22nd EARS refuels ANG A-10Cs over Afghanistan

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs released the following two pictures of Air National Guard (ANG) A-10Cs, refueled over Afghanistan by KC-135 Stratotankers, currently combat-deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) to the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron (22nd EARS) at Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan.

The Transit Center at Manas is a transportation and logistics hub at Manas International Airport, near Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The host unit is the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing. The wing's around-the-clock missions include aerial refueling of coalition aircraft, airlift of supplies and equipment, movement of coalition personnel and strengthening of local partnerships.

There are approximately 1,500 U.S. military and U.S. contractors and 700 Kyrgyz partner contractor personnel working at the Transit Center. The wing maintains and operates the Transit Center's KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft and the 817th Air Expeditionary Group owns, maintains and operates the center's C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The installation opened Dec. 21, 2001 to support military operations to help bring security and stability to Afghanistan.


A U.S. Air Force 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt over Afghanistan, Aug. 2, 2012. The 22nd EARS provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandria Mosness) Hi-res

Note: That must be A-10C 78-0646 from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG).


A U.S. A-10 Thunderbolt is refueled over Afghanistan during overseas contingency operations, August 2, 2012. The 22d Expeditionary Air Refueling Sq. (EARS) conducts missions out of Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, and plays an integral role in keeping air assets refueled in support of U.S. and coalition ground forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Clay Lancaster) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 78-0693 from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG).

Please note: Two related news stories will be uploaded immediately.