188th Gearing Up For Deployment

188th Inspection - Master Sgt. Rex Huckley with the 188th Fighter Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard does maintenance on one of the unit's A-10 Thunderbolts on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, on the flightline at Ebbing Air Base. (Photo by Corey S. Krasko, Times Record)

By Jeff Arnold
The Times Record
Posted: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 8:30 am | Updated: 10:38 am, Tue Aug 30, 2011.

Planning is under way for deployment of the 188th Fighter Wing in 2012 to provide close-air support for ground forces.

Col. Tom Anderson, 188th commander, said the unit is "in the bucket" to deploy to the U.S. Central Command area late next summer.

The Central Command's area of responsibility includes the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and, most notably, Afghanistan and Iraq.

It will be the 188th's second deployment to Central Command since the unit began flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in April 2007.

In March 2010, about 275 members of the 188th deployed to Afghanistan as part of the 188th's Aerospace Expeditionary Forces rotation, sent to provide air support to ground forces fighting in Afghanistan.

"Because the A-10 is such a good close-air support platform and that's the type of engagement our military is involved in these days a lot, I think this won't be out of the ordinary to see us be asked to go back often," Anderson said.

Anderson said planning is still in the early stages and limited details are available, but he hopes to release more information after the Fort Smith Regional Air Show, scheduled for Oct. 1-2.

Source

See also:
188th Fighter Wing At Fort Chaffee To Deploy (AP news via KHBS-TV)

Local boy is Pilot for a Day

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

8/30/2011 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- A local boy and his family toured the base with the Pilot for a Day program here August 26.

Fifteen year-old Brandon Valles, his mother Dellma Valles, father Ernie Valles, and twin brothers Alex and Ricky Valles were escorted by Capt. Jason Pruitt, 358th Fighter Squadron pilot, during their tour.

"This program gives the base the opportunity to show a truly special kid a great time," Captain Pruitt said. "I really enjoyed being a part of it."

The goal of the Pilot for a Day program is to benefit children in the local community who have catastrophic illnesses.

The first stop on the tour was the 358th FS where Brandon received his very own, custom-made flight suit. He was presented a special lithograph, took the oath of office and had his wings pinned on his suit by Lt. Col. Andrew Kapuscak, 355th Training Squadron commander.

"I think it's great that everyone took time out their day to host this program," Mrs. Valles said.

From there the tour took Brandon and his family to various locations including aircraft static displays, the new fire station and the A-10 simulator. Brandon ate lunch with Col. John Cherrey, 355th Fighter Wing commander, and ended his tour with a visit to the military working dogs kennel.

"When I go to the hospital for my next treatment, I'm going to wear my flight suit," Brandon said. "The nurses said they wanted to see it, so I'll go show it off."

Brandon was diagnosed with stage four rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancerous tumor of the
muscles that are attached to the bones.

D-M hosted its first Pilot for a Day program participant in August 2000. For more information about the Pilot for a Day program, visit www.dm.af.mil/library/pilotfortheday.asp.



DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – Capt. Jason Pruitt, 358th Fighter Squadron, fits his helmet on Brandon Valles here Aug. 26. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christine Halan)

Source

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs are ready to bring the thunder

by Tech. Sgt. Chad Thompson
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/29/2011 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Airmen with the 51st Maintenance Group load munitions onto an A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron August 29, 2011, during an Operational Readiness Exercise. Exercises such as this test Osan's ability to survive and operate during a war-time constraint.



(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chad Thompson)



(From left to right) Senior Airman Austin Mallory, Senior Airman Cory Lillberg and Staff Sgt. Wesley Daniel, all with the 51st Maintenance Group, load munitions onto an A-10 Thunderbolt II August 29, 2011, during an Operation Readiness Exercise. Exercises such as this test Osan's ability to survive and operate during a war-time constraint. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chad Thompson)



(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chad Thompson)



(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chad Thompson)

Note: Pictured is A-10C 82-0651. For more related pictures please check Osan's online photo gallery.

ORI at Whiteman

Some of the photos released today by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Tech. Sgt. Sarah Bower, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics technician, tests an aircraft during a phase-one operational readiness inspection, Aug. 27, 2011. 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 Tech. Sgt. Kent Kagarise)

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0117. Note DEATH PROOF ladder door art and crew inscription
PILOT: MAJ STEVE NESTER
CREW CHIEF: SSGT RUSSEL ROBERTS
ASST. CREW CHIEF: SRA TODD REGAS



Lt. Col. Donald Bohney, 303rd Fighter Squadron A-10 pilot, inspects his aircraft during a phase-one operational readiness inspection, Aug. 27, 2011. The 303rd FS is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kent Kagarise)



Reserve maintainers work on A-10 aircraft during a phase-one operational readiness inspection, Aug. 27, 2011. 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 Tech. Sgt. Kent Kagarise)

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0201 with Warthog ladder door art.

This post will be updated as soon as possible.

