Team Osan Airmen launch combat sorties

by Staff Sgt. Craig Cisek
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The first A-10 Thunderbolt II sortie for operational readiness exercise Beverly Midnight 12-03 prepares for launch on Osan Air Base’s runway, July 24, 2012. Osan Airmen are in the fourth simulated wartime contingency exercise executed in 2012 that will test the base’s ability to defend and execute the mission in a heightened state of readiness. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Craig Cisek) Hi-res

7/24/2012 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- A-10 Thunderbolt II's and F-16 Fighting Falcon's launch during a combat sortie for operational readiness exercise Beverly Midnight 12-03 from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 24, 2012. Osan Airmen are in the fourth simulated wartime contingency exercise executed in 2012 that will test the base's ability to defend and execute the mission in a heightened state of readiness. 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.

The first A-10 Thunderbolt II sortie for operational readiness exercise Beverly Midnight 12-03 takes off from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 24, 2012. The exercise tests Osan Airmen's abilities during a heightened state of readiness while providing 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. BM 12-03 is the first ORE following the Consolidated Unit Inspection in April. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Cisek) Hi-res

Source

Please note: More pictures and serial number verifications will be uploaded soon.


More pictures as a provisional upload:


A-10C 78-0597 from the 75th Fighter Squadron.


A-10C 80-0189 from the 75th Fighter Squadron.


An A-10 Thunderbolt II launches during combat sortie for operational readiness exercise Beverly Midnight 12-03 from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 24, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Cisek) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0207 from the 75th Fighter Squadron.

47th FS debuts new technology at RIMPAC

by Master Sgt. Mary Hinson
307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii - U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tom McNurlin from the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Test Center in Tucson, Ariz., helps U.S. Air Force Col. John Breazeale, 917th Fighter Group commander, adjust his helmet with the Scorpion helmet-mounted system prior to a flight during Rim of the Pacific exercise July 17,2012. The Scorpion system, along with the Lightweight Airborne Recovery System, known as LARS, was for the first time maritime operationally tested during the exercise. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mary Hinson) Hi-res

7/26/2012 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- In its first operational test with maritime operations, nine 47th Fighter Squadron A-10 pilots are debuting new helmet and survival radio technologies during the Rim of the Pacific exercise June 29 through Aug. 3, 2012, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

One of the new technologies is the Scorpion system, which is integrated into the pilot's current helmet, said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tom McNurlin of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command Test Center in Tucson, Ariz.

According to McNurlin, the new helmet system takes all the information in the airplane and positions it on the ground so that each pilot can look at a heads-up display and know exactly where the targets are positioned on the ground without ever losing visual contact of these targets.

"This system is three times as accurate (as what is currently fielded), full color and supports 512 lines of sight," he added. "It is a huge safety improvement and situational improvement."

McNurlin and two other pilots from the test center and one from the 53rd Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., are overseeing the operations during RIMPAC, which is the first time the technology has been tested during a large-scale maritime operation.

The 47th Fighter Squadron was tasked with the testing of the system due to the fact that they were going to be involved in RIMPAC, and the system needed to be tested in a fully operational environment.

"This system has greatly enhanced situational awareness and the ability to target more dynamically and quickly," said Lt. Col. Robin Sandifer, a pilot with the 47th FS that has tested the system. "It is any effective way to positively identify a target on the ground or in the air."

Prior to coming to the exercise, McNurlin and his team visited the 47th FS at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., to familiarize the pilots and life support with the system, said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Arnold Davis, 47th FS life support. The team spent a week working with the unit to learn the nuances of this helmet compared to the current one.

For Davis, the changes seemed fairly straight forward when it came to modifying the existing equipment. The designers of the Scorpion system "made it to where their modifications go with what is already on the helmet," said Davis. "We may just have to remove one of our brackets and add one of theirs."

"It's a pretty easy transition from the regular helmet to the Scorpion helmet," he added.

In addition to Scorpion, another technology was also tested during RIMPAC - the Lightweight Airborne Recovery System, known as LARS. According to McNurlin, the system is an advanced radio communication system that interfaces with the fielded Air Force search and rescue radios and is compatible with the current survival radio A-10 pilots carry.

"We hit a button, it interrogates the radio, responds to us and we know exactly where they are," McNurlin explained on how the system works in aiding in search and rescue of downed pilots.

Both the Scorpion and LARS interface through the Suite 7B Operational Flight Program, which is the software that pulls it all together. The total system began development in 2010 and is scheduled to begin fielding in October of this year.

The installation of this system has been a requirement for the aircraft for some time, and this requirement will finally become a reality when the systems are installed across the Air Force's fleet of A-10s within 12 to 18 months, said McNurlin. Once started, each installation will take approximately three weeks and will take place at the Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

As for the testing at RIMPAC, it has been a great opportunity and success for the test center, said McNurlin. "The fusion between the test and the operational world has gone well.

"It's a great opportunity for us to integrate into a large force exercise with this system to identify any issues before we go to the field."

"I think it is an incredible new capability," added Sandifer.

Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Source (including 1 photo).

917th Munitions Flight performs at RIMPAC

Released by 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

7/25/2012 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii - Cartridges are loaded into a flare module by a member of the 917th Maintenance Squadron from Barksdale Air Force Base, La. during the Rim of the Pacific military exercise July 20, 2012, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The module was bound for an A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 917th Fighter Group. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ted Daigle)

Source

917 FG supports RIMPAC

Released by 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

7/24/2012 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii - A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 47th Fighter Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., are readied for a mission as part of the Rim of the Pacific military exercise July 17, 2012, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ted Daigle) Hi-res

Note: The fourth "Hog" in this row doesn't wear the usual nose art.

7/24/2012 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii - U.S. Air Force Maj. Maury Kent communicates with the crew chief of an A-10 Thunderbolt II prior taking part in a mission as part of the Rim of the Pacific military exercise July 17, 2012, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Ted Daigle) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 147.

Source (including 6 photos)

Please note: More pictures will be uploaded soon.

Night-ops continues the mission at Red Flag 12-4

Released by 23rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

7/24/2012 - U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Donte Slocum, 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, assist Italian air force exchange pilot Capt. Maurizio De Guida, 74th Fighter Squadron, before take off during Red Flag 12-4 exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., July 20, 2012. De Guida and Slocum are both stationed at Moody AFB, Ga., and are participating in Red Flag; a realistic aerial combat training exercise that test the limits of man and machine as they conduct training on air interdiction, combat search and rescue, dynamic and high value targeting. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Note: There are some mission markings on the bow. From Afghanistan deployment?

7/24/2012 - U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Donte Slocum, 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, performs a walk around inspection on a Moody AFB, Ga., A-10C Thunderbolt II at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., July 20, 2012. Crew chiefs inspect the aircraft before and after a mission to ensure the safety of the pilot and to successfully accomplish the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 81-0990 from the 74th Fighter Squadron.

