Released by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs on You Tube:
Released February 25, 2013. Reporter: A1C Rebecca Stout
Comment by Warthog News: We love you, "Phanters"!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Finishing Strong: 81st maintainers rock final exercise
by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MONTE REAL, Portugal – A weapons Airman cleans the GAU-8 30mm Gatling gun of an A-10 Thunderbolt II after a REAL THAW 13 mission in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 15, 2013. This exercise seeks to provide a realistic operating environment that accurately reflects current theaters of operation, provide adequate training to multinational participants while coordinating joint operations assets on land, air and sea, and improve interoperability between allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Hi-res
2/26/2013 - MONTE REAL, Portugal -- A radio squawk sounds across the maintenance hangar. The call sets Airmen of the 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit into motion like clockwork. Some grab tool boxes and laptops, others reach for their hearing protection.
It's an orchestrated effort that every single Airman in that room knows by heart.
As they step out of the hangar, a cool Atlantic breeze fills the area with a light sandy, oceanic fragrance.
Soon, they hear engines drone out of sight; the sound slowly increases in volume as the aircraft land and taxi back to their resting places.
The fragrance of ocean quickly dissipates and the stifling odor of exhaust takes its place.
The sandy environment isn't the typical landscape the Airmen stationed in Germany are used to, but they are able to work in any environment, much like the A-10 Thunderbolt II planes that they maintain. They are in Monte Real, Portugal, for REAL THAW 13. It's the last exercise the 81st will be a part of before their inactivation later this year.
REAL THAW helps keep pilots combat-ready for any sort of contingency mission. They trained with the Portuguese military on scenarios like combat search and rescue, close air support, convoy escort and forward air control. It also gives the 81st Fighter Squadron an opportunity to build partnership with the Portuguese military and other NATO allies.
Being part of an exercise of this size and importance also gives the maintainers--who have kept these jets in the air through a myriad of exercises, deployments and contingency operations--a chance to reminisce on their time as part of the 81st.
Each maintainer has something different to say about why they love the A-10. For some, it's the aircraft's capabilities. For others, it is the ease of maintenance involved with it.
"It's like working on an old car," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kyle Ring, an 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief from Modesto, Calif. "There are no computers or anything that make it complicated. It's just hands-on maintenance--getting in there and doing it."
Most of its parts are interchangeable, and the maintainers don't need lavish facilities to service the jets.
The A-10 is based on 1960s technology and has been in the Air Force aircraft inventory since 1975, when the first plane was delivered to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Designed for low air speeds and altitude, the A-10 has been a lifesaver for troops on the front lines for close to 40 years now.
It's earned several nicknames throughout the years, but it is commonly referred to as the "Warthog." The maintainers who dedicate long days to keep the A-10 in the air refer to it simply as "the Hog."
Everyone brings a special skill to the aircraft. Jet engine mechanics, avionics technicians, crew chiefs and weapons members all work together to deliver firepower to where it's most needed.
When the A-10s fired their last rounds on the range in Portugal, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Sisneros seemed conflicted. His face beamed with satisfaction as he walked around the GAU-8 Avenger 30mm Gatling gun, but pensive sadness intensified in his eyes. "The Hog" fired 1,050 30mm rounds on the range, and the smoke-covered casings still sat in the cage.
It's been six years since Sisneros first started working on the A-10 as a weapons load team member. He's now the team chief and oversees his Airmen as they inspect the gun that he's grown to love.
"This gun is my baby," said Sisneros. As the team chief, he is responsible for loading bombs as well, but has a special admiration for the gun, which can unleash 3,900 rounds a minute and punch holes in tanks and armored vehicles like a can opener puncturing a can of tuna.
Some A-10s still in the Air Force inventory sport the "jaws" look, with shark teeth snarling on the nose, and a GAU-8 Avenger distinctively on the front. The 81st isn't one to show off, and modestly wears a flat gray coat of paint and a tail flash with bold yellow tips on the twin vertical tails.
