ANG "Rainbow Team" A-10Cs caught at Lajes en route to Afghanistan

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Updated on April 30 and May 6, 2012

As already reported, on March 31, 2012, 18 A-10Cs of an ANG "Rainbow Team" arrived at Lajes Field, Azores, en route to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Warthog News contributor André Inacio from Portugal had the opportunity to take the following shots. Unfortunately, he arrived at the airport too late to catch the arrival of the first six A-10Cs which were the following:

78-0613, 184th FS, 188th FW (Arkansas ANG)
78-0630, 184th FS, 188th FW (Arkansas ANG)
78-0646, 188th FS, 188th FW (Arkansas ANG)
78-0682, 104th FS, 175th Wg (Maryland ANG)
78-0693, 104th FS, 175th Wg (Maryland ANG)
78-0702, 104th FS, 175th Wg (Maryland ANG)

A-10C 78-0583 from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG). (Photo by André Inacio) Full size

A-10C 78-0614 from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG). (Photo by André Inacio) Full size

A-10C 78-0616 from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG). (Photo by André Inacio) Full size

A-10C 78-0621 from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG). (Photo by André Inacio) Full size

A-10C 78-0639 from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG). (Photo by André Inacio) Full size

A-10C 78-0683 from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG). (Photo by André Inacio) Full size

A-10C 78-0719 from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG). (Photo by André Inacio) Full size

A-10C 79-0082 from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG). (Photo by André Inacio) Full size

A-10C 79-0087 from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG). (Photo by André Inacio) Full size

A-10C 79-0088 from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG). (Photo by André Inacio) Full size

A-10C 80-0188 (marked 188 FW) from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG). (Foto by André Inacio) Full size

A-10C 80-0166 from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG). (Photo by André Inacio) Full size

On the same day, Warthog News contributor Joao Toste, also from Portugal, had the opportunity to take the following shot, already published on Airliners.net:

Parking of a six-pack at Lajes: Already parked are (from left) A-10C 78-0621 from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG), A-10C 78-0683 from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG), A-10C 80-0188 (marked 188 FW) from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG), A-10C 79-0087 from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG). A-10C 78-0616 from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG) is entering the parking spot, while A-10C 78-0614 from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG) is still taxiing to enter the parking spot. (Photo by Joao Toste) Full size

On April 2, 2012, Joao took the following departure shot (also published on Airliners.net):

Six A-10Cs on taxiway Charlie and runway 33 ready for departure to NAS Sigonella, Sicily, en route to Afghanistan. Pictured in the foreground is A-10C 80-0166 from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG). (Photo by Joao Toste) Full size

Super Saber Performer

by Staff Reports 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/26/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Staff Sgt. Gary Saunders, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron A-10 Maintenance floor chief, is the Super Saber Performer for the week of April 26 – May 2. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res

His most memorable Air Force experience: My most memorable experience in the Air Force thus far has been when I served in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. I recall launching my jet out with the wing commander piloting it. My jet came back with absolutely no munitions left. Note: Seems like he talked about the commander of an Air Expeditionary Wing in Afghanistan - either the 451st AEW at Kandahar Airfield or the 455th AEW at Bagram Airfield.

Source

Clinton Junior ROTC tours the 442nd Fighter Wing

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/25/2012 - The Junior ROTC from Clinton High School, Clinton, Mo., toured the 442nd Fighter Wing April 24, 2012. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0122 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron.

4/25/2012 - Capt. Paul Doran, 303rd Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, tells the Junior ROTC from Clinton High School, Clinton, Mo., about the "Warthog" April 24, 2012 during at tour. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston) Hi-res Source

Nudd selected as 442nd Fighter Wing command chief

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

Chief Master Sgt. James Nudd (pictured as Senior Master Sgt. in 2010) was selected April 24, 2012 as the incoming command chief of the 442nd Fighter Wing. The wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Nudd served in the 442nd FW in 2009 and 2010 as the weapons safety manager. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston) Hi-res

4/25/2012 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Chief Master Sgt. James Nudd was announced as the incoming command chief of the 442nd Fighter Wing, here, April 24, 2012.

He was selected by Brig. Gen. Eric S. Overturf, 442nd Fighter Wing commander. Nudd is currently assigned as the Air Force Munitions Functional Manager at Headquarters United States Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington D.C., and is responsible for logistics plans and policies to organize, train and equip munitions and missile maintenance, and related functions within the Air Force. He serves as the Air Staff lead for all conventional munitions and missile maintenance activities.