7/24/2012 - U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, repair the brakes on an A-10C Thunderbolt II during Red Flag 12-4 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., July 20, 2012. The pilot on the A-10 reported that the brakes weren't working properly during the post-inspection and the crew chief worked with the maintenance specialist to fix the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Source (including 6 photos)

Please note: More pictures will be uploaded soon.

Coalition partnerships built through tactical training exercise

by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

CAMPIA TURZII, Romania – Maintainers from the 81st Fighter Squadron pull out firing pins and chalks to ready an A-10 Thunderbolt II for takeoff before a night combat search and rescue training mission July 20 during Dacian Thunder, a month-long partnership building exercise. Dacian Thunder is an exercise in which U.S. Air Force, Romanian air force, U.S. Marine Corps and the Royal Air Force exchange techniques, tactics, and procedures to strengthen coalition and joint capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 81-0976 from the 81st Fighter Squadron.

7/23/2012 - CAMPIA TURZII, Romania -- Dacian Thunder, a partnership-building exercise, takes place throughout the month of July here.

Approximately 260 members of the 81st Fighter Squadron along with members of the U.S. Marine Corps, Royal Air Force and Romanian air force's 71st Air Fotilla are training with one another in Dacian Thunder to strengthen capabilities as combined forces in contingency operations.

Throughout the exercise each nation trains and exchanges methods to sharpen tactics, techniques and procedures in air-to-air, air-to-ground, combat search and rescue, air defense, air security, air intelligence, tactical command, and cross service logistical support and operations.

"It's exceptional training we're able to accomplish together," said Lt. Col. John Briner, 81st FS commander. "For combat search and rescue, we had the opportunity to work with Romanian helicopters, and we hadn't had that opportunity before."

"We enjoy to fly, work and collaborate with the U.S.," added Romanian air force Capt. George Diveica, 71st Air Fotilla IAR 330 helicopter pilot. "All in all, it's a great experience and training for all partners.

It is very helpful and useful for us to train with these countries." It is good to learn from one another and gain strength through seeing how each country executes their procedures. It's also nice to see and share how each country accomplishes missions using different techniques and methods, he added.

Exercising with the Romanain IAR 330 helicopter and Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 pilots here is beneficial for the 81st FS pilots because they operate with them in contingency operations around the world. Working together now, helps both parties understand each other's mechanisms and answers questions in a training environment rather than real world operations.

"We're looking to sharpen our tactical knives and make sure we're better and more proficient in different skills sets," said Briner. "We're also here to continue to develop our relationship with the Romanian air force. We were here last year doing the same missions, so we're building up on what we have with the Romanain pilots. That way, we can have a good foundation of working together to increase the challenging mission sets we have to have.

"We will see them, the Romanians, in future contingency operations," he continued. "It's a way to practice and be ready so when that next contingency develops, we'll have built relations already."

CAMPIA TURZII, Romania – An 81st Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot executes low-altitude strafes in a field here July 20 during Dacian Thunder, a partnership building exercise. Dacian Thunder is a month-long exercise in which U.S. Air Force, Romanian air force, U.S. Marine Corps and the Royal Air Force exchange techniques, tactics and procedures to strengthen coalition and joint capabilities. (U.S. Air force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard) Hi-res

CAMPIA TURZII, Romania – An 81st Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot checks his aircraft's systems before flying a night combat search and rescue training mission July 20 during Dacian Thunder. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard) Hi-res

CAMPIA TURZII, Romania – A maintainer with the 81st Fighter Squadron stands ready to marshal an A-10 Thunderbolt II as a Romanian IAR 330 helicopter flies above the flightline here July 20 during Dacian Thunder. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard) Hi-res

Source including 6 photos)

Coalition forces train with partners in arms to enable CSAR readiness

by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

CAMPIA TURZII, Romania -- Capt. Maureen Hartney, 81st Fighter Squadron executive officer, uses a signal flare to reveal her location to A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots July 19 during a combat search and rescue training mission here at Dacian Thunder. Hartney was the survivor in this scenario where A-10 pilots worked with Romanian air force IAR 330 helicopter pilots to locate and safely rescue her. Dacian Thunder is a month-long partnership building exercise in which the U.S. Air Force, Romanian air force, U.S. Marine Corps and the Royal Air Force exchange techniques, tactics and procedures to strengthen coalition and joint capabilities. (U.S. Air force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard) Hi-res

7/23/2012 - CAMPIA TURZII, Romania -- Her aircraft was downed in a field near Campia Turzii. She was alone with no food or water, only her survival skills and equipment.

She found a safe site in bushes to take cover, made a signal for her rescue and established contact with her comrades in the air.

Pilots of 81st Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and Romanian 71st Air Fotilla IAR 330 helicopters searched for her, the survivor.

That was the scenario Capt. Maureen Hartney, 81st FS executive officer, simulated with the help of Staff Sgt. Daniel Wiggins, 52nd Operations Support Squadron survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialist, in a combat search and rescue exercise during Dacian Thunder July 19.

Dacian Thunder is a joint and coalition exercise in which the U.S. Air Force, Romanian air force, U.S. Marine Corps and the Royal Air Force work together to strengthen techniques, tactics, procedures and capabilities.

The purpose of training together in this scenario was to establish unified methods and learn coalition and joint procedures used in CSAR.

"This is a part of building partnership capacity," Hartney said. "We get used to working with them, and they get used to working with us. This way, if a coalition contingency operation happens, we already have unified tactics, techniques and procedures established. We won't have to establish these in a real-world situation because we're already familiar with one another."

The A-10 and IAR 330 pilots worked together throughout the CSAR training to find and rescue Hartney. The A-10s had direct radio communication with both the survivor and the Romanians giving them the ability to funnel information to both parties. The A-10s also escorted the IAR 330s by surveying the area for any threats that could harm or prevent the IAR 330's from landing to pick up the survivor. They also guided the helicopters into the rescue location.

Once the A-10s established the area was clear of threats, the IAR 330 pilots swooped in for the rescue. Romanian special forces members ran to Hartney and used their tactics and procedures to identify her as the survivor. Once she was identified, they guided her to the helicopter to fly to safety.

It's important to establish these methods now instead of during a real-world capacity, because any misunderstandings or questions can be answered here in a training environment rather than during contingency operations, she said.

Training here also helps different forces understand one anothers capabilities, said Wiggins.

"I'm learning tactics and procedures other countries practice during rescue," Wiggins said. "So now, I can tell high-risk isolated personnel what to expect if recovered by our Romanian partners."

A-10 pilots also gained insight from working with their coalition partners.

