A-10C 81-0984 caught at D-M January 29, 2010

On January 29, 2010, Warthog News contributor Ned Harris from United States had the opportunity to take the following shot:



A-10C 81-0984, formerly assigned to the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, and still without new unit markings on final approach. On the right wing tip please note AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System equipment. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

Please visit Ned's photostream on flickr.

Brig. Gen. Paul T. Johnson assigned as the next 451st AEW commander

Brigadier General Paul T. Johnson, 355th Fighter Wing (ACC) commander, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, will become the next commander of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing (ACC) at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, the chief of staff, Air Force announced January 29, 2010, according to an U.S. Department of Defense news release. A time frame of his future assignment is not given for the public at least as of current.

Source



Brig. Gen. Paul T. "PJ" Johnson is a command pilot with more than 2,500 hours in the A-10 Thunderbolt II. Hi-res

(His official USAF bio, current as of August 2009)

Background info:

Brig. Gen. Paul T. Johnson will replace Brig. Gen. Guy M. Walsh (bio) who assumed command of the 451st AEW as their first commander in July 2009. From December 2002 - June 2009, Brig. Gen. Walsh commanded the 175th Wing (Maryland ANG). The 451st Air Expeditionary Group at Kandahar Airfield transitioned to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing July 2, 2009.

See also:
A-10 Units of Operation Enduring Freedom

Monster Mash: 188th A-10 'Warthog' to be featured in Air Force Recruiting campaign

Released by 188th Fihgter Public Affairs:

An unidentified A-10C Thunderbolt II, piloted by Lt. Col. Tim Eddins of the 188th Fighter Wing, conducts a low approach over an A-10 monster truck above the runway at the Fort Smith Regional Airport during a photo and video shoot with U.S. Air Force Recruiting Services January 26, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Heath Allen) Hi-res

by Capt. Heath Allen
188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1/28/2010 - FORT SMITH, Ark -- The 188th Fighter Wing is no stranger to the spotlight. That light was never more luminous than during a recent partnership with the U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service.

The 188th's A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" will be used in a U.S. Air Force Recruiting Services marketing campaign, which will feature photos and video of an A-10C with a monster truck that resembles the aircraft.

A marketing team with USAF Recruiting Services concluded a three-day project at the 188th Jan. 27. The photo and video shoot featured sundry video and photo with A-10s and the monster truck.

Tight project deadlines put the 188th under the gun, and the microscope.

"We sent out the message to several A-10 units and the 188th was the first to respond," said Tech Sgt. Christian Bolduc, a spokesperson with USAF Recruiting. "The 188th went out of its way to make sure that we had everything we needed. A project like this takes time and a lot of coordination and the 188th did a great job and made our jobs a lot easier. We're very appreciative of all their efforts."

The monster truck was designed to mimic many of the A-10's attributes, including a replica of the aircraft's 30mm Gatling gun. The monster truck's version of the weapon functions as a T-shirt launcher during Air Force recruiting events.

The monster truck also features non-functioning models of the A-10's wings and its two General Electric GF-34 engines.

The 188th's A-10s along with the monster truck will be featured in USAF Recruiting Service videos and literature that will be disseminated nationwide, including professional sporting events. Photo and video products from the project will also be available on computer desktop and cell phone wallpapers. Audio from the A-10's 30mm Gatling gun will be made available in a cell phone ring tone as well.

"We know the Air Force could have selected any number of A-10 units," said Col. Tom Anderson, 188th commander. "We were very appreciative that we were afforded the opportunity to showcase our A-10s and the 188th on a national level. I know everyone from Operations to Maintenance and Public Affairs went above and beyond to ensure the Air Force Recruiting team had what they needed to do the job right."

The recruiting program also includes a similar partnership with Orange County Choppers in which one of the company's motorcycles is featured with an F-22 Raptor.

Hi-res



An A-10 monster truck is positioned next to A-10C 188 at the 188th Fighter Wing in Fort Smith, Arkansas, during a photo and video shoot with U.S. Air Force Recruiting Services January 26, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Heath Allen/188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

Note: Visible at right is A-10C 087 from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG), Martin State AP.



An A-10 monster truck prepares to drive behind an A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthog" at the 188th Fighter Wing in Fort Smith, Arkansas, during a photo and video shoot with U.S. Air Force Recruiting Services January 26, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Heath Allen/188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res



An A-10 monster truck drives down the taxiway on the flightline during a photo and video shoot with U.S. Air Force Recruiting Services January 26, 2010, at the 188th Fighter Wing in Fort Smith, Arkansas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Heath Allen/188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10 087.