Nudd was assigned to the 442nd Fighter Wing as the weapons safety manager from December 2009 to August 2010. During that time, he was awarded Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter, Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Air Force Reserve Command Weapons Safety Manager of the Year.

Originally from Medina, N.Y., Nudd entered the Air Force in 1984. He has worked in a variety of leadership positions within the munitions and weapons safety arenas for several commands in the Air Force. He has served in multiple deployments and served as a first sergeant at the 184th Maintenance Squadron, McConnell AFB, Kan. Nudd has a bachelor's degree in occupational safety and health from Columbia Southern University, Ala.

Nudd will assume the position June 1, 2012.

Source

Osan's jets participate in Beverly Midnight 12-02

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

Pictured is A-10C 153 from the 25th Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stefanie Torres) Hi-res

4/26/2012 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The first A-10 Thunderbolt II sorties for operational readiness exercise Beverly Midnight 12-02 return to the Osan Air Base flight line, April 24, 2012. Beverly Midnight 12-02 is the second half of a two-week consolidated unit inspection where Osan Air Base Exercise Evaluation Team members are graded by Pacific Air Force inspectors on how well they conduct an ORE. Osan's Airmen provide combat ready forces for close air support, air strike control, counter air, interdiction, theater airlift, and communications in the defense of the Republic of Korea, and the ORE tests these abilities during a heightened state of readiness.

Source

Italian DV's receive A-10 demo

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs

4/24/2012 - An A-10C Thunderbolt II demo team fires toward ground targets at the Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range April 23, 2012 at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The demo was held to show Italian distinguished visitors the A-10’s capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eileen Meier) Hi-res

4/24/2012 - Italian air force Capitano (Capt.) Maurizio De Guida, 74th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II exchange pilot, right, shows the aerial gunning training targets from the Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range tower to Colonello (Col.) Flavio Danielis, air attaché to the Italian embassy in D.C. and Generale di Brigata (Brig. Gen.) Roberto Nordio, Comando delle Forza da Combattimento Italian Air Force Combat Forces commander, April 23, 2012, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. De Guida explained to Nordio and Danielis the A-10 training benefits of the exchange pilot program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eileen Meier) Hi-res

Source

2012 Defenders of Liberty Air Show

Released by 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

4/24/2012 - Capt. Jeff Negrette, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, briefs visitors at the 2012 Defenders of Liberty Air Show about the seven-barrel 30mm Gatling gun on the A-10 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 22, 2012. Both the 307th Bomb Wing and 917th Fighter Group provided static displays for the air show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0153 from the 47th Fighter Squadron.

4/24/2012 - The crowd finds shade under an A-10 Thunderbolt II at the 2012 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 22, 2012. The Warthog as it is affectionately known, has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. Both the 307th Bomb Wing and 917th Fighter Group provided static displays for the air show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Source

PACAF inspectors check Osan readiness

An A-10 Thunderbolt II sits inside a hardened aircraft shelter awaiting weapons loading during Beverly Midnight 12-02, an operational readiness exercise at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 23, 2012. BM 12-02 is the second half of Team Osan’s two-week consolidated unit inspection. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Cisek) Hi-res

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

4/22/2012 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  -- Team Osan reported for duty April 22 in response to a base-wide recall for operational readiness exercise Beverly Midnight 12-02.

Beverly Midnight 12-02 is the second half of a two-week consolidated unit inspection where Osan Air Base Exercise Evaluation Team members are graded by Pacific Air Force inspectors on how well they conduct an ORE.

"Operation Readiness Exercises are great opportunities to put all our training together and demonstrate our ability to defend, execute and receive," said Col. Mark DeLong, 51st Fighter Wing vice commander.

Last week Osan completed the first part of the CUI where more than 100 inspectors went over the programs, plans and procedures for the base.

Throughout week two EET will evaluate Osan Airmen's ability to survive and operate in a wartime environment, as well as defend the base, execute combat operations and receive follow-on forces.

"Our exercises also have a 'real world' purpose," DeLong said.. "By demonstrating our outstanding ability to fight and win tonight, we send a powerful message to our adversary up north."

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

"We're off to a great start, and we've done some great preparation over the last several months," said Maj. Glen Goossen, 51st Fighter Wing exercise and plans. "As long as Osan Airmen continue to execute in world-class fashion, the rest of the inspection will take care of itself."

Results of Osan's CUI and ORE will be released during a base-wide commander's call April 30.