"They have different aircraft we don't fly with a lot," said Capt. Mike Krestyn, 81st FS A-10 pilot. "This is a good opportunity to fly with foreign fighters and see their capabilities."

This also provided A-10 pilots the opportunity to conduct upgrade training in various roles such as locating the survivor, assessing the survivor's health and safety, establishing threats in the area, and controlling the helicopters as they come in to rescue the survivor.

"This was an absolute success," said Lt. Col. George Stanley, 81st FS A-10 pilot. "We were able to integrate four A-10s with two [IAR 330 helicopters] and two Romanian ground teams in a CSAR mission and get upgrades for two A-10 pilots."

This was one of eight CSAR training scenarios the U.S. Air Force and Romanian air force are conducting to learn from one another during Dacian Thunder.

CAMPIA TURZII, Romania -- An 81st Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II flies above a field as it supports two Romanian IAR 330 helicopters to and from a combat search and rescue training mission July 19 during Dacian Thunder here. The A-10 pilots worked with IAR helicopter pilots to locate and safely rescue a survivor in this mission. Dacian Thunder is a month-long partnership building exercise in which the U.S. Air Force, Romanian air force, U.S. Marine Corps and the Royal Air Force exchange techniques, tactics and procedures to strengthen coalition and joint capabilities. (U.S. Air force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard) Hi-res

Source (including 8 photos)

Heart of a reservist

by Staff Sgt. Ted Daigle
307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Browning, 917th Maintenance Squadron crew chief, pushes a tank of liquid oxygen to a waiting A-10 Thunderbolt II in preparation for a sortie during the Rim of the Pacific military exercise at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 17, 2012. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ted Daigle) Hi-res

7/23/2012 - Barksdale AFB, La. -- A bright Hawaiian sun rises over the peaks of Oahu into a clear blue sky, but Staff Sgt. Justin Browning, 917th Maintenance Squadron crew chief, has no time to enjoy the site as he is already hard at work preparing an A-10 Thunderbolt II for a mid-morning mission at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

Browning walks on, under and around the jet checking for any visible problems, inspecting the engines and preparing for the time when the aircraft will be called into action. As he dons his protective gear, he provides the plane with enough liquid oxygen necessary for the mission. One final walk around and Browning is ready to go.

The pilot arrives, greets Browning and they begin the final checks before take-off. After several hours of quick-paced preparation, the A-10 pulls off, leaving Browning with a smile and sense of satisfaction of a job well done.

Browning is one of 25,000 personnel participating in the Rim of the Pacific exercise in and around the Hawaiian Island June 29 through Aug. 3, 2012.

For Browning, working with the aircraft is a labor of love, and the Air Force is in his blood. He joined the Air Force at the age of 18 after hearing stories from a great uncle who served. The ensuing12 years have been adventurous and fulfilling for Browning.

After completing tech school, his love of aircraft and flying compelled him to seek a degree in commercial aviation from Louisiana Tech University. That same commitment continues to drive him to volunteer for every deployment he can, even as he juggles his family life and his civilian job as an oil and gas engineer.

"I joined the Air Force to help out and my civilian employer is very supportive, so volunteering just makes sense," said Browning.

Capt. Brian Plauche, 917th MXS operations officer, believes crew chiefs like Browning are instrumental to the success of the unit.

"Sergeant Browning is always ready and he is very knowledgeable, the two things you need in a good reservist," he said.

All the deployments have created some lasting memories for Browning.

During one Hawg Smoke competition the rain poured down the entire time, challenging Browning to accomplish the mission.

"It was like a monsoon and the rain of the flight line was two to three inches deep, at times," he said. "We stopped calling it Hawg Smoke and started calling it Hawg Wash."

Volunteering for service in Afghanistan proved to be another memorable experience. Browning left behind his wife, a newborn son and his civilian job to help with that mission. He spent five months there accomplishing the mission, in spite of adverse conditions and routine rocket fire directed at his base.

All the experiences have left Browning eager to continue his service and hopeful he can pass his legacy on to his young son.

"I want to complete 30 years in the Air Force Reserve, and I hope my son will join one day and do what I did," he said.

A few hours after taking off, the A-10 lands, the pilot having completed his sortie. Tomorrow, it will be need to be ready to fly again, and Browning will be there, like he always is, to make sure it happens.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Browning, 917th Maintenance Squadron crew chief, conducts a pre-flight inspection of an A-10 Thunderbolt II in preparation for a sortie during the Rim of the Pacific military exercise at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 17, 2012.  (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ted Daigle) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0147 from the 47th Fighter Squadron.

U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Browning, 917th Maintenance Squadron crew chief, works with U.S. Air Force Maj. Maury Kent, 47th Fighter Squadron, prior to a sortie during Rim of the Pacific exercise at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 17,2012.  (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ted Daigle) Hi-res

Note: Maj. Maury Kent is a 47th Fighter Squadron pilot.

Source (including 3 photos)

47th FS demonstrates maritime capabilities

by Staff Sgt. Ted Daigle
307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jim Travis, 47th Fighter Squadron commander, with the bomb he used to penetrate the hull of an unmanned ship as part of a sinking exercise at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 14, 2012. The mission was part of the Rim of the Pacific exercise. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Courtesy photo) Full size

7/20/2012 - Barksdale AFB, La. -- Pilots of the 47th Fighter Squadron demonstrated the maritime capability of the A-10 Thunderbolt II by sinking an abandoned naval vessel July 14 during the Rim of the Pacific exercise at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

The exercise was unique in that it required A-10 pilots to take on a maritime target instead of the more traditional land-based target, according to Lt. Col. Jim Travis, 47th Fighter Squadron commander.

Maj. Grant McCall, 47th FS pilot, coordinated the event and said the quick sinking of the naval vessel surprised some of the RIMPAC planners.

"I think they underestimated the ability of the A-10," he said. "Other groups were supposed to shoot at the target after we took our turn, but never got the chance because we sank it."

Travis said a four-ship formation of A-10s dropped four inert, 2,000-pound laser-guided bombs on the vessel. The bombs inflicted heavy damage on the ship, with the first bomb completely penetrating the hull.

After dropping the bombs, the pilots continued the attack, inflicting heavy damage on the ship with 30-millimeter rounds until it plunged beneath the surface of the ocean, according to Travis.

"The 30 millimeters were pounding the ship and sending monster geysers of water up in the air. It was a spectacular sight, like something out of old World War II footage." he said.

In addition to sinking the ship, pilots from the 47th FS were also able to participate in a unique exercise in which they helped F-22 Raptor pilots from the Hawaiian Air National Guard by generating coordinates for their bombing practice, said McCall.

Travis said the point of the exercise was to introduce coordinates to the F-22s and have them launch an attack on those points.