Going over the steps

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs



U.S. Air Force Captain Dave Clementi, an A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot with the 75th Fighter Squadron, uses a flight simulator to inform students in the Attack Control Systems Course how equipment can be used in real world situations. Use of the simulator as a teaching tool showed the students how vital their equipment systems are to the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Garcia) Hi-res

Det. 9 trains maintainers on rescue, fighter airframes

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

8/26/2011 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Equipped with aircraft engines, A-10 cockpit simulators, and HH-60 rescue hoists, the field training detachment here provides maintenance Airmen with the tools and training they need to become adept at their jobs.

The 372nd Training Squadron, Det. 9, has 18 instructors who teach 64 different courses on everything from A-10 avionics to C-130 cargo rails.

"Our job is to work with the 23rd Maintenance Group and see who needs training in what areas," said Master Sgt. John Kimpan, Det. 9 chief. "We provide 12 different specialties on all three of Moody's airframes. We want to make sure the Airmen working on them are prepared for their jobs."

Moody is home to the A-10C Thunderbolt II, HH-60G Pave Hawk and HC-130P Combat King. Many of the newer Airmen arriving here have general training on their particular aircraft, but the classes they take through the detachment provide them with knowledge that is more specific.

"I've been working on the same engine for 10 out of the 12 years I've been in the Air Force," said Staff Sgt. Dallas Morris, Det. 9 A-10 propulsion instructor. "I wanted to become an instructor so that I could both keep my job knowledge and pass it on to the new Airmen."

The class length ranges from four to 21 days, and class size ranges from just two students to 10. The smaller class size helps the instructors focus more on each student.

"We teach so many classes here and have so much to teach the students," said Morris. "We want to pass on our passion and knowledge so they become more proficient on the flight line and can be better at their jobs. A lot happens on the flight line and in the back shop, and the classes we teach gives the Airmen a closer look at some of those operations."

Instructors at the detachment are chosen for their four-year assignment through a process that includes a face-to-face interview with a detachment chief.

"We don't want an instructor who is only here to get off the flight line," said Kimpan. "We want them here for the right reasons. When I interview someone, I look for a good personality, initiative and how they communicate. They should have a true desire to teach."

The detachment belongs to the 82nd Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. They have a stated mission of "Enhance the combat capability of our customers by anticipating and exceeding their evolving needs for aircraft maintenance training, support training, and technical support."



U.S. Air Force Airman Joshua Fennimore, 23rd Component Maintenance Squadron, rebuilds an A-10C Thunderbolt II engine at the 372nd Training Squadron, during a TF-34 Intermediate Maintenance Course, Aug. 23, 2011. The course gave Fennimore and fellow classmates the knowledge required to take apart and rebuild engines for the A-10 aircraft stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Garcia))

Source

476th FG works though TFI, succeeds

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

8/27/2011 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 476th Fighter Group, a geographically separated unit of the 442nd Fighter Wing, Whiteman AFB, Mo., is a classic Reserve associate unit that works with the 23rd Wing here.

The group works side-by-side in a total force mission with active-duty Airmen to maintain and operate 52 A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 23rd Wing.

The group, which began in 2008 under the command of Col. Gregory Eckfeld, now the 442nd FW's vice commander, has deployed four times - three of which were before it was at its full operational capability.

"The mentality between the active duty and the Reserve here is no different," said Master Sgt. Scott Lopez, 476th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "We both want to get the same mission accomplished. There's no competition between us and active duty - they understand we're here to help."

The relationship has developed so well, in fact, that the active-duty leadership has integrated the Reserve into daily activities, said Lt. Col. Doug Batson, 476th Maintenance Squadron commander.

"The active duty invites us to things like changes of command, and we meet once a week for coffee with the (23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander) to discuss each other's issues and exchange dialogue," he said.

When the 23rd Wing requests assistance from the 476th FG, the group was happy to help, Batson said.

"We asked what we could do to help them, and they said they needed Alaskan shelters, so we requested them and got approved," Batson said. "They had a need, and we were able to meet it. The key to the Reserve forging a relationship with the active duty is communication, partnership and showing them the Reserve can be relied on."
One thing Batson said, for which the Reserve can be relied on, is training.

"Our average reservist here has 17 years of military experience," said Senior Master Sgt. Jamie Cornelia, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent. "We're seeing more and more young, active-duty Airmen who are going to our (traditional reservists) and (air reserve technicians) for training. It's a great recruiting tool and it shows what great experience comes from the Air Force Reserve."

Working with active duty holds many benefits for traditional reservists as well, Lopez added.

"It's a fast pace around here," he said. "The pace mimics the benefits of deploying without having to deploy as much. It's nonstop work, which gives all of us great training too."

Within just a few short years though, the 476th FG reservists had volunteered to deploy alongside their active-duty counterparts.

"When we first started deploying with active duty, they were hesitant to work with us, but now they're asking us for volunteers," said Master Sgt. Brian Shipman, 476th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief.

The challenges of working together have subsided for many maintainers - but not all of them. For the full-time ARTs, Lopez said, it can be confusing for active duty to understand how they are civilians working during the week, but still wearing the Air Force uniform.