Source

Lajes supported redeployment of CONUS-based A-10Cs

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

The following stand-alone photo was released by 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Original photo caption: Transient alert members from the 65th Operations Support Squadron park twelve incoming A-10C Thunderbolts from the 442nd Fighter Wing on their way back to their home base after a deployment mission April 12. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lucas Silva) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 81-0998 from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG). It belonged to the CONUS (Continental United States)-based part of the recently deployed "Total Force" A-10C team which included six A-10Cs from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG), Selfridge ANGB (tailcode MI), three A-10Cs from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana (tailcode BD), and three A-10Cs from the 303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri (tailcode KC). The six other deployed A-10Cs belonged to the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany (tailcode SP), which returned home separately.

A-10 remains want to be identified by serial number

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

During the last couple of days I got two requests from German Warthog enthusiasts about this "Hog", stored at AMARC (AMARG), Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. The remains of this airframe are placed on three palletes. Painted in front of the canopy is the number 66018, but an A-10 with the last three digits 018 doesn't exist. If I try my A-10 Aircraft Database for the last two digits 18, I can only find A-10 78-0618, formerly assigned to the 190th Fighter Squadron, 124th Wing (Idaho ANG). On a first look, the nose art seems like 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG), but there are significant differences. The following pictures were taken in March 2012.

Best view of the number in front of the canopy. (Courtesy photo) Full size

Best view of the nose art. (Courtesy photo) Full size

Some other remains. (Courtesy photo) Full size

Close-up view of the left vertical stabilizer with the last three digits 018. (Courtesy photo) Full size

Some problems with posting on Blogger

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor Dear visitors! Blogger again changed their interface, maybe with some bad consequences to old templates like this one used by me for Warthog News. And so, I've to deal with new rules, especially related to edit paragraphes and pictures. Sorry, but give me time to find out the right solutions for my blog.

917th FG returns home

Released by 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

4/20/2012 - Lt. Col. Rodney Glass, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, taxis his jet past a C-17 Globemaster III at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 17, 2012. Glass piloted the final A-10 from the 917th Fighter Group that was used during their deployment to Afghanistan into Barksdale AFB. The C-17, from the 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, carried the final 47 Airmen from the 917 FG who were also deployed to Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0145 from the 47th Fighter Squadron.

4/20/2012 - Lt. Col. James Travis, the commander of the 47th Fighter Squadron, leads the final group of returning Airmen from the 917th Fighter Group across the flightline at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 17, 2012. A C-17 Globemaster III from the 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Del., carried the Airmen from the 917 FG who were returning from a deployment to Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Betty Stephens) Hi-res Source Please note: More pictures will be uploaded soon. BTW: Recently deployed from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana (tailcode BD), were: A-10C 79-0094, A-10C 79-0145, and A-10C 79-0154.

74th, 75th AMUs compete for best load crew

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs



4/18/2012 - U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. George Lesko and Airman 1st Class Levi Adams, 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew members, transport munitions onto an A-10C Thunderbolt II during the quarterly weapons load crew competition at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., April 13, 2012. By using a spotter to help transport munitions, load crews ensure they complete the task safely and as quickly as possible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Note: Pictured in the background is A-10C 78-0674 from the 74th Fighter Squadron.

Source

The Forum features Barksdale Reservists

Released by 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs



4/18/2012 - Lora Fairchild, a photographer for "The Forum" takes a photograph of Master Sgt. Edward Fairchild and Tech. Sgt. Christopher Duhe, for a story about hard-working Airmen at Barksdale Air Force Base, La, April 12, 2012. Sergeants Fairchild and Duhe are crew chiefs for the A-10 Thunderbolt II. "The Forum" is a free newspaper that brings bi-weekly information about the Shreveport/Bossier City area's news, events, home, health and entertainment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



4/18/2012 - Lora Fairchild, a photographer for "The Forum" takes a photograph of Maj. Grant McCall for the cover of an issue of the newspaper at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 12, 2012. McCall is an A-10 pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron. "The Forum" is a free newspaper that brings bi-weekly information about the Shreveport/Bossier City area's news, events, home, health and entertainment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Source

And here's the cover! Full size



Check it out!

Pilots, jets complete redeployment of aviation package

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Capt. Lance Orr, 303rd Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, returns from Afghanistan April 17, 2012. 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 Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0109 "Thunderbolt of Lincoln" from the 303rd Fighter Squadron.



4/17/2012 - Lt. Col. Mark Ernewein, 303rd Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, returns from Afghanistan April 17, 2012. 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 Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston) Hi-res

Note: "Fifi. DELIVERIN' PAIN!" ladder door art. She rides an AGM-65.



