Robbe Cartwright, an A-10 monster truck crew member, labors to assemble the vehicle prior to a photo and video shoot with U.S. Air Force Recruiting Services Janurary 26, 2010, at the 188th Fighter Wing in Fort Smith, Arkansas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Heath Allen) Hi-res

354th FS Pilots return

Released yesterday by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs:



Three A-10Cs perform the missing man flyover after returning from their six- month deployment from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, here January 24, 2010. The aircraft were part of six A-10s that got to come home to D-M. The mission of the squadron was to stand up Kandahar Airfield for the new mission of the A-10s getting them closer to the fight. They also supported 400 situations in which troops on the ground were in contact with the enemy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacqueline Romero) Hi-res



An A-10 touches down on the runway here after returning from their six-month deployment from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, January 24, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacqueline Romero) Hi-res



A-10C 80-0246 (still without new unit markings) lands on the runway here January 24, 2010. A total of six A-10 pilots from the 354th Fighter Squadron came home Sunday afternoon after a six- month deployment to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The pilots were welcomed home by their families, friends and other members of the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla) Hi-res



Capt. Jordan Hrupek is reunited with his wife Krissi Leigh Hrupek on the flight line here January 24, 2010. Captain Hrupek was one of six pilots from the 354th Fighter Squadron who returned home after a six-month deployment to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The pilots were welcomed home by their families, friends and other member of the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla) Hi-res

A-10s caught at D-M January 26, 2010

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



A-10C 81-0954 from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Wing (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, assigned to the ANG/AFRC Test Center. AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod on station 10. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10 78-0692 from the 103rd Fighter Squadron, 111th Fighter Wing (Pennsylvania ANG), Willow Grove. Note the dark paint on some portions of the underwing. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

More A-10s caught at D-M January 25, 2010

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



A-10 80-0151 with black fin flashes from the 358th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Wing (ACC), Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. Sniper XR targeting pod on station 2. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10 78-0671 without fin flashes from the 355th Fighter Wing (ACC), Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10 79-0108 from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG), Martin State AP. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

355th Fighter Wing A-10s caught at D-M January 25, 2010

Warthog News contributor James O'Rear from United States had the opportunity to take the following pictures, already published on his photostream on flickr:



An A-10 Thunderbolt II two-ship passing over the snow covered Catalina Mountains near Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. 81-0952 in the foreground (still without new unit markings) is a former Spang Hog, formerly assigned to the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Visible in the background is A-10 80-0181. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size



Just a joke by James: A-10 81-0961 demonstrating its massive load carrying capability with an MD-80 airliner loaded underneath the left wing. Airliner was inbound for Tucson International Airport (KTUS) while A-10 was turning off of the downwind leg to land at Davis-Monthan AFB (KDMA), Arizona. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size

Load Crew Competition

Released on Nellis AFB's public website:



NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.-- Senior Airman Justin Sherron, a weapons loader, 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, lines up to transport inert practice weapons from a MHU-141 trailer to an A-10C Thunderbolt II during the load team competition here January 8, 2010. The quarterly weapons load crew competition tests the skills of airman on six different teams. The Airmen are judged on speed, accuracy and safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Taylor Worley) Hi-res

Note the 53rd Wing patch on the A-10C's right fuselage.



NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.-- Senior Airman Justin Sherron, a weapons loader, 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, performs a munitions safeing procedure on an inert Mk. 82 LD M904 fuze during the Load Team Competition here January 8, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Taylor Worley) Hi-res








NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.-- Staff Sgt. Joseph Bartolome, Airman 1st Class Matthew Quick, and Senior Airman Justin Sherron, weapons loaders, 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, prepare to load an inert CATM-9 training missile on an A-10C Thunderbolt II during the load crew competition here January 8, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Taylor Worley) Hi-res

Pilots from 354th Fighter Squadron comes home

Published by KOLD-TV:



Posted: Jan 25, 2010 2:14 AM
Updated: Jan 25, 2010 2:14 AM

By Van Nguyen

DAVIS MONTHAN AFB, AZ (KOLD) - It's an emotional day for some local families in Southern Arizona.

After a seven month deployment in Afghanistan, some pilots of the 354th Fighter Squadron arrived at Davis Monthan Air Force Base Sunday afternoon.

They were greeted with open arms by loved ones.

One woman brought her husband Jordan Hrupek a bouquet made up of Jack Daniels.

She was so excited to see him, she climbed up his plane and kissed him.

Jordan says he's relieved to be home.

His wife Krissi says "It's hard to be away from him over the holidays, but now we get to celebrate them all over again."

Some of the other members of the squadron arrived home last Thursday.