"It was a big success because we were able to send them coordinates and they were able to launch their attack in less than five minutes," he said. "It was the first time this type of coordination has ever been attempted with these F-22s, so their timely response and perfect hits on the coordinates was impressive."

Travis added the ability to provide direct and indirect maritime support adds another dimension to the capability of the A-10.

"RIMPAC has provided us an opportunity to expand our maritime air support capabilities. Where else could you drop a ship in a SINKEX, defend allied ships from a small boat attach and practice close air support with some of the special operations teams?" said Travis.

The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.

A photo taken from an A-10 Thunderbolt II shows an unmanned ship sinking after being hit planes flown by members of the 47th Fighter Squadron July 14, 2012, off the coast of Hawaii. The mission was part of the Rim of the Pacific exercise. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Courtesy photo) Full size

Note: That's the official photo caption. But I'm not sure. The picture's VIRIN code 120210-F-XX000-001 suggests it was taken on February 2, 2012. I will check further RIMPAC 2012 sources for that.

Source

74th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at Nellis during Red Flag 12-4

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

At Nellis AFB, Nevada, Warthog News contributor Bruce Smith from the United States had the opportunity to take the following shots:

A-10C 80-0172 from the 74th Fighter Squadron on July 16, 2012. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

A-10C 81-0964 from the 74th Fighter Squadron on July 16, 2012. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

A-10C 81-0967 (marked 23 WG) from the 74th Fighter Squadron on July 17, 2012. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

Red Flag: Female crew chief joins AF for new challenges

by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha
23d Moody Air Force Base Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Grace Wheeler, a crew chief with the 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, performs a post-flight inspections on an A-10C Thunderbolt II, following a training mission at the Nevada Training and Test Range July 16, 2012. The 23d AMXS/74th AMU is deployed to Nellis AFB, Nev., in support of the Red Flag 12-4 exercise, which runs July 16-27, 2012. During post-flight inspections, crew chiefs check the serviceability of the aircraft by checking the tires, looking for cracks and leaks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

7/20/2012 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev -- Turning wrenches and checking the fluids on an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft might not be a dream job for some women, but one 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief faces the challenge head on.

Growing up with four brothers, U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Grace Wheeler feels at home working hand-in-hand with mostly male crew chiefs on the flight line. After joining Air Force a little over a year ago, Wheeler now calls Moody Air Force Base, Ga., home. Moody being her first base, she has gained a lot of experience and training with the A-10s. In the past seven months, she has launched more than 100 A-10 sorties and performed numerous of aircraft inspections.

Wheeler, one of two female crew chiefs in the unit, is attending Red Flag 12-4 exercise, two weeks of air combat training, which simulates a wartime environment for military units at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. As an A-10 crew chief at Red Flag, Wheeler must inspect the A-10s before and after a missions at the nearby Nevada Test and Training Range. She typically works up to nine hours per day, launching at least one sortie per day.

Never having been deployed, she said she is looking forward to gaining more experience and training from this exercise. She hopes Red Flag will prepare her for future deployments and give her some insights on what to expect in a deployed environment.

There are 39 other crew chiefs from Moody participating in Red Flag -- all having a mission and a number of sorties to launch.

While stationed at Moody, Wheeler has learned a lot from her Air Force brothers. With no maintenance background and not knowing the difference between wrenches and hex tools, being a crew chief began as a challenge for her. Excited to take on the challenge, Wheeler said she is eager to learn about the A-10 Thunderbolt II and all of the maintenance that comes along with being an crew chief.

"When I joined the Air Force I wanted something that would be challenging; something that I've never done before," she said.

Although being a crew chief was sought as a challenge for the Valencia, Calif., native, she is now able to perform pre-flight, through-flight and post-flight inspections and recover A-10s on her own. The 27 year old completed her career development courses quickly and is on her way to receiving her five-level certification.

"Wheeler can hold her own when it comes to mechanics," says U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas Nelson, 23d AMXS, 74th AMU A-10 crew chief. "She's a top Airman with a great work ethic. She's always the first one out of the truck ready to work and is the first one to volunteer for any task, even if it's taking out the trash."

Overall, Wheeler said she enjoys being a crew chief and working on the A-10 is a fun job.

"I never wake up not wanting to come to work," she said. "I get along with everyone and I enjoy working with the guys; it's better than working with a bunch of girls. It's like having 37 brothers," Wheeler joked. "Every day I learn something new, even if I'm only watching."

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Grace Wheeler, a crew chief with the 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, checks the tail of an A-10C Thunderbolt II during a post-flight inspection at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., July 16,2012. The 23d AMXS/74th AMU is deployed to Nellis in support of the Red Flag 12-4 exercise, which runs July 16-27, 2012. Fourteen A-10s are deployed to Nellis from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., along with more than 200 aircrew, maintainers and support personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 78-0697 from the 74th Fighter Squadron.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Grace Wheeler, a crew chief with the 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, communicates with an A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot during a post-flight inspection at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., following a training mission at the Nevada Training and Test Range July 16, 2012. Wheeler is stationed at Moody AFB, Ga., and is participating in the Red Flag 12-4 exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Source (including 4 photos)

Comment from Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor: Special thanks to Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha, 23rd Wing Public Affairs, for her very nice and sensitive news article about Airman 1st Class Grace Wheeler! Anybody who knows how many female A-10C pilots and crew chiefs currently are on duty (Active, Reserve, Air National Guard)? It should be very interesting to publish some more about these "Hog Girls"...

Crew chiefs launch jets in desert heat for Red Flag 12-4

by Master Sgt. Sonny Cohrs
23d Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Capt. Ian Whiteman, an A-10 pilot with the 74th Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., shakes hands with Staff Sgt. Nicholas Nelson, A-10 Crew Chief with the 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, July 16, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., following a training mission during exercise Red Flag 12-4. Crew chiefs perform walk around inspections with the pilot before and after a flight and correct any maintenance issues prior to the next mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Sonny Cohrs) Hi-res

7/19/2012 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Red Flag 12-4, an air combat exercise known for its realistic combat training missions, also provides a certain realism for maintainers on the line - desert sands, 100 degree heat, and an increased operations tempo generating aircraft around the clock.

The 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., has more than 160 maintainers here and 153,000 pounds of equipment. In their care are 14 A-10Cs, which are flying combat training missions at the nearby Nevada Test and Training Range.

"Right off the bat, the importance of this Red Flag was hammered home to everyone ... to let them know it was so much of a bigger thing and what we're providing for the pilots and ops," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Neal Owens, 23d AMXS, 74th AMU first sergeant during the exercise. "We try to paint a better picture of what the pilots are doing up there and how important it is that they get this training. We briefed a lot of slides ... for the kind of operations that were being doing here and the amount of training being done -- the broader scope."

