Book title "A-10 Thunderbolt II Units of Operation Enduring Freedom" announced by Osprey Publishing

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Previev cover shot, distributed by Amazon. Please note: All previous books of Osprey's Combat Series were covered by an artist illustration.

Already on August 24, 2012, but only in their blog post Combat Aircraft - Coming 2013! Osprey Publishing announced the release of a book, titled "A-10 Thunderbolt Units of Operation Enduring Freedom".

According to that (written by Mike, the youngster of the office, this book will be released as number 98 of their well-recommended Combat Aircraft Series in June 2013.

I came across this anouncement by trying Google after visiting again Warthog Territy Forums (WTF).

In the WTF's Hog Chat section I found a topic A-10 OEF 2002-2007 Book, started on August 4, 2012, by Gary Wetzel, author of the upcomming book.

In this topic, Gary wrote: Hey everyone, New to the forums here, but have been looking for quite a few years. I am working on an A-10 book for Osprey Publishing that will focus on A-10 combat operations in Operating Enduring Freedom from March 2002-Summer 2007. I was hoping there might be some photos some of the members have that they may be willing to share. I do have an illustration budget so there will be compensation for the images that are uesd. As well, any Hog drivers around who flew during the above timeframe and would like to share stories would be greatly appreciated. Please let me know if any of you are interested! Thanks in advance!

And just after only two responses, on August 5 he added: [...] Thanks for the response. I am looking for shots of the jets at Bagram, especially those that identify serial number, any special markings, ordnance loadout and crews loading weapons. What units were you with then? Shoot me an email if you want. I would love a chance to chat. Gary

Meanwhile, this book is also announced by Amazon. See

Because I archived a lot of OEF A-10 news and pictures since 2002 (some of them are not more online today) I would like to support Gary's project. But if I remember right, there were only a few pictures released online by USAF official sources during this time frame.


@Gary Wetzel: If you read that please drop me a line. I will also try to contact you...

BTW: I'm a big fan of Osprey's Combat Aircraft Series. I already own the following books
F-15C/E EAGLE UNITS OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (Osprey Combat Aircraft 47) by Steve Davies, 2004.
F-15E STRIKE EAGLE UNITS IN COMBAT 1990-2005 (Osprey Combat Aircraft 59) by Steve Davies, 2005.
B-1B LANCER UNITS IN COMBAT (Osprey Combat Aircraft 60) by Thomas Withington, 2006.
F-16 FIGHTING FALCON UNITS OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (Osprey Combat Aircraft 61) by Steve Davies and Doug Dildy (2006)

Question: Any A-10 pilot, dedicated crew chief (DCC), assistant crew chief (ACC), weapons loader or other supporting personell who will provide personal hi-res shots taken at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, just after arriving from Ahmed Al Jaber AB, Kuwait? Also wanted are shots of A-10s taken during their "secret" stopover at Jacobabad AB, Pakistan.


A U.S. Air Force Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft takes off for a patrol from Bagram airbase June 11, 2002 in Bagram Afghanistan. The A-10, also known as the "Warthog", is a single seat, close air support (CAS) aircraft that is deployed to protect troops and attack ground targets in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Copyright: 2002 Scott Nelson)

Note: Pictured is A-10 252 from the 75th Fighter Squadron.


Four A-10s from the 74th EFS sit on the flightline at Bagram Airfield. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Please note: This breaking news will be further updated soon.