Source

Final six of 354th EFS A-10Cs returned to D-M from Afghanistan

The final six A-10Cs from the 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron returned home to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately, Warthog News contributors Ned Harris and James O'Rear, both from United States, missed them. James called Ned at 4:10 pm and he saw them overhead but was unable to photograph them.

The 354th EFS with twelve aircraft returned from a six-month combat deployment for Operation Enduring Freedom to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. It was the first A-10 combat deployment to this location.

AMXS plays vital role in Operation Saber Crown 10-3

Released today by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs:



SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Airman Richie Washoe, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron, inspects an A-10 Thunderbolt II's rudder actuator January 21, 2010, in Hangar 2 to ensure proper operation of vital flight components. The rudder actuator is the component that drives the flight-control surface, allowing the pilot to steer the aircraft in flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nick Wilson) Hi-res






SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Airman Richie Washoe, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron, inspects an A-10 Thunderbolt II's engine January 21, 2010, in Hangar 2. Airman Washoe ensured the thrust mounts were not cracked or damaged to prevent airframe damage or engine loss. The engine of an A-10 is worth about $2 million, and the entire aircraft is worth nearly $12 million. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nick Wilson) Hi-res

D-M Load Crew of the Year competition

Released today by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs:



Staff Sgt. Kenneth Gore, 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, tries to align an inert Mk. 82 bomb onto a Triple Ejector Rack (TER) during this year's Load Crew of the Year competition at the Weapons Load Training facility here January 22, 2010. This competition, which consists of a uniform inspection, written test and performance test, determines the winners of the Load Crew of the Year award. More than 40 maintenance and operations personnel came out to support the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla)

Note: Pictured is an inert 500lb Mk. 82 Air Inflatable Retard (AIR), which has a parachute pack in the rear of the tailkit that deploys to slow the bomb's descent after drop. This allows the aircraft to escape the impact area, thus decreasing the chances of the jet being damaged by its own bomb's explosion at low altitude.



Staff Sgt. Terrell Jackson, 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, guides an inert Mk. 82 bomb into place during this year' Load Crew of the Year competition at the Weapons Load Training Facility here January 22, 2010. This competition consists of a uniform inspection, written, and performance test in which they are judged on how fast they can safely load six Mk. 82 bombs onto two Triple Ejector Racks (TERs) of an A-10 Thunderbolt II. This competition determines the winners of the Load Crew of the Year award. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla) Hi-res

Note: This TER, carrying three inert Mk. 82 bombs, is mounted on station 3. The air intake cover on the left engine is marked 355 AMXS (for 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron).

















Staff Sgt. Abraham Lailson, 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, secures an inert Mk. 82 bomb for transport during this year's Load Crew of the Year competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla) Hi-res

Airmen come home from Kandahar Airfield

Released today by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs:



Capt. Wayne Blom, 354th Fighter Squadron, greets his daughter Hayden, and his wife Lyndi here January 21, 2010, after a six-month deployment to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Captain Blom was one of approximately 225 Airmen from D-M coming home. The Airmen were a part of bringing the A-10 to Kandahar Airfield for the first time during Operation Enduring Freedom. With placing the A-10s mission to that region it allowed them to bring the fight to the troops on the ground. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Jacqueline Romero) Hi-res

Note: REALLY A VERY NICE PICTURE!



Airman 1st Class Channon Green, 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, is welcomed home by Brig. Gen. Paul Johnson, 355th Fighter Wing commander, here January 21, 2010. While deployed, Airman Green won the Maintenance Group Maintenance Award allowing him to be the first person off of the aircraft. Airman Green was a part of the approximately 225 Airmen coming home from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan after a six-month deployment. The mission of the squadron was to stand up Kandahar Airfield for the new mission of the A-10s getting them closer to the fight. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Jacqueline Romero) Hi-res

Final six 354th EFS A-10Cs on their way back home to D-M

As mentioned on the Dutch Scramble Messageboard, the final six 354th EFS A-10Cs returned to Martin State Airport this evening as Trend 21-26. They are on their way back home to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, after a six-month combat deployment for Operation Enduring Freedom to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

First six of 354th EFS A-10Cs returned to D-M from Afghanistan

As reported by Warthog News contributor Ned Harris from United States, the first six A-10Cs from the 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron returned home to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, from Afghanistan January 24, 2010. They landed at 2:30 PM local time (MST). Each aircraft carried an external fuel tank on center station 6. The return of the remaining six aircraft is expect for either Monday or Tuesday about the same time of day. The 354th EFS is returning from a six-month combat deployment for Operation Enduring Freedom to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. It was the first A-10 combat deployment to this location.