For U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas Nelson, a 23d AMXS, 74th AMU crew chief, Red Flag is a learning experience that he compares to his recent deployment to Afghanistan. He said Red Flag is as close as you can get to the "real thing" without being deployed to the Afghanistan area of responsibility.

"I like that it's more than just flying a training sortie like we do back home," he said. "It's more of an exercise and more of a real life thing - actually what you're going to be doing in the AOR. I like the realism of it. When you get back from a TDY like this it seems like you always get closer as a unit."

Out on the line, Nelson and his fellow crew chiefs perform pre-flight, post-flight, and through-flight inspections on the aircraft. Their walk around begins two and a half hours before the pilot shows up, and they complete another walk around inspection with the pilot before takeoff.

"We're responsible for the aircraft," Nelson said. "We're responsible for inspecting and making sure the aircraft is ready for the next mission. That's our job in a whole ... whether it's servicing the aircraft with fuel, hydraulics, oil, or calling out the respective specialties to come and fix something - that's our job."

Nelson, a native of Phoenix, Ariz., said he loves being a crew chief and knows he is "making difference" when he's "crewin' a jet." He joined the Air Force after being pushed toward the military by his father in law, an Air Force retiree.

"He wouldn't let me marry his daughter unless I found a good job," Nelson said. "It was definitely worth it." As a retired avionics troop, a career field notorious for having friendly rivalries with crew chiefs, Nelson's father in law specifically told him not to become a crew chief. However, Nelson knows he made the right choice of careers, will reenlist soon, and plans to make a career in the Air Force.

Overall, morale is high for the 74th AMU both at home station and during Red Flag, according to Owens. He credits a recent influx of new leadership and the amount of preparation that has gone into making Red Flag a success for everyone involved.

"Morale is definitely high," Owens said. "We've been preparing for this and talking about Red Flag. The amount of organization that went into it has been phenomenal. We've done everything we can to bring the right people, the right equipment, the right supplies - everybody is doing the job they're supposed to do."

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas Nelson, a crew chief with the 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, performs post-flight inspections on an an A-10C Thunderbolt II at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., July 16, 2012, during exercise Red Flag 12-4. The crew chief's walk around begins two and a half hours before the pilot shows up, and they complete another walk around inspection with the pilot before takeoff. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Sonny Cohrs) Hi-res

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas Nelson, a crew chief with the 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II into its parking space at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., following a Red Flag training mission July 16, 2012. Temperatures reach in excess of 100 degrees in the Nevada desert, and 74th AMU maintainers are launching aircraft around the clock during the exercise. Fourteen A-10s are deployed to Nellis from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., along with more than 200 aircrew, maintainers and support personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Sonny Cohrs) Hi-res

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Baker, 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, walks on the wing of an A-10C Thunderbolt II following flight at the Nevada Training and Test Range July 16, 2012. Baker and about 200 other Airmen are deployed to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., for exercise Red Flag 12-4. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Sonny Cohrs) Hi-res

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas Nelson, a crew chief with the 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, chocks an A-10C Thunderbolt II at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., July 16, 2012, during exercise Red Flag 12-4. Nelson said Red Flag is a learning experience that he compares to his recent deployment to Afghanistan. He said Red Flag is as close as you can get to the "real thing" without being deployed to the Afghanistan area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Sonny Cohrs) Hi-res

Source (including 8 photos)

Please note: More pictures will be uploaded soon.

Flying Tigers continue missions for Red Flag 12-4

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs

7/18/2012 - The sun sets July 16, 2012, as an A-10C Thunderbolt II sits on the ramp at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Aircrew from the 23d Wing, 74th Fighter Squadron, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., are flying missions from Nellis during exercise Red Flag 12-4. The training sorties will unleash up to eight MK-82 bombs per day and as much as 5,000 rounds from the A-10's 30 mm cannons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Sonny Cohrs) Hi-res

7/18/2012 - U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt IIs, from Moody Air Force Base, GA, taxi down down the runway during the Red Flag 12-4 exercise July 18, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Moody's 23d Wing is the lead wing for Red Flag this year and has more than 200 people deployed to Nellis to support the air combat training exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal) Hi-res

Source (including 4 photos)

Please note: More pictures will be uploaded immediately.

Weapons Airmen work together, load A-10s for Red Flag 12-4

by Master Sgt. Sonny Cohrs
23d Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgts. Bobby Corso (driver), Eleanor Moore and Senior Airman Christopher Tarbart, 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons armament systems specialists, remove and secure an AG M65 Maverick munition off an A-10C Thunderbolt II during Red Flag 12-4 exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., July 16, 2012. A three man weapons load crew removed an AG M65 Maverick munition off an A-10 during its thru-flight inspection. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

7/17/2012 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Working together as a team is part of everyday life in the United States Air Force, and being part of a weapons load crew is no different.

Aircraft armament systems Airmen from the 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., deployed here to participate in Red Flag Exercise 12-4 July 16-27. Red Flag is a multinational, multiservice air combat training exercise, which simulates a wartime environment for military units. The A-10C weapons loaders here work in three-man load crews to get aircraft armed up for missions at the nearby Nevada Test and Training Range.

Tech. Sgt. Anthony Spencer, 74th AMU, headed up the team as team chief on the first day of the exercise. His position is commonly called the "one-man." While deployed to Red Flag, he and his team will load an array of bombs and rockets. The experience gained at Red Flag by the weapons loaders offers the opportunity to load live ordnance not used at home station. Grand Bay Range in south Georgia only calls for 30 mm ammunition and the BDU-33s, and not the more powerful MK-82s and AGM-65s loaded and deployed during Red Flag.

"We have a range close to our base, but it's not suitable for high explosive bombs," Spencer said. "It's good experience to actually load live ordnance and to get experience on munitions we don't typically see."

The one-man reviews all checklists and works closely with the three-man to load the munitions onto the jammer -- a term of endearment for the bomb lift truck. The one-man walks beside the truck, keeping his hand in contact with the ordnance at all times, and guides the three-man as he drives. During a recent load at Red Flag, Senior Airman Michael Tomaski, 74th AMU, served as the three-man.

"We're the ones that inspect the munitions and the trailer and makes sure everything is safe. When the team chief straps the munitions down ... I drive the jammer to the jet and he'll walk with it," Tomaski said. "I get as close to the rack where it clips in - as close as I can - and they'll do all the fine movements to actually lock it in."

Once into position under the wing, the two-man guides the driver into position and assists the one-man with securing the ordnance.

"I'm the two-man," said Staff Sgt. Robert Smith, 74th AMU weapons. "Basically what it entails is the aircraft prep, anything having to do with the aircraft getting ready for munitions, ops checks. That's pretty much my job -- to make sure everything is set for the one and the three-man."

Once the ordnance is loaded, the aircraft is ready for its next mission. The teams work together to load the weapons as quickly, but as safely as possible.