Although there have been a few upgrades throughout the years, the most recent "C" upgrade in 2009 brought about a plethora of new technology, including GPS-guided munitions, multi-function color displays, and Situational Awareness Data Link capability, which allows aircraft to transfer information electronically between each other and with joint terminal air controllers on the ground.
"I love this plane. It's amazing. It's the only plane that can do air-to-ground combat like it does," said Ring, who has spent four years working on "the Hog" in all types of weather, from the blistering heat in Arizona to below-freezing ice storms in Germany.
Wherever the 81st goes in Europe, whether it is the Czech Republic, Romania or Portugal, the A-10 always seems to draw attention.
"You get a real appreciation for your job when people come out and want to learn about your aircraft, because there really is nothing like it anywhere else in the world," said Sisneros.
The decision to inactivate the 81st came with the Department of Defense's resolution to cut almost $500 billion from the defense budget over the next 10 years. Five A-10 squadrons across the Air Force, including Air National Guard and reserve units, were told to close up shop. The 81st is the final A-10 squadron in Europe, and with its inactivation, all that will be left of the Panthers legacy is the Airmen who were a part of it.
Many of these maintenance professionals will work together in the future, since the number of places they can go is now narrowed to a few bases.
"It's a really small community, and the best part of the job is working with great people," said U.S. Airman 1st Class Fernando Sorto, 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief from Plano, Texas.
The Air Force isn't getting rid of "the Hogs." The remaining planes are expected to join existing squadrons in Davis-Monthan AFB and Moody Air Force Base, Ga.
The 81st has supported a number of contingencies overseas since they adopted the A-10 more than 19 years ago. The 81st was the first U.S. Air Forces in Europe squadron to deploy for Operation Southern Watch, and enforced the United Nations no-fly zone over the skies of Iraq.
Other European contingencies like Operation Deny Flight in 1994 and Operation Allied Force in 1999 benefited greatly from the A-10s being already staged in Europe, since they were geographically close to the conflicts and quickly supported NATO's directives.
The 81st deployed to Afghanistan many times in the past decade, where they have provided close air support to coalition ground forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Source (including 5 photos)
Comment: Please enjoy the associated photo set, linked to Flickr.
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MONTE REAL, Portugal – A weapons Airman cleans the GAU-8 30mm Gatling gun of an A-10 Thunderbolt II after a REAL THAW 13 mission in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 15, 2013. This exercise seeks to provide a realistic operating environment that accurately reflects current theaters of operation, provide adequate training to multinational participants while coordinating joint operations assets on land, air and sea, and improve interoperability between allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Hi-res
2/26/2013 - MONTE REAL, Portugal -- A radio squawk sounds across the maintenance hangar. The call sets Airmen of the 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit into motion like clockwork. Some grab tool boxes and laptops, others reach for their hearing protection.
It's an orchestrated effort that every single Airman in that room knows by heart.
As they step out of the hangar, a cool Atlantic breeze fills the area with a light sandy, oceanic fragrance.
Soon, they hear engines drone out of sight; the sound slowly increases in volume as the aircraft land and taxi back to their resting places.
The fragrance of ocean quickly dissipates and the stifling odor of exhaust takes its place.
The sandy environment isn't the typical landscape the Airmen stationed in Germany are used to, but they are able to work in any environment, much like the A-10 Thunderbolt II planes that they maintain. They are in Monte Real, Portugal, for REAL THAW 13. It's the last exercise the 81st will be a part of before their inactivation later this year.
REAL THAW helps keep pilots combat-ready for any sort of contingency mission. They trained with the Portuguese military on scenarios like combat search and rescue, close air support, convoy escort and forward air control. It also gives the 81st Fighter Squadron an opportunity to build partnership with the Portuguese military and other NATO allies.
Being part of an exercise of this size and importance also gives the maintainers--who have kept these jets in the air through a myriad of exercises, deployments and contingency operations--a chance to reminisce on their time as part of the 81st.