Maj. Brian Leiter, 303rd Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, returns from Afghanistan April 17, 2012, while his son waits for his first hug. 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 Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston) Hi-res

Source (including 8 photos)

Barksdale Reservists return from deployment

by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston
307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs



Maj. Maurice Kent, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, receives a warm welcome from his family at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 14, 2012. Kent arrived at Barksdale after a deployment to Afghanistan. Approximately 150 Airman from the 917th Fighter Group who were deployed to Afghanistan have now returned to Barksdale. (U.S. Air Force photo by Betty Stephens) Hi-res

4/17/2012 - Barksdale AFB, La. -- Approximately 150 Airmen from the 917th Fighter Group returned to Barksdale from Afghanistan over the past few days.

While deployed to Afghanistan, the Airmen served in the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield before being relocated to Bagram Airfield as part of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing.

Some of the Airmen were also assigned to the 47th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 451st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 451st Maintenance Squadron.

Barksdale Airmen teamed up with more than 150 people from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mass., and Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., to complete the mission in Afghanistan.

"We are very proud of our Airmen and the support they gave to U.S and coalition forces in theater," said Col John Breazeale, 917 Fighter Group Commander. "Our maintenance personnel and pilots had a significant impact on the current operations in Afghanistan, and we were extremely honored by the opportunity deploy as a unit for the first time in sixteen years."

The Barksdale Airmen were schedule to arrive at several different times and dates due to transportation availabilities and unavoidable delays. The first group of approximately 100 Airmen arrived at Barksdale on Saturday, April 14, 2012, with six pilots and six A-10 Thunderbolt II jet aircraft arriving on Sunday, April 14, 2012.

The final group of Airmen arrived at Barksdale on Tuesday, April 17, 2012.



Members of the 917th Fighter Group are greeted by family and friends at the A-10 Hangar on Barksdale Air Force La., April 15, 2102. Approximately 150 Airmen from the 917th Fighter Group who were deployed to Afghanistan have now returned to Barksdale. (U.S. Air Force photo by Betty Stephens) Hi-res

Source

Friends, family welcome Airmen home from deployment

Released by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



4/16/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing wait to process through customs on Ramp 3 here April 13. Family and friends waited at Hangar 3 to welcome home more than 70 Airmen from a deployment with 81st Fighter Squadron to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, who had been providing close-air support during Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res



4/16/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing walk towards their friends and families after a customs inspection on Ramp 3 here April 13. Family and friends waited at Hangar 3 to welcome home more than 70 Airmen from a deployment with 81st Fighter Squadron to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, who had been providing close-air support during Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks)



4/16/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Capt. John Cotman, 81st Fighter Squadron A-Flight commander, embraces his daughter on Ramp 3 here April 13. Family and friends waited at Hangar 3 to welcome home more than 70 Airmen from a deployment with 81st Fighter Squadron to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, who had been providing close-air support during Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res

Source (including 5 photos)

Friends, family welcome Airmen home from deployment

4/16/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing wait to process through customs on Ramp 3 here April 13. Family and friends waited at Hanger 3 to welcome home more than 70 Airmen from a deployment with 81st Fighter Squadron to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, who had been providing close-air support during Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks)

23d WG vice commander takes final flight

Released by 23rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



4/16/2012 - Moody Airmen shake hands with U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Short, 23d Wing vice commander, after returning from his final flight at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., April 13, 2012. The flight was Short's final flight before departing for Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Douglas Ellis) Hi-res



4/16/2012 - U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Short, 23d Wing vice commander, is sprayed by family and friends after his fini-flight at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., April 13, 2012. The fini-flight is a long-standing Air Force tradition that occurs when a pilots departs from the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Douglas Ellis) Hi-res






4/16/2012 - U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Short, 23d Wing vice commander, stands at the flightline covered in water and champagne after returning from his fini-flight at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., April 13, 2012. After departing Moody, Short will assume command of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Douglas Ellis) Hi-res

Source (including 4 photos)

Official USAF online biography:

Colonel Christopher M. Short

Hi-res

Colonel Christopher M. Short is the vice commander of the 23rd Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. In this position, he assists the commander to ensure the six groups and one detachment comprising 6,000 military and civilian personnel at four locations in the continental U.S. are combat ready. The wing has additional units at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., Nellis AFB, Nev., and Avon Park Air Force Range, Fla. Moody is the home of the Air Force's legendary "Flying Tigers."