"We are loading MK-82s, AGM-65s, BDU-33s, chaff and flare, and rockets," Spencer said. "It would be a safe bet to say in under half an hour we can have an aircraft loaded up for a typical wartime load out."

Overall the one-man holds the checklist, so he's in charge of the overall loading operation to make sure everything is done correctly. Occasionally units will have load crew competitions, putting teams against each other racing for time. It's quality training, with a grand prize of bragging rights among peers.

"It all depends on how good you are," Smith added. "Thirty minutes if you're a rookie, but less than that for more experience crews and depending on the type of munitions too."

During this year's Red Flag, Moody's pilots will fly training sorties and unleash up to eight MK-82 bombs per day and as much as 5,000 rounds from the A-10's 30 mm cannons. This capability is made air combat capability is made possible by the three Airmen who get it loaded.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Tomaski, 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, drives an MHU-83 bomb lift truck into position for unloading ordnance from an A-10C Thunderbolt II, July 16, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., during Red Flag 12-4 exercise. The A-10C weapons loaders here work in three-man load crews to get aircraft armed up for missions at the nearby Nevada Test and Training Range. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Sonny Cohrs) Hi-res

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Tomaski, 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, positions an MHU-83 bomb lift truck into position for unloading ordnance while Staff Sgt. Robert Smith gives direction. The two Airmen are part of a three-man crew loading ordnance onto an A-10C Thunderbolt II, July 16, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., during Red Flag 12-4 exercise. Once the ordnance is loaded, the aircraft is ready for its next mission. The teams work together to load the weapons as quickly, but as safely as possible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Sonny Cohrs) Hi-res

U.S. Staff Sgt. Robert Smith, 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, removes ordnance from an A-10C Thunderbolt II while Tech. Sgt. Anthony Spencer reviews the checklists for the load July 16, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., in support of Red Flag 12-4 exercise. The experience gained at Red Flag by the weapons loaders offers the opportunity to load live ordnance not used at home station. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Sonny Cohrs) Hi-res

Source (including 7 photos)

Please note: More pictures will be uploaded immediately.

Team Moody Airmen deploy in support of Red Flag 12-4

by Master Sgt. Sonny Cohrs
23d Wing Public Affairs

A-10C Thunderbolt II from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., participate in Red Flag 12-4 at Nellis AFB, Nev. Moody is the host unit for this Red Flag bring more than 200 Airmen and 14 A-10s. The purpose of Red Flag is to train pilots from the U.S., NATO and other allied countries for real combat situations. This includes the use of live ammunition for bombing exercises within the Nevada Testing and Training Range. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

7/16/2012 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- More than 250 Airmen from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., deployed here in support of Red Flag 12-4 -- a multinational, multiservice training exercise that provides an array of realistic aerial combat scenarios.

Moody's 23d Wing Flying Tigers serve as the lead unit for this year's Red Flag, with U.S. Air Force Col. Billy Thompson, 23d WG commander, serving as the Air Expeditionary Wing commander for the duration of Red Flag 12-4.

"Red Flag is the premiere air combat training exercise in the world," Thompson said. "Our pilots will face realistic aggressor threats in a contested and degraded environment. We're building strong bonds with our allies and getting some of the best training possible. A lot of hard work has gone into the planning of this exercise, and I know everyone here will benefit from this first-class training event."

The exercise, which began July 16, is hosted by the 414th Combat Training Squadron and takes place primarily in and around the Nevada Test and Training Range. Within more than 12,000 square miles of airspace and 2.9 million acres of land, NTTR offers pilots and other aircrew members a unique environment and terrain coupled with training scenarios that are not possible elsewhere.

"Nellis is unique because of the level of threat, the live ordnance and the different terrain," said Capt. Zach Hughes, an A-10 pilot with the 74th Fighter Squadron. "At Moody you get a different picture with a flat area and lots of tall trees. Here it's more rocky and rolling terrain."

In addition to the change of scenery, F-16 and F-15 aggressor pilots will take to the skies and fly combat missions against the Red Flag aviators.

"We debrief with these guys and they can actually tell you what they saw from an adversary's perspective," Hughes said. "They offer feedback and can give you an honest assessment of whether you would or would not have survived. There are also very realistic surface to air threats."

Maintenance crews will work around the clock to ensure fighters, tankers, and bombers are ready to launch for their respective missions. Moody maintainers are in good spirits, despite the desert heat which is expected to break 100 degrees some days.

"It gives some of these guys a chance to load live munitions," said Master Sgt. Rick Austin, specialist section chief with the 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. "This environment is more of what it's like when we're deployed, especially from the munitions aspect of what they're doing."

Exercise scenarios the next two weeks will test the limits of man and machine as they conduct training on air interdiction, combat search and rescue, dynamic and high value targeting.

Targets on the NTTR will receive myriad munitions as Flying Tigers drop bombs and fire rockets. The training sorties will unleash up to eight MK-82 bombs per day and as much as 5,000 rounds from the A-10's 30 mm cannons. Combat search and rescue capabilities will also be tested as rescue crews search for a pilot in remote regions of the Nevada desert.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, load perform a post load inspection on an A-10C Thunderbolt II during the Red Flag Exercise 12-4 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., July 16, 2012. Red Flag is a realistic aerial combat training exercise that test the limits of man and machine as they conduct training on air interdiction, combat search and rescue, dynamic and high value targeting (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Source (including 5 photos)

Please note: More pictures will be uploaded immediately.

Moody Airmen depart for Red Flag

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs

7/16/2012 - Airmen from the 23d Maintenance Group and 74th Fighter Squadron make their way to a KC-10 July 14, 2012, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The Airmen will support Red Flag 12-04, a three-week combat exercise involving air forces of the U.S. and its allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jamal D. Sutter) Hi-res

Source (including 4 photos)

47th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught during RIMPAC 2012

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

On their Flickr photostream, U.S. Pacific Fleet released the following shots of A-10Cs from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, participating in exercise RIMPAC 2012.

Original photo caption: PACIFIC OCEAN (July 16, 2012) An Air Force A-10 Warthog assigned to Air Force 47th Attack Squadron, flies past the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during training as part of exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012, the world's largest international maritime exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Jonathan A. Colon) Full size

Original photo caption: PACIFIC OCEAN (July 14, 2012) An Air Force A-10 Warthog, assigned to Air Force 47th Attack Squadron, shoots a flare during an exercise conducted with the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is currently underway participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC exercise from Jun. 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Devin Wray) Full size

Original photo caption: PACIFIC OCEAN (July 15, 2012) An Air Force A-10 Warthog, assigned to Air Force 47th Attack Squadron, shoots a flare during a joint exercise conducted with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is currently underway participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Devin Wray) Full size

Please note: I'm now in the process to check some more Navy websites to get original hi-res versions with a lot of MB's. Hey, guys, I would be very grateful for any related link!