"For many of the active-duty Airmen, they might work 12 to 14-hour days," Lopez said, "but we go home after an eight or nine-hour day (if overtime or credit time isn't available.) At first, our TRs were confused because they didn't know who was active duty and who was Reserve."

Over time, Lopez said, the reservists learn who is who regardless of uniforms.
Despite the challenges, Cornelia said three components have contributed to the success of the 476th FG and TFI: personality, open-mindedness and leadership's ambition.

"A lot of people were used to the old way of doing things, but you have to come in with an open mind regardless of your experience," he said.

Source

Note the given info that 52 A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft are currently assigned to the 23rd Fighter Group, 23rd Wing, Moody AFB, Georgia!

81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at Lask Airport / Air Base (Poland) enroute MAKS 2011

Updated 28 August 2011

Some days ago, Warthog News contributor Mariusz Krawczyk from Poland e-mailed me a lot of pictures. And he told me: Here are the photos of the two A-10 which visited EPLK airbase during their flight to Moscow for MAKS airshow. All shots are credited to Marta Holka - member of SPFL (Polish Air Photographers Association). A-10s visited AFB to refuel whole group, on 12th of August, in the morning. She was so kind, to send me all the photos and present them on the Warthog News blog.



A-10C 81-0960. (Photo by Marta Holka)



A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS. (Photo by Marta Holka)



A-10C 81-0960. (Photo by Marta Holka) Full size



A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS. (Photo by Marta Holka) Full size



A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS. (Photo by Marta Holka) Full size



A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS. (Photo by Marta Holka) Full size



Rear view of A-10C 81-0981. (Photo by Marta Holka) Full size



A-10Cs 81-0960 and 81-0981, pictured together with three F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft from RAF Lakenheath. (Photo by Marta Holka) Full size



A-10C 81-0981. The pilot's face is visible through the HUD. (Photo by Marta Holka) Full size



Three fingers... (Photo by Marta Holka) Full size

Special thanks to Marta Holka, a professional photographer from Łódź, Poland. I'm now in personal contact with her. Please visit: Marta's website Marta's blog Marta on Facebook



Marta on her job with heavy equipment. (Courtesy photo, copied from Marta's Facebook page).

Maintenance teamwork keeps A-10s flying over Afghanistan

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Members of the 451st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron perform the final steps of Phase 1 maintenance inspection on an A-10 Thunderbolt II here Aug. 25, 2011. During Phase 1, the maintainers remove most aircraft panels to visually inspect all major components to ensure they are working properly. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman David Carbajal) Hi-res

by Senior Airman David Carbajal
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

8/26/2011 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- If you cut something in half, usually it's not a good thing - like getting half a sandwich or half a paycheck. In this case, it's a demonstration of excellence.

With current mission requirements, members of the 451st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron are tasked to perform phase maintenance inspections on the A-10 Thunderbolt IIs in half the time of stateside bases. In many cases, they surpass that goal and complete the inspections even faster.

During these maintenance inspections, commonly referred to as "Phase," the unit performs an inspection of all major components on the aircraft.

"We take nearly all the panels off the aircraft and inspect everything," said Staff Sgt. Richard Chase, 451st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron inspection section journeyman.

Flying combat sorties comes at a steep price for the maintainers.

"As a general number, for every one flight hour, about six to 12 hours of maintenance must be done," said Staff Sgt. Brian Crofts, 451 EMXS quality assurance technician. "When we fly as much as we do here, a lot of maintenance has to be done to keep these A-10s in the air."

The maintenance team works around the clock with two 12-hour shifts, each day, seven days a week.

In a typical stateside location, Phase 1 maintenance is performed over a 10-day span, said Crofts, an Aiken, S.C., native. "Even though we're given five days to complete the same work, we'll have the aircraft out in three to four days."

To accomplish such a feat, the phase maintenance technicians don't work alone.

"We'll have maintainers from Fabrication, Fuels, Electrical and even the crew chiefs come out and help us," said Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Slaven, 451st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron maintenance flight chief. "They form a very cohesive team," said Slaven, a Madison, Fla., native who is deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.

The unit that flies the Thunderbolts, the 74th Fighter Squadron, and several members of the 451 EMXS are deployed Moody Air Force Base, Ga. On average, the fighter squadron has at least two A-10s flying to support operations throughout the country at any given moment.

Every other Phase maintenance cycle or after 1,000 hours of flying time, the A-10s are treated to Phase 2 maintenance.

"The biggest difference between the two Phases is we go even more in depth in a Phase 2," said Chase, an Avondale, Ariz., native. In Phase 2, the maintenance personnel inspect the "white area," which is found inside the cockpit as well as the maintenance performed in Phase 1.

The timeframe for Phase 2 maintenance is also cut in half, allotting only six days for a typical 12-day task. The unit averages four to five days for Phase 2 maintenance.

Several steps must be accomplished before the aircraft can go back to the flightline.

"Before we re-attach the aircraft panels, we visually inspect everything again to ensure there is no FOD (foreign object debris), missing pieces or damaged components," said Crofts.

Even with the shrunken time requirements, the team still holds a 95 percent inspection passing average.

