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

Released by 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs



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

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



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

Note: SNIPER XR targeting pod on station 10.



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

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

Source

451st AEW welcomes new commander

Released by 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

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

Click here to view the slideshow.



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

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

355th Operations Support Squadron Control Tower

Released by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs



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

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

Osan demonstrates mission readiness during exercise

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source

14th CMSAF Gerald Murray on...

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



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

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

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

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











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

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

Source

5 A-10 squadrons to be cut

Tight budgets lead AF to focus on F-35 capabilities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source


Background info:

Current A-10 units (aircraft-equipped)

ACTIVE DUTY

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

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

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

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

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

AIR FORCE RESERVE

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

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

AIR NATIONAL GUARD

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

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

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

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

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

A-10 80-0221 in experimental arctic camouflage scheme

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Still online is the following news article:

Arctic camouflage makes Eielson's hogs unique

Commentary by Don Fenton
354th Fighter Wing Historian



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robert "Combat Bob" Cologie contributed to this article.

Source

Most of related photos presented by DoD:



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Click here for all related photos.


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



Full size



Full size



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Full size

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





1/48 scale model built by Scott Nagle.



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

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



Scanned book page, not known to me.


Other info:



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



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


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

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

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


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

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

188th Not Mentioned In Defense Cuts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source

A-10 squadron about to deploy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source

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

by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Source

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

Historic A-10 photos archived by DoD now online again

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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

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

25th AMU wins Load Crew of the Quarter

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

Source (including video)

Warthogs take flight with U.S. Army

Released by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



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



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

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



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

Background info:
U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder

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

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

Winter Hawgs

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



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

Source

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

Please enjoy this classic Christmas song by Old Frank:


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

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

Warthogs provide top cover for ground troops

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



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

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

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

Click here to see the photo slideshow.



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

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



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

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



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

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



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

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

Source

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

Further aircraft identification will be uploaded soon.

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

Air National Guard director visits 188th Fighter Wing

By 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs



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

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

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

Source

STARBASE Photo Gallery

Released by 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs



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

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

81st AMU wins load crew of the quarter competition

Released by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



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



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



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

Source

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