See also: OFFICIAL RIMPAC 2012 WEBSITE Local Reserve fighters deploy to Hawaii

York County soldier returns after Afghanistan tour

Bill Coble, 38, of East Hopewell Township, maintains fuel tanks on the A-10, as part of the Maryland Air National Guard

Bill Coble, 38, of East Hopewell Township, a senior airman with the 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard, recently returned from a 90-day tour of duty at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Cobel works on fuel tanks of A-10s, an aircraft that provides ground cover to troops. (SUBMITTED) Full size

By Ted Czech
Daily Record / Sunday News

Senior Airman Bill Coble doesn't consider himself a hero -- he leaves that moniker for the soldiers who go "outside the wire" into villages in Afghanistan, weeding out insurgents.

Coble, 38, of East Hopewell Township, maintains the fuel tanks on the A-10, a juggernaut of an aircraft, loaded with machine guns and bombs, that provides air support for ground troops.

Still, he said, without the work that he and other technicians do, the birds can't fly at top shape. Coble recently returned from a 90-day tour-of-duty at the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, as part of the 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard.

Coble returned Saturday to his wife, Angie and their two children, son Chase, 16, and daughter Emily, 12.

"Oh, it's awesome," he said, "when you get off the plane, and you're standing on American soil."

Coble, who grew up in New Freedom, said he enlisted in the Navy prior to his graduation from Susquehannock High School in 1992.

"My dad was in the Navy and I had a lot of friends going into the military at the time," he said.

He also saw the benefit in the G.I. Bill, money from his service that he plans to use for Angie to take course in medical office, or his children's college.

He served active-duty in the Navy for two years, and feels fortunate to have been aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga on its final voyage, a tour of the Mediterranean, before it was decommissioned.

Coble then transferred and served nine years with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, without ever making an overseas tour. He then re-enlisted four years ago with the Maryland Air National Guard, and in 2010, was sent to Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan for three months.

"I guess it's just something you miss," he said of his continuous service in the military.

While at Bagram, Coble said he tried to concentrate on his work and not think about possible attacks from insurgents, no matter how rare they might be.

"You just try and keep that in the back of your mind," he said. Coble and other members of the 175th worked on the A-10s seven days a week in 12-hour shifts, he said.

The A-10 is an aircraft entirely based on practicality. Engineers designed its 30-mm gun -- similar to a Gatling gun -- and then built the rest of the aircraft around it, Coble said.

The undersides of the A-10's wings are loaded with an array of missiles and bombs too.

Although originally built in the 1970s, the A-10 is a durable plane. But even so, there are problems from time to time, Coble said. Repairs on its fuel tanks can range from minor leaks to internal fuel system malfunctions.

"For the most part, the aircraft flew very well," he said.

As far as downtime, there wasn't a lot that he could do, but he went for runs around the base, watched movies, and took in some good books.

"I did probably the most reading I've ever done in my life," he said.

Source

A-10 Reprieve at BAFB brings sighs of relief

By Jeff Ferrell
12 KSAL-TV
Posted: July 14, 2012 1:46 AM / Updated: July 14, 2012 1:48 AM

It's official: Barksdale's allotment of A-10 Warthogs will stay at the air force base at least one more year. Word came late this week that the attack jet will 'not' be phased out at Barksdale for now. And the reaction has been one of relief.

Not far from the gates of Barksdale Air Force Base you could hear strong reactions to word that the 21 A-10 Warthogs assigned to the base will stay at least one more year. Local resident Ray Chaney told us, "The A-10 to me is one of the greatest warplanes that we ever had. I love it."

Even the cashier inside Beam's Restaurant, right across the street from the base, had an opinion. Lee Henning said, "Well, they need 'em right now, they do for everything that's going on in the world."

A recently disclosed letter sent by U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to lawmakers announced that those A-10s, assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron of the 917th Fighter group at Barksdale would survive the budget ax through the 2013 fiscal year.

"If you ever ask an, whether he's a marine, a special operator, or a regular army guy, you ask him, 'if they're in a pinch what aircraft would they like to have overhead helping them out,' beyond a doubt ninety-plus percent of the time they'll say the A-10, that's the airplane to have supporting you," said Lt. Col. Rod Glass.

He's the deputy commander of the 917th and says the A-10's mission of close air support for ground troops has made it ideal for the fighting conditions in Afghanistan, where he's served several tours himself. "We can get low, we can get slow. We can get close-up and personal."

The next big step in the A-10's future will come in the spring of 2013. That's about six months before funding would run out for Fiscal '13. Lt. Col. Glass says the U.S. Senate made a provision for the creation of a committee that will evaluate the long-term future of the A-10 jet and then present it to a panel by March 2013 for final recommendations.

And with the A-10's Gatlin Gun able to fire 4-thousand, 30-millimeter rounds a minute some predict this famous 'tank killer' will survive long after next year as well. It's little wonder when you consider that by some estimates, the A-10's presence at Barksdale brings in 45-million dollars to the local economy every year.

Source

Please note: Related video will be embedded soon.

A-10s at Barksdale get reprieve

By John Andrew Prime
The Shreveport Times
July 11, 2012, 5:19 PM

The Air Force Reserve A-10s at Barksdale Air Force Base have gotten a new lease on life, according to a letter Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta sent to lawmakers concerned with cuts and reassignments in the recently proposed defense budget.

"I have directed the Air Force to suspend aircraft transfers and retirements previously scheduled for implementation in (Fiscal Year 2012)" Panetta wrote in a June 22 letter to Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawaii, a combat-wounded World War II veteran who heads the Senate Committee on Appropriations' Defense Subcommittee. The letter was released by lawmakers this week.

Panetta's decision follows concerns and actions by lawmakers from both parties in the wake of the defense budget submitted earlier this year. In Louisiana, that would have dispersed to other squadrons or retired the A-10s from Barksdale's historic 47th Fighter Squadron. It also would shut down Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 77 based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, the U.S. Navy's only fully dedicated counter-narcotics squadron.

Inouye and full committee chairman Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., wrote Panetta in early June expressing concerns with the budget, as did Louisiana lawmakers and most of the nation's governors, including Bobby Jindal.

"We're still awaiting a final determination," said Col. John Breazeale, commander of the 917th Fighter Group, under which the 47th Fighter Squadron operates. Senior leadership, seven unit aircraft and their pilots and more than 100 other unit personnel are in Hawaii through early August taking part in RIMPAC 2012, a major exercise involving people and platforms from almost two dozen nations. "The language from the House and the Senate, and the latest directive that we're getting, is that the decision will be delayed and it's not going to happen in FY '13. It's under review."

Both House and Senate versions of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act would reject or defer Air Force force structure adjustments and also would authorize an additional $1.4 billion offset.