"I can't tell you how proud I am of my entire team ... the synergy that six flights created to get us to this point has been nothing short of amazing," said Capt. Jhames Illanez, 451 EMXS operations officer.

"In the end, it's all about doing the work that needs to be done to make sure these aircraft can support the warfighters in Afghanistan," said Slaven.

Source

Note: Pictured is A-10C 80-0272 from the 74th Fighter Squadron.

Boss-Lift Visits Selfridge

by TSgt. Dan Heaton
127th Wing Public Affairs



Lt. Col. Sean Campbell, a pilot with the 107th Fighter Sqaudron, explains the capabilities of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft to a group of visiting civilian employers at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., Aug. 24, 2011. The employers are from the Washington, D.C. area. The trip to Selfridge was organized by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve organization to help educate employers about the Guard and Reserve forces. Campbell is standing next to the GAU-8/A 30 mm Gatling gun, the primary weapon of the A-10. (USAF photo by John S. Swanson)

8/25/2011 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. -- -- A group of employers from the Washington, D.C., area have a better understanding of what the U.S. military does and how it works, thanks to a quick visit to the Motor City and one of the nation's most complex National Guard facilities.

The D.C. area employers spent three days at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, located about 20 miles from Detroit, and toured operations of all five U.S. military services. Selfridge is one of the very few locations in the country where all of the services - as well as several agencies of the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security - operate on the same facility.

"Just learning about all the different things the military does and the technology involved is interesting," said Freddie Winston, a partner in F&L Construction, which is based in a Maryland suburb of the nation's capital. "I'll take the word back that its important that we give job security to people who give us national security."

Score that as a victory for the ESGR program, which organized the tour, known as a "Boss-Lift."

The ESGR - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve - program exists to help smooth the waters between Guard and Reserve military personnel and their civilian employers. ESGR reps work to educate employers about the benefits of employing Guardsmen and Reservists - and also what the law is that protects the rights of those in the Guard and Reserve if they have to miss work due to military obligations.

"Bringing groups to Selfridge really gives us an opportunity to showcase a wide spectrum of the military, without having to lose a lot of time on a bus ride," said Gary Aten, executive director of the ESGR for Michigan. "A Boss-Lift is a relatively small group of people, but if we pick key employers, they can go back and tell their peers what it is all about."

Selfridge only recently became a destination for the Boss-Lift program. This year, two groups visited the base, the one from D.C., plus another for Nebraska. In all, about 40 employers paid a visit. They flew to the base on a military aircraft and then toured Air National Guard fighter and refueler aircraft, learned about Coast Guard and Army helicopters, visited a Marine Corps infantry company and attended a demonstration at an Army robotics lab - all at the same base.

The community outside the base also benefits as the employers on the Boss-Lift program stay in a local hotel, eat several meals in area restaurants and take one night "out on the town."

Aten said next year, Selfridge is expected to be the site for four incoming Boss-Lifts.

The ESGR program sponsors a variety of events around Michigan to educate employers about the Guard and Reserve. Most recently, about 250 employers attended a gathering at Selfridge during the practice day of the Selfridge Air Show.

Aten said Guard members should be proactive in communicating their military requirements to their employers.

"Good communication resolves most issues," Aten said.

To learn more about ESGR, visit www.esgr.com.

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.

Source

Fly around in an A-10 Thunderbolt II on Windows Phone 7

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News editor

The "Hog" is the latest type of aircraft, provided from Infinite Flight for their Flight Simulator for Windows Phone 7.





See:
Fly around in an A-10 Warthog on your Windows Phone
Infinite Flight 1.9 brings Boeing 747 and A-10 Warthog
Infinite Flight - The first Flight Simulator for Windows Phone 7!
Infinite Flight: Flight Simulator for Windows Phone 7

Question:
Anyone Windows Phone 7 user and Warthog News visitor who will tell us a little bit more about that?

Final step in ORI prep

by Col. Eric Overturf
442nd Fighter Wing Commander



Col. Eric S. 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 photo / Courtesy photo)

8/23/2011 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- It's hard to believe that summer is almost over, but it must be true because my daughter is starting high school this month. It's been a busy summer for the 442nd Fighter Wing, and our outstanding Citizen Airmen are doing great things around the globe.

The 442nd Civil Engineer Squadron is finishing up combat skills training at Fort Bliss, Texas, and will soon be on their way to Afghanistan for a joint expeditionary tasking deployment to help set up and maintain the infrastructure of coalition bases.

Pilots, maintainers and support personnel from the 917th Fighter Group at Barksdale AFB, La., recently returned from their annual tour in Alaska where they honed their skills on the Pacific Alaska Range Complex.

The 924th FG, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., amped up their hiring to grow by 30 percent this summer and started construction on their new headquarters building at the beginning of August.

The 476th FG reached 100 percent manning for the first time and is setting the standard for total force integration support of the A-10 Thunderbolt II mission and air expeditionary force deployments at Moody AFB, Ga.

All of these events mean that you are doing a great job supporting our 2011 mission priorities to support AEF deployments and successfully incorporate geographically separated units by helping our fighter groups grow and excel.