Colonel Short received his commission in 1989 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Following pilot training at Williams AFB, Ariz., he served as a T-38 Instructor Pilot and then transitioned to the A/OA-10A and later the F-15E. He has served in a variety of flying duties to include Assistant Director of Operations, Operations Officer, Wing Chief of Safety and culminating as the 492d Fighter Squadron Commander, 48th Fighter Wing, Lakenheath, England. He has also held staff positions on the Headquarters Air Force staff and as the Deputy Chief of Staff for U.S. Pacific Command. Prior to serving in this position, he was a course member of Senior Course 118 at the NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy.

Colonel Short is a command pilot with more than 3,300 hours of total flying time in the T-38, A/OA-10A and F-15E, and 243 combat hours in the A/OA-10 and F-15E. Colonel Short and his wife Brooke have three daughters: Emily, Rachel and Sara.

EDUCATION
1989 Bachelor's degree in history, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.
1995 Squadron Officer School, Outstanding Graduate, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2003 Master's degree in aeronautical science technology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
2003 Air Command and Staff College, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2003 Master's degree in military operational art and science, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2007 Air War College, correspondence, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2010 Joint and Combined Warfighting School, Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Va.
2011 Senior Course 118, NATO Defense College, Rome, Italy

ASSIGNMENTS
1. Aug 1989 - Sep 1990, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Williams AFB, Ariz.
2. Oct 1990 - Mar 1991, student, T-38 Pilot Instructor Training, Randolph AFB, Texas
3. Mar 1991 - Oct 1992, T-38 Instructor Pilot, 97th Flying Training Squadron, Williams AFB, Ariz.
4. Oct 1992 - Mar 1996, T-38 Instructor Pilot, Flight scheduler, Wing Executive Officer, Asst Flight Commander, 25th Flying Training Squadron, Vance AFB, Okla.
5. Mar 1996 - Apr 1996, Distinguished Graduate, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, Columbus AFB, Miss.
6. Apr 1996 - Nov 1996, Student, A/OA-10 FTU, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.
7. Nov 1996 - Sep 1999, A/OA-10 Flight Lead, Flight Commander, 81st Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem AB, Germany
8. Sep 1999 - Mar 2000, Top Graduate, F-15E FTU, Seymour-Johnson AFB, N.C.
9. Mar 2000 - Jul 2002, F-15E Flight Lead, Chief of Readiness, Asst Operations Officer, 335th Fighter Squadron, Seymour-Johnson AFB, N.C.
10. Aug 2002 - Jun 2003, student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
11. Jul 2003 - Jun 2004, Deputy Chief, Concepts Branch, HAF/XOXS, Pentagon, Va.
12. Jul 2004 - Jan 2006, Chief of Operations, SECAF - CSAF Executive Action Group, Pentagon, Va.
13. Jan 2006 - Jun 2006, F-15E Flight Lead, Assistant Director of Operations, 492d Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, UK
14. Jun 2006 - Oct 2006, Chief, Wing Safety, 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, UK
15. Oct 2006 - Nov 2007, Director of Operations, 48th Operations Support Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, UK
16. Nov 2007 - Nov 2008, Commander, 492d Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, UK
17. Dec 2008 - Jan 2011, Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Pacific Command
18. Jan 2011 - Jul 2011, student, Senior Course 118, NATO Defense College, Rome, Italy
19. Aug 2011 - Present, Vice Commander, 23rd Wing, Moody AFB, Ga.

FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Command pilot
Flight hours: More than 3,330
Combat Hours: 243
Aircraft flown: T-37, T-38, A/OA-10, F-15E

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Silver Star
Defense Superior Service Medal
Distinguished Flying Cross with V device
Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant, 31 May 1989
First Lieutenant, 31 May 1991
Captain, 31 May 1993
Major, 1 Sept 2000
Lieutenant Colonel, 1 April 2005
Colonel, 1 Sept 2009

(Current as of Aug 2011)

Source

Lt. Col. Brian Vandiviere, retiring Air Force Reserve Command Branch Chief for A-10 training and tactics, went on his final A-10 flight

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Lt. Col. Brian Vandiviere, retiring Air Force Reserve Command Branch Chief for A-10 training and tactics, went on his final A-10 flight April 14, 2012. He was greeted by friends, family and coworkers upon his return to the ground. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo) Hi-res



Lt. Col. Brian Vandiviere, retiring Air Force Reserve Command Branch Chief for A-10 training and tactics (at right), went on his final A-10 flight April 14, 2012. Anybody who can identify the A-10C pilot at left?

Note: Pictured in both photos is A-10C 79-0121 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron.



Lt. Col. Brian Vandiviere with his family. Visible at left seems like A-10C 79-0107.

Please note: More related pictures will be uploaded soon.