The Senate Armed Services Committee report urged the Air Force to suspend all force structure adjustments until October 2013 and the bill it endorsed also would prohibit any funding to enact force structure changes. That would prevent the transfer of around 150 aircraft and the retirement of almost 100 others.

Panetta cautioned about the effects uncertainty over funding and casing could have on troops and that delaying action will make future budget deliberations more difficult. Local military observers applauded the decision.

"I think its great they've put a stay on that premature retirement of the A-10s out at Barksdale," said retired Brig. Gen. Peyton Cole, 2nd Bomb Wing commander from 1992 to 1994. A former Pentagon legislative liaison, he recalled a previous move to retire the hardy airplanes just before the first Gulf War, in which they proved to be a remarkably useful and versatile weapon. "I think the A-10 is a viable airplane and will remain viable. We need to retain it."

Source

Behind the Boom: Ammo Airmen Deliver Firepower

By TSgt. Shawn David McCowan, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

Airmen from the 455th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, load a GBU-38 smart bomb on to a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, June 30, 2012. The bombs were assembled and tested by munitions Airmen with the 455th Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Raymond Geoffroy) Hi-res

7/12/2012 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN -- The A-10 Thunderbolt II is one of the primary fighting platforms in Operation Enduring Freedom. It uniquely combines the abilities of maintaining low speeds, high maneuverability at low altitudes, and overwhelming firepower into a rugged fighting machine. But even the mighty aircraft affectionately known as the "Warthog" cannot perform its mission without the help of hard-working men and women who keep this "flying tank" both in the air and heavily armed.

Lt Col Scott Ritzel, 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron commander, is acutely aware of the importance of his people's missions.

"It takes an awful lot to get a combat-loaded aircraft above a troop and in contact. Somebody's got to generate that kinetic power. That starts with ammo troops," said Ritzel. Like any cross-section of America, professionals assigned to Conventional Maintenance "Ammo" bring together a diverse series of personal stories that blend into a tightly-knit and highly effective unit.

Airman 1st Class John Tibbetts, a Manassas, Va. Native, is a munitions apprentice on his first deployment. He is part of a five-person "30mm Ammo Team" assigned to inspect, transfer and load the ammo used in the A-10's imposing main gun. He and his team process about three to four cans of ammo at a time, each holding 2,300 rounds.

Tibbetts attends college back in the United States, chasing his goal of becoming an expert in diplomacy, specializing in Asian studies. In the meantime, he says he is content to help the ammo team with a slightly less subtle form of "diplomacy."

Back in the Cold War days of the 1980s and 1990s, the A-10 first began to turn heads as a new close air support aircraft. One of the Air Force servicemembers serving during that tense period was the father of SSgt Bryan Cheeks. Cheeks is now a munitions systems specialist deployed from Little Rock, Ark. His desire to be part of this mission is directly connected to his memories with his father.

"I joined the Air Force to follow my father's legacy. Seeing the example he set, and how proud he was to be part of the Air Force, I always wanted to serve like he did. He used to take me to his unit on Friday nights after school and homework. I learned what it was like to be part of the Air Force family," said Cheeks.

He is happy that his sons appreciate what he does, and want to carry on the tradition. He says his 13-year-old wants to go to college and be an officer with munitions, and his 11-year-old already says he wants to work in the munitions field.

But his immediate family priority will be to get home on time for the arrival of his newest family member; his first daughter.

"My wife and I are expecting a baby girl at the same time I'm scheduled to get home. So I'm hoping to be home in time to be with my wife when our baby girl arrives," said Cheeks.

While deployed, Cheeks is part of a team that prepares and tests large munitions before they are delivered to an A-10 to load. He said that he realizes their job may be a small one to some others, but it gives him, "An overwhelming sense of pride that what I do here, even though it's a small part, allows our guys on the ground to get home safe and sound."

One of Cheeks' co-workers both at home station and deployed, Airman 1st Class Mary Wiuff, also has family connections to military service. Her grandfather served in the Air Force, and her brother served in the Marines. But the Fort Smith, Ark., native discovered that her personal drive to serve actually came from somewhere deeper.

"I was working small job after small job back home. But I kept thinking, 'I can't live like this.' I knew inside there was something more for me. My grandfather always told great stories about the Air Force. I spoke to recruiters, and the strangest thing happened. When I signed that dotted line, it felt like a weight was lifted off of me. I knew right away I was made to do this. I love serving and I love this job," said Wiuff.

Wiuff married another Air Force member last July, but he was stationed in Japan. Not long after the wedding Wiuff was mobilized and deployed to Bagram, so the last time the newlyweds saw each other was January. She hopes he will be home when she gets there.

Apart from the separation from her new husband, Wiuff is happy to do her part of the big mission.

"There are a lot of people out there who need our help. This is my way of contributing to the people we're trying to make free, and to protect our own troops. I feel like this is my calling. It makes me feel good that, even though I'm not out there, what I do here helps good people out there," said Wiuff.

Even in a mission focused on missiles, bombs, and 30mm explosive projectiles, the men and women of Conventional Maintenance work with hearts forged from the ideals of equality, freedom, and a sense of family.

Source

Please note: More pictures will be uploaded soon.

General John Allen visits with 104 EFS at Bagram

Released by 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

7/9/2012 - Airmen from the 104th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron listen as Marine Corps Gen. John Allen, International Security Assistance Force commander, congratulates them on a job well done during his visit to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, July 8, 2012. The general stopped through Bagram to speak to 104 EFS and to "coin" some members of the squadron for their outstanding performances before they redeploy home. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Nevison) Hi-res

Note: Pictured in the background is A-10C 78-0683 from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG).

Source

Exclusive photos: Warthogs in Romania

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Special thanks to Antal Mihalydeak from Romania for e-mailing me his following pictures of 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs, currently participating in exercise Dacian Thunder 2012. Antal took all of these shots at his hometown Cristuru Secuiesc.

This picture was taken on July 10, 2012. Antal told me: Today, I saw two Warthogs in Romania, above Cristuru Secuiesc. (Photo by Antal Mihalydeak) Full size


This and the following two pictures were taken on July 11, 2012. Antal told me: Today, I saw again A-10 Warthogs (4 planes) above Cristuru Secuiesc, Romania. They made many maneuvers (I watched the planes for about 52 minutes), but in higher altitude, I couldn't shoot closer pictures. (Photo by Antal Mihalydeak) Full size


(Photo by Antal Mihalydeak) Full size


(Photo by Antal Mihalydeak) Full size

Here's a closer picture. (Photo by Antal Mihalydeak) Full size

Update July 14, 2012

One more high altitude image, this time with some vapor, taken on July 13, 2012. (Photo by Antal Mihalydeak) Full size