Here at Whiteman, we're in the home stretch to win our operational readiness inspection. In July, we had a great operational readiness exercise, and we're down to fine tuning a few last items before the inspector general team arrives, Aug. 26. Many of us have observed recent inspections at other wings so we know our procedures are up to speed - now we just need to demonstrate them to the IG team. We'll have ORI Right Start briefings, Aug. 25, so all of us at Whiteman can huddle up and review our game plan one last time before the IG team arrives. Here are some of the key things to think about and take care of before then:

1. If you are scheduled to process and deploy during the ORI, be ready. Our wing mission is to Train and Deploy Ready Reservists, and the "ready" part means having your mobility bag packed properly and your deployment folder up to speed with all the required training done. Listen to your unit deployment manager and ask if you have any questions about what you need. We can't afford to make mistakes on the little things that we have complete control over.

2. When inspectors provide "injects" to the scenario, they are evaluating a specific capability, and I need to know about it so I can communicate the proper response to the entire wing. If you get an inject card, take the appropriate immediate action and then ensure the event gets sent up the chain of command. For example, if an inspector tells you your computer has a virus, follow the procedures on the red/green/yellow network incident card that should be next to your computer, and then tell your supervisor or call the command post at X-3564.

3. Pay attention to the crisis action team directives (CATDs) so you have the latest updates on critical exercise information. Be ready to answer inspector questions on things like the FPCON. If you don't know the answer, check with your unit deployment control center (UDCC) or ask your supervisor.

4. Safety is paramount. Things like technical-order compliance, personal protective equipment and flight line driving can make or break us, so take care of yourself and your wingmen.

5. Finally, remember to project a positive attitude at all times. We are all happy to be on the verge of putting three straight years of inspections behind us, so let that upbeat energy shine through! Positive attitudes are infectious and will raise the spirits of your co-workers as well as the grades from inspectors if they need a tie breaker.

We are ready for this inspection. Our A-10s are the best in fleet. The dedicated Citizen Airmen of the 442nd Fighter Wing are the best I've ever worked with. We have a solid game plan and an all-star team to execute it. Be proud to show it. When an IG team inspector approaches you during the inspection, stand up, smile and greet them with the confidence and pride that comes with being part of a championship team, and the humility that comes from knowing it's not over until the report is signed.

I know we're going to do great during the ORI. Thank you for all you do. It's an honor to be your commander.

Source

Johnson County native to pilot war plane at this weekend's air show

Attendees at this weekend's Kansas City Aviation Expo and Air Show can see the U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt — also known as the "Warthog" — in action. A Kansas University and Olathe North High School graduate, U.S. Air Force Capt. Joe "Rifle" Shetterly, is one of the pilots on the A-10 demonstration team.

By Staff Report
Baldwin Signal City
August 19, 2011

Update: A stunt plane crashed, killing its pilot, Saturday afternoon at the Kansas City Aviation Expo and Air Show, prompting show officials to cancel the rest of the day's events. Tickets will be honored at Sunday's show, according to KCI airport spokesman Joe McBride.

A Johnson County native and Kansas University graduate will be at the helm of a high-powered plane during the headline act of this weekend's Kansas City Aviation Expo and Air Show.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Joe "Rifle" Shetterly, who graduated from Olathe North High School, is part of the Air Force's A-10 Thunderbolt Demonstration Team.

The A-10's will be one of numerous sights — in the air and on the ground — at this weekend's show. Gates will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Wheeler Downtown Airport, 250 Richards Road in Kansas City, Mo. Flying demonstrations begin at 11:30 a.m. each day.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the "Warthog," is known for its role in destroying ground targets in support of ground combat troops.

Shetterly and other A-10 pilots will put on a booming, pyrotechnic display simulating the aircraft's destruction of enemy targets.

Making the hometown performance even more special for Shetterly is the fact that his father, Greg Shetterly, will also be performing during this weekend's show in his One Design aircraft.

"This is really special for me," Greg Shetterly said in an announcement from the Air Show. "I sent my son off to the Air Force as an amateur (pilot) and they sent him back an expert. He has become my mentor as an aerobatic pilot."

In addition to the A-10 demo, this weekend's show will feature numerous military and civilian in-air performances, plus ground displays and activities for the public.

Planned acts include the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the U.S. Air Force Academy Gliders, a vintage Russian MiG-17, multiple aerobatic acts and — on the ground — the Flashfire Jet Truck and a P-51C Mustang with an interactive exhibit commemorating the Tuskeegee Airmen, the first black fighter pilots to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

The show is put on by the Mid-America Youth Aviation Association, a not-for-profit group that provides educational aviation and aeronautical opportunities for youth.

"We are extremely excited about this sensational lineup and especially that our headlining performer is one of our hometown heroes," Ed Noyallis, the association's executive director and chairman, said in a statement. "We are very pleased to once again bring a world-class air show to the great fans here in Kansas City."

For a complete schedule and more information about the show, visit kcairshow.com.

General admission tickets are $30 at the gate, with upgrades available for additional cost. General admission is free for children ages 15 and younger when accompanied by an adult.

