. Ellwood Hinman IV. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)



Colonel Michael O'Dowd, 23rd Fighter Group outgoing commander, hands over the guidon to Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander, at the 23rd FG change of command ceremony here July 20, 2009. Colonel O'Dowd has been the 23rd FG commander for two years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)



Colonel Ellwood Hinman IV, 23rd Fighter Group incoming commander, receives the guidon from Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander, during the 23rd FG change of command ceremony here July 20, 2009. The 23rd FG directs the flying operations of the largest A-10 fighter organization in the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)



Colonel Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander, and Col. Michael O'Dowd, 23rd Fighter Group outgoing commander, applaud after Col. Ellwood Hinman IV took reigns of the 23rd FG change of command ceremony here July 20, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)



Colonel Ellwood Hinman IV, 23rd Fighter Group incoming commander, gives his remarks after accepting command from Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander, at the 23rd FG change of command ceremony here July 20, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)

Source

D-M A-10Cs caught at Lajes Field enroute Afghanistan

Updated 23 July 2009



A-10C 80-0246 still without new unit markings. (Photo by André Inácio)



A-10C 80-0150. (Photo by André Inácio)



A-10C 78-0709 still without new unit markings. (Photo by André Inácio)



A-10C 80-0179. (Photo by André Inácio)



A-10C 79-0202. (Photo by André Inácio)





Special thanks to Portuguese photographer and Warthog News contributor André Inácio for his permission to post his exclusive shots for first time on my blog!

Additional picture from Portuguese photographer and Warthog News contributor Paulo Santos, first-published on airliners.net:



Close-up shot of A-10C 79-0202. (Photo by Paulo Santos) Hi-res

Related info:
D-M A-10Cs logged at Lajes Field enroute Afghanistan

Historic Flying Tigers Excel at Close Air Support Mission in Afghanistan

A-10 80-0228 from the 74th Fighter Squadron and currently deployed with the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron represents the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit, during a Change of Command Ceremony at Bagram AB, Afghanistan, July 20, 2009. The Warthog's mission is to provide close air support and precision engagement missions throughout Afghanistan on a daily basis in support of Coalition ground forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke) Hi-res

by Tech. Sgt. John Jung
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

7/21/2009 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- They trace their heritage back to the famous Flying Tigers of WWII's war-torn China. In homage to the storied Airmen of the past, the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron still has the iconic sharks face painted on the front of their A-10 Thunderbolt II's, lovingly nicknamed the "Warthog."

The Warthog's mission is to provide close air support and precision engagement missions throughout Afghanistan on a daily basis in support of Coalition ground forces.

But before the pilots ever get in the Warthog, it's the 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit that gets the aircraft airborne. There has not been a single day in the deployment of the 74th EFS that squadron didn't have at least two aircraft airborne providing support to their warrior counterparts on the ground.

"Just like the Airmen that defended China in World War II, the 74th AMU is often short on resources, maintain aging aircraft and must make do with what they can," said Capt. James Schieser, 74th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit, Officer-in-Charge. "The strong leadership, dedication and perseverance of our non-commissioned officers, senior non-commissioned officers and officer corps, are what ensure every aircraft is fully mission-capable. The maintainers of the 74th AMU understand, with the Flying Tiger legacy they inherited, failure is not an option."

To date the Flying Tigers have broken records by flying upwards of 12,000 mission hours, expending more than 100 tons of ordinance in the CAS mission since arriving in February 2009. However, many times all it took was a show of force to end an engagement.

"We seek to avoid civilian casualties in all our operations - period," said Senior Master Sgt. Victor Castillo, 74th AMU Weapons Section Superintendent. "We have a variety of methods we use including loading of precision guided munitions, monthly updates of aircraft digital maps, and daily maintenance of our targeting systems to ensure the safety of innocent civilians on the ground."

But when enemy combatants don't flee after a show of force, the Warthog can deliver a precise strike to protect Coalition ground forces.

Army Specialist Jason Dorsey, "C" Company, 178th Infantry, saw firsthand the precision and power of the Warthog.

"The A-10s were a valuable asset to us on ground missions here in Afghanistan. Their speed and precise targeting provided great support for us and kept the bad guys' heads down during firefights," Spc. Dorsey said.

"We have so many soldiers coming in from the field to thank us - it's their stories of desperately needing 'air' and seeing an A-10 flying overhead providing cover for them that kept us energized and motivated," said Senior Master Sgt. Thomas E. Moore, 74th AMU Lead Production Superintendent. "It kept us working hard even when it seemed all we were doing was launching and recovering jets 24/7."