The first cell arrives: A-10Cs 80-0246, 80-0142 and 81-0950. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



The second cell arrives: A-10Cs 78-0684, 81-0948 and 82-0663. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 78-0684 with blue fin flashes and special-marked 354 FS/CC (as the 354th Fighter Squadron commander's jet. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 81-0948 with yellow fin flashes. Note the green-painted nose landing gear door. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 81-0950 with yellow fin flashes. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 82-0663, still without unit markings and fin flashes. Note the large paper (probably an envelope) behind the wind shield. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 80-0246, still without unit markings and fin flashes. Note the green-painted nose landing gear door. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10C 80-0142 without fin flashes. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

Please visit Ned Harris' photostream on flickr

355th Fighter Wing A-10s caught at D-M January 20, 2010

On January 20, 2010, Warthog News contributor Ned Harris from United States had the opportunity to take the following pictures:



A-10 81-0982. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10 81-0982. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10 81-0952. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10 80-0151. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10 81-0961. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10 80-0181. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10 82-0648. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10 80-0211. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10 79-0196. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10 79-0168. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

355th Fighter Wing A-10s caught at D-M January 19, 2010

On January 19, 2010, Warthog News contributor Ned Harris from United States had the opportunity to take the following shots:



A-10 80-0270 without fin flashes on final approach. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size



A-10 78-0651 without fin flashes on final approach. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

Return of the 12 deployed 354th EFS Hogs to D-M delayed

By Joachim Jacob

As mentioned on the recommendable Dutch Scramble Messagebord just two hours ago (European time), the first six A-10Cs should depart from Martin State Airport (KMTN), Baltimore, Maryland, to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, today, Sunday. The second cell is filed from Lajes Airfield, Azores, to Martin State AP Sunday aswell as Trend 21-26.

As already mentioned by the same source (on Friday), only six 354th EFS A-10Cs made it to Martin State AP on Thursday as Trend 11-16. The second cell (Trend 21-26) has been filed for Friday.

See topic: Lajes (Azores) (LPLA/TER) - 2010 MIL (On Scramle, my user name is J.J.)

Originally, a 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs press release (Release Number: 080110) from January 19, 2010, stated: Additionally, the pilots and 12 A-10s will return to Davis-Monthan on Saturday, Jan. 23 at a time to-be-determined.

But via e-mail, Warthog News contributor James O'Rear yesterday told me: No jets as of 3pm local time. :-(

BTW: Warthog News contributors James O'Rear and Ned Harris (both from United States) are still ready to take arrival shots.

47th FS hosts Turkey Shoot

by Senior Airman Crystal M. Jordan
917th Wing Public Affairs

1/22/2010 - Barksdale Air Force Base, La. -- The 47th Fighter Squadron on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., kicked off their annual squadron Turkey Shoot, a flying competition to evaluate the ability of A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots attached to the unit Jan. 7 through Jan. 9.

The aerial competition, which evaluated the tactical guile and bomb dropping and strafing abilities of the pilots, was held at the at Claiborne Range, an air-to-ground gunnery range located three hours South of Barksdale.

"The challenging nature of the scenario generated the need for clever tactics, creating unforeseen friction," said Maj. Robert Hetland, flight commander for the 47th FS.

The 47th FS Intelligence shop captured video footage of the weapons systems during the two-day spectacle, which was used for review.

In the end, the highest scores were earned by the pilots who were most tactically sound, accurate and had the least amount of costly mistakes.

The top individual pilot was Lt. Col. Brady Glick, the 917th Operations Chief of Standard Evaluation.

Second was Lt. Col. Marc Olson, an assistant director of operations for the 47th FS.

Third was Lt. Col. James Marks, an assistant director of operations for the 47th FS as well.

Colonel Glick and Colonel Olson, along with Lt. Col. Michael Shultz, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot attached to the 47th FS and Lt. Col. David Deaton, chief of safety for the 917th Wing earned the top four-ship flight award.

The 917th Munitions Squadron and 717th Maintenance Squadron supported the airborne spectacle by building inert bombs, generating 24 sorties and providing 30mm ammunition for the event.

The 917th Operation Support Squadron, along with Claiborne Range personnel positioned threat arrays which were also a key to the success of the competition.



Lt. Col. Brady Glick, 47th Fighter Squadron pilot at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, returns from a record setting sortie in the A-10 Thunderbolt II. Colonel Glick set the all-time single total flying hours record in the A-10 Thunderbolt II with 4,666 flying hours and 2,495 sorties on June 13, 2008. The aerial warrior was recently named the top individual pilot during the 47th FS annual Turkey Shoot on January 7, 2010. The Turkey Shoot is an airborne competition which evaluates the tactical guile and bomb dropping and strafing abilities of A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) (Hi-res version currently not available)

Source