Source

Demo team prepares A-10 for show

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs



8/23/2011 - U.S. Air Force Staff Sgts. Ryan Ball, A-10 East Demonstration Team avionics specialist, left, and Adam Sunner A-10 East Demonstration Team crew chief, communicate with each other while conducting preventive maintenance on an A-10C Thunderbolt II at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Aug. 24, 2011. The maintenance on the A-10 was to prepare it to be flight-ready for their next show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paul Francis)

Note: Pictured is A-10C 81-0967. Unfortunately, the hi-res link only shows half of the picture.

Source (inluding 5 pictures)

D-M operational readiness exercise

Released by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs



DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – Lt. Col. Clarence Johnson, 354th Fighter Squadron commander, fastens the straps on his vest while Senior Airman Jeff Gronemyer, 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, does a final inspection on the cockpit of an A-10 during the Phase 1 operational readiness exercise here Aug. 16. A Phase 1 ORE simulates Airmen preparing to deploy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Timothy D. Moore) Hi-res
















DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – Senior Airman Jeff Gronemyer, 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, wraps up a cord on the flight line during the Phase 1 operational readiness exercise here Aug. 16. Gronemyer began cleaning his work area as soon as the A-10 fighter jet he prepped left for takeoff. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Timothy D. Moore) Hi-res

Selfridge Air Show A-10C photos

A four-ship formation of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft pass overhead during the 2011 Selfridge Air Show and Open House at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., Aug. 20, 2011. The A-10's are flown by the 107th Fighter Squadron at Selfridge. (U.S. Air Force photo by John S. Swanson) Hi-res

By 127th Wing Public Affairs

8/23/2011 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. -- The 2011 Selfridge Air Show and Open House was drew an estimated 150,000 people on to the base on Aug. 20 and 21. During the show, visitors were able to see a wide variety of military and historic aircraft. Other highlights included performances by the U.S. Air Force Drill Team, a mass swearing-in ceremony and performances by an Army Band. Air Shows at Selfridge are generally held over other year during the summer months. The next air show is tentatively set for the summer of 2013.



Visitors to the walk through the static aircraft display area at the 2011 Selfridge Air Show and Open House at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., Aug. 20, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by John S. Swanson) Hi-res

Note: That's 80-0224, still wearing Osan's 25th Fighter Squadron tail markings.

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Please note: More pictures will be uploaded soon.

Two 25th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught during Friendship Festival 2011 at Yokota Air Base

Updated August 26, 2011

According to Warthog News contributor James O'Rear from the United States, two A-10Cs (78-0685 and 79-0201) from the 25th Fighter Squadron "Assam Draggins", 51st Fighter Wing (PACAF), Osan AB, Republic of Korea, participated in Friendship Festival 2011 at Yokota Air Base, Japan. As he told me via e-mail, two of the three pilots were from the Bulldogs back in Tucson, Arizona. On August 19 and 20, 2011, James had the opportunity to take the following shots:



A-10C 78-0685. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size



A-10C 79-0201. (Photo by James O'Rear)






A-10C 79-0201. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size



A-10C 79-0201. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size









A-10C 78-0685. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size



A-10C 78-0685. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size






A-10C 78-0685. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size



"Down N Dirty" ladder door art on A-10C 78-0685. (Photo by James O'Rear)

Gas station 30,000 feet up

Released by U.S. Air Force Public Affairs Agency in USAF's official photostream on Flickr (uploaded August 22, 2011):



110818-F-CP197-005 - A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft is refueled by an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft over southern Afghanistan on Aug. 18, 2011. The most prominent feature of the A-10 is the 30-millimeter GAU-8/A Avenger Gatling-gun cannon. This weapon is capable of firing 3,900 rounds a minute and can defeat an array of ground targets to include tanks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeffrey Allen) Full size



110818-F-CP197-006 - A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft waits to refuel Aug. 18, 2011 over southern Afghanistan. The most prominent feature of the A-10 Thunderbolt II is the 30-millimeter GAU-8/A Avenger Gatling-gun cannon. Both the A-10 and GAU-8 entered service in 1977, and the gun accounts for 16 percent of the aircraft's weight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeffrey Allen) Full size



110818-F-CP197-008 - A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft moves into position to get refueled by an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft Aug. 18, 2011. The A-10, deployed to Afghanistan from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., is on a mission to provide close air support to coalition forces in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeffrey Allen) Full size

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Note: Pictured at least in the second and third photo is A-10C 78-0674 from the 74th Fighter Squadron.

See also:
Related post on DoD LIVE

Rain doesn't keep visitors from MAKS 2011

Released by U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs



8/21/2011 - ZHUKOVSKY AIR FIELD, Russia – Gen.-Col. Alexander Nikolayevich Zelin, Russian air force commander-in-chief, sits in the cockpit of an 81st Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, during his visit to the U.S. chorale at the Moscow International Aviation and Space Salon, or MAKS 2011, here Aug. 20. MAKS is one of the premier events of its type in the world and Department of Defense participation demonstrates the United States commitment to international security, promotes international cooperation, and contributes to U.S. foreign policy objectives. The U.S. Air Force has a KC-10 Extender, two F-16C Fighting Falcons, two A-10 Thunderbolt II, one F-15E Strike Eagle, one B-52 Stratotanker, C-130J Super Hercules, C-5M Galaxy, and a U.S. Navy P-3 Orion statics for the show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kelley J. Stewart)

Please note: More pictures will be uploaded soon.