Each maintainer has something different to say about why they love the A-10. For some, it's the aircraft's capabilities. For others, it is the ease of maintenance involved with it.
"It's like working on an old car," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kyle Ring, an 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief from Modesto, Calif. "There are no computers or anything that make it complicated. It's just hands-on maintenance--getting in there and doing it."
Most of its parts are interchangeable, and the maintainers don't need lavish facilities to service the jets.
The A-10 is based on 1960s technology and has been in the Air Force aircraft inventory since 1975, when the first plane was delivered to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Designed for low air speeds and altitude, the A-10 has been a lifesaver for troops on the front lines for close to 40 years now.
It's earned several nicknames throughout the years, but it is commonly referred to as the "Warthog." The maintainers who dedicate long days to keep the A-10 in the air refer to it simply as "the Hog."
Everyone brings a special skill to the aircraft. Jet engine mechanics, avionics technicians, crew chiefs and weapons members all work together to deliver firepower to where it's most needed.
When the A-10s fired their last rounds on the range in Portugal, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Sisneros seemed conflicted. His face beamed with satisfaction as he walked around the GAU-8 Avenger 30mm Gatling gun, but pensive sadness intensified in his eyes. "The Hog" fired 1,050 30mm rounds on the range, and the smoke-covered casings still sat in the cage.
It's been six years since Sisneros first started working on the A-10 as a weapons load team member. He's now the team chief and oversees his Airmen as they inspect the gun that he's grown to love.
"This gun is my baby," said Sisneros. As the team chief, he is responsible for loading bombs as well, but has a special admiration for the gun, which can unleash 3,900 rounds a minute and punch holes in tanks and armored vehicles like a can opener puncturing a can of tuna.
Some A-10s still in the Air Force inventory sport the "jaws" look, with shark teeth snarling on the nose, and a GAU-8 Avenger distinctively on the front. The 81st isn't one to show off, and modestly wears a flat gray coat of paint and a tail flash with bold yellow tips on the twin vertical tails.
Although there have been a few upgrades throughout the years, the most recent "C" upgrade in 2009 brought about a plethora of new technology, including GPS-guided munitions, multi-function color displays, and Situational Awareness Data Link capability, which allows aircraft to transfer information electronically between each other and with joint terminal air controllers on the ground.
"I love this plane. It's amazing. It's the only plane that can do air-to-ground combat like it does," said Ring, who has spent four years working on "the Hog" in all types of weather, from the blistering heat in Arizona to below-freezing ice storms in Germany.
Wherever the 81st goes in Europe, whether it is the Czech Republic, Romania or Portugal, the A-10 always seems to draw attention.
"You get a real appreciation for your job when people come out and want to learn about your aircraft, because there really is nothing like it anywhere else in the world," said Sisneros.
The decision to inactivate the 81st came with the Department of Defense's resolution to cut almost $500 billion from the defense budget over the next 10 years. Five A-10 squadrons across the Air Force, including Air National Guard and reserve units, were told to close up shop. The 81st is the final A-10 squadron in Europe, and with its inactivation, all that will be left of the Panthers legacy is the Airmen who were a part of it.
Many of these maintenance professionals will work together in the future, since the number of places they can go is now narrowed to a few bases.
"It's a really small community, and the best part of the job is working with great people," said U.S. Airman 1st Class Fernando Sorto, 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief from Plano, Texas.
The Air Force isn't getting rid of "the Hogs." The remaining planes are expected to join existing squadrons in Davis-Monthan AFB and Moody Air Force Base, Ga.
The 81st has supported a number of contingencies overseas since they adopted the A-10 more than 19 years ago. The 81st was the first U.S. Air Forces in Europe squadron to deploy for Operation Southern Watch, and enforced the United Nations no-fly zone over the skies of Iraq.
Other European contingencies like Operation Deny Flight in 1