Senior Airman Gabriel Ramirez, from the 455th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, installs an environmental control panel on the A-10 Thunderbolt, here July 20, 2009. Airman Ramirez is deployed from the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Moody AFB, Georgia, and hails from Altus, Oklahoma. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke)



Staff Sgt. James Irvin, from the 455th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, performs an air cycle machine inspection to ensure the A-10 Thunderbolt functions properly, here July 20, 2009. Sergeant Irvin is deployed from the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Moody AFB, Georgia, and hails from Kerrville, Texas. They support Coalition forces on a daily basis in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke) Hi-res



Senior Airman Jacob McDonald, from the 455th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, talks to the pilot of an A-10 Thunderbolt during a "Red ball," which is when the pilot talks to the ground crew before take off if they feel anything is wrong with the aircraft so that it can get repaired, here July 20, 2009. Airman McDonald is deployed from the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Moody AFB, Georgia, and hails from Canon City, Colorado. They support Coalition forces on a daily basis in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke) Hi-res



Aircraft art is just one way for Airmen to represent what base they are from; this A-10 Thunderbolt is from the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Moody AFB, Georgia. The A-10 has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and are highly accurate weapons-delivery platforms. They support Coalition forces on a daily basis in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke) Hi-res



The tail of A-10 79-0172 from the 74th Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke) Hi-res

Load crew competition tests maintainers

Members of the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 23rd and 81st Fighter Squadrons at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, compete as inspectors look on and judge during the load crew competition July 17, 2009. Members from the fighter squadrons put together three-man teams and competed against each other to load weapons onto the F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Warthog in the fastest time, as well as a jammer driver contest that tested various members from each squadron on how fast and accurately they could maneuver the MJ1, which is used to load weapons on the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jenifer H. Calhoun) Hi-res



Left: The weapons load crew competition trophy sits as members of the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 81st Fighter Squadron weapons load crew team, compete in the Weapons Load Crew Competition July 17, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jenifer H. Calhoun)



Right: Airman 1st Class Troy Roberts, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 81st Fighter Squadron weapons load crew team member, prepares a weapon to be loaded onto an A-10 Thunderbolt II July 17, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jenifer H. Calhoun) Hi-res

Source

Serbian air force members visit base

Capt. Jeffery Dennis, 81st Fighter Squadron, sits in the pilot's seat of an A-10 Warthog and explains its features to distinguished visitors from the Serbian air force July 16, 2009. Four members of the Serbian air force came to Spangdahlem to learn how a fighter squadron runs as part of their visit to the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center located at Ramstein AB, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson) Hi-res



Capt. Jeffery Dennis, 81st Fighter Squadron, describes the elements of an A-10 Thunderbolt II to Sasa Jovanovic, B-2 Spirit desk officer for the 204th Air Base of the Serbian air force, and Col. Zlatko Sobot, chief of Serbian Air Force and Air Defense Operation Center, during their visit to Spangdahlem AB July 16, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson) Hi-res



Capt. Jeffery Dennis, 81st Fighter Squadron, explains the components of an A-10 Thunderbolt II simulator to Lt. Col. Roberto Delakroce, B-2 Spirit chief for the 204th Air Base of the Serbian air force, during his visit to Spangdahlem AB July 16, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson) Hi-res



Lt. Col. Roberto Delakroce, B-2 Spirit chief for the 204th Air Base of the Serbian air force, flies an A-10 Thunderbolt II during his visit to Spangdahlem AB, July, 16, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson) Hi-res



Capt. Jeffery Dennis, 81st Fighter Squadron, explains the proper technique for executing air-to-air tactics to Maj. Darko Glisic, A-2 desk officer for the Serbian Air Force and Air Defense Command, as Col. Zlatko Sobot, chief of Serbian Air Force and Air Defense Operation Center, observes during their visit to Spangdahlem AB July 16, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson Hi-res



Capt. Jeffery Dennis, 81st Fighter Squadron, instructs Maj. Darko Glisic, A-2 desk officer for the Serbian Air Force and Air Defense Command, as he flies in a simulated "dog fight" during his visit to Spangdahlem AB July 16, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson) Hi-res

Source

Osan AB Kicks of Beverly Bulldog 09-03

Staff Sgt. Joshua Johnson and Senior Airman Ray Meza build an A-10 nose tire assembly July 20, 2009, during Osan's Operational Readiness Exercise Beverly Bulldog 09-03. Both are aero repairmen from the 51st Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephenie Wade) Hi-res

Bad paint job - A-10C 82-0654 still with wrong serial number markings

A-10C 82-0654 from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany, on static display at RIAT Fairford, United Kingdom, July 18-19, 2009. Probably since his A-10C upgrade the jet is marked as Fiscal Year 1981 (FY 81) aircraft by mistake. (Photo by Steve Huckvale) Hi-res

A-10C 82-0654 also participated as static display at Volkel Airshow 2009 (officially called Luchtmachtdagen 2009 by Netherland's Koninklijke Luchtmacht) on June 19-20, 2009. The wrong serial number is also painted in front of the aircraft's windshield. See: 81st Fighter Squadron A-10s caught during Volkel Airshow 2009

Special thanks to Warthog News contributor Steve Huckvale from U.K. for providing this very interesting close-up shot!