The A-10's predecessor - The legendary Douglas A-1 Skyraider

I'm still a big fan of the legendary Douglas A-1 Skyraider, especially in their USAF service during the late Vietnam War. Please enjoy the following stuff.



Awesome clip (please remember):


Bien Hoa Air Base Vietnam May 16 1965... von Kimaras



Please visit skyraider.org The Official A-1 Skyraider Site, provided by former Skyraider pilot Byron E. Hukee.

Warthog News recommended on AirPigz

Just found that kind reference by trying Google:



That's a screen shot, taken by me. Source

Colonel Campbell: A-10 fighter pilot at the battle of Takur Ghar

by Airman 1st Class Michael Washburn
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs



DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – Lt. Col. Scott Campbell, 358th Fighter Squadron commander and A-10 instructor pilot, talks about his experience with Sept. 11 and being one of two A-10 pilots to provide close air support during the firefight of Takur Ghar in Afghanistan in March, 2002. (Courtesy photo)

8/19/2011 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- (Editor's note: This year will mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. These acts brought America to a screeching halt; nothing else that day seemed to matter. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives on that Tuesday morning, and the destiny of a generation changed forever. This is a 10 part series about those serving in the military and how their stories paint a picture that shaped today's Air Force.)

"During 9/11, I was stationed at Osan AFB in Korea," said Lt. Col. Scott Campbell, 358th Fighter Squadron commander and A-10 instructor pilot. "I had just come home from the squadron. It was about 9:30 at night when I went back to my room. I turned on the TV to catch the news on Air Force News and there was a live shot of the Twin Towers with smoke pouring out of them. This was just after the first plane had hit. As I watched, trying to figure out what was happening, the second plane hit the towers."

"My name is Colonel Campbell. I entered the Air Force Academy in 1991 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1995. My first assignment was with the Navy in Pensacola Naval Air Station, Fla., where I went through a joint pilot training program. Half my training was with the Navy and half with the Air Force."

After watching the news of the attacks that night, Colonel Campbell headed back to his squadron knowing they would be called in. He and his fellow pilots began pulling their planes into the aircraft shelters and started performing increased threat condition checklists. According to Colonel Campbell, everyone was itching to get in a plane and get revenge.

"Most of us were bummed because we were in Korea," Colonel Campbell said. "The Korean A-10s and fighters weren't going to deploy because we couldn't leave that area of responsibility. Everyone was feeling upset because we were going to miss out of the opportunity to avenge the attacks. I was hoping that on my next assignment in January I would be able to join the fight."

Colonel Campbell left Korea in mid January and returned to Pope AFB, NC., and the 74th Fighter Squadron. At that time, he was tasked with helping combat search and rescue missions for Operation Southern Watch. Ultimately, he wanted to help Operation Enduring Freedom which was going on simultaneously with OSW. Shortly after a month, he would get his chance for payback.

The mission was Operation Anaconda and it kicked off to a bad start. The initial infiltration didn't go as planned. Army helicopters were getting shot up as they were dropping off troops. What was supposed to be a quick operation with limited need for air support, turned into a bad situation.

At the same time this was going on, special operation units were deploying a SEAL team on top of Mt. Takur Ghar. Unfortunately, there was an unexpected ambush waiting for them on the mountain which resulted in the aircraft taking fire. Before the helicopter crashed, a Navy SEAL fell from it and was captured by opposing forces. A Quick Reaction Force was launched to insert on the mountain, but was also shot down. A number of Army Rangers, combat controllers and pararescuemen were stranded on the mountain in need of help. Colonel Campbell learned the following night that he and a fellow A-10 pilot would be the first A-10 fighters in to help with close air support.

"The next morning, the squadron commander gave us a quick face-to-face brief and very quickly went over missions specifics," Colonel Campbell said. "We left within the hour and headed off to meet our refueling tanker. We hooked up to it and it dragged us into Afghanistan. When we got there, things were a mess. We had our maps and intelligence showing friendly units and our enemies all mixed together. But we really had no idea how bad it was until we got on our radios."

They checked in with the airborne warning control system and were given a frequency and call sign to use. As soon as they went to the frequency channel, three call signs from ground forces radioed in, screaming for close air support.

"Troops in contact' was being screamed over the radio by everyone," Colonel Campbell said. "We didn't have anyone telling us who needed help the most, so we had to listen to the radio and whoever was screaming the loudest or sounded like was in the most dire need was who we would support first. For our first real combat mission, it was pretty hairy. It was a good feeling to know that you're helping these guys break contact with the enemy."

Being able to help the troops on the ground and provide support was a huge accomplishment for Colonel Campbell. According to him, it was hard to think about the things that he had done the day before. He was so focused on what was in front of him. Because they had begun a new operation, they had to meet up with a new tanker to refuel them. The first time he really thought about all the things that happened because of Sept. 11 was the first time they met up with their new refueling tanker.

"It was a New Jersey Air National Guard tanker," Colonel Campbell said. "When we hooked up to them, they were fired up. They were telling us they had a lot of guys in the unit who were from New York and were firefighters. They also knew a lot of people who were cops or firefighters. That really hit me hard, it was very motivating. It was such a boost to our morale."

The events of Sept. 11 produced a new breed of fighter pilots and changed the way they're trained now versus to the way they were trained before the attacks.

"It's a lot different now," Colonel Campbell said. "When new pilots are done with their initial qualification training, they leave mission ready. When they show up to their unit, they can deploy within a few weeks and can be putting bombs on target. That was not the world we lived in back then. We've had a few short term engagements, but nothing sustained like we have now and nothing with close air support. Now we have entered an era where there are instructors who know nothing but that. We create a more capable pilot these days because we have to."



DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – Lt. Col. Scott Campbell, 358th Fighter Squadron commander and A-10 instructor pilot, hooks up to a New Jersey Air National Guard refueling tanker during a mission in support of Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan in March, 2002. Colonel Campbell provided much needed close air support in the battle of Takur Ghar. (Courtesy photo)

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

Does the A-10's gun slow the plane when fired?

By Jeff Schogol
Stars and Stripes
Published: August 18, 2011

Affectionately known as the "Hawg," the A-10 Thunderbolt II is essentially a flying gun designed to provide close air support to troops on the ground. The aircraft features a seven-barrel 30 mm Gatling gun that fires about 65 rounds per second. In layman's terms, that's a big can of whoop-ass.

Ground-pounders love the whirring sound the A-10's cannon makes when fired -- lovingly called a "Hawg fart" by pilots -- because it announces certain death to whoever is on the receiving end. An old rumor that a reader recently asked about is the A-10's gun is so powerful that when fired the recoil slows the plane down almost to a complete stop.

But while the A-10's endurance and firepower are legendary, the myth that its cannon drastically decelerates the aircraft is pure "Hawg-wash," said retired Air Force Col. Steve Ruehl.

"I have fired as many as 500 rounds in one trigger burst, that takes just about seven, eight seconds, and [it had] no impact on the air speed of the aircraft," said Ruhel, who has logged 3,500 hours flying A-10s.

It boils down to simple physics: Force = Mass x Acceleration.

"The bullets are only about three-quarters of a pound," Ruehl said. "The airplane, in a typical combat mission, is 40,000 pounds. When you got 40,000 pounds moving at 350 knots, that's a lot more [force] than a three-quarter pound bullet moving at 2,000 feet per second."

Another myth about the A-10's cannon is pilots can only fire short bursts because if they squeeze the trigger for too long, the heat will melt the barrels.

In reality, you will not turn the A-10's gun into molten lava if you fire all 1,150 rounds the plane holds in one long burst, but you will certainly shorten the gun's life, Ruehl said.

"So every time we go out and fire, we come back and we tell the maintenance crews exactly how many rounds we fired and how many trigger pulls we fired, and they put that into a computer system that helps us determine when those barrels need to be replaced," he said.

None of this mean the A-10's cannon is less powerful than advertised. It is the ideal weapon for supporting U.S. troops in close contact with the enemy because the 30 mm rounds are much less likely to injure friendly forces than a smart bomb, Ruehl said.

"It is an awesome gun and I personally believe the most destructive gun ever mounted on an aircraft in the history of mankind," Ruehl said.

THE RUMOR DOCTOR'S DIAGNOSIS: This rumor is false, but no one doubts that the A-10's cannon packs a punch rivaled only by Chuck Norris' roundhouse kick.

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Note: Please don't miss the comments.

Americans draw large crowds at MAKS 2011

Released by U.S. Air Forces Europe Public Affairs



8/19/2011 - ZHUKOVSKY AIR FIELD, Russia – Lt. Col. Douglas Sirk, 81st Fighter Squadron pilot from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, runs the engines on his A-10 Thunderbolt II to move the hydraulic fluid and oil here Aug. 19. The 81st FS has two A-10 static aircraft at the Moscow International Aviation and Space Salon, or MAKS 2011. MAKS is one of the premier events of its type in the world and Department of Defense participation demonstrates the United States commitment to international security, promotes international cooperation, and contributes to U.S. foreign policy objectives. The U.S. Air Force also has a KC-10 Extender, two F-16C Fighting Falcons, one F-15E Strike Eagle, one B-52 Stratotanker, C-130J Super Hercules and C-5M Galaxy statics for the show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kelley J. Stewart)

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Please note: More pictures will be uploaded soon.

A-10 gets armed for flight

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs



8/18/2011 - A caution sign sits outside the hangar of an A-10C Thunderbolt II during a phase II operational readiness exercise flying surge at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Aug. 17, 2001. The exercise was conducted to prepare the wing for the operational readiness inspection in the near future. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)

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Please note: More pictures will be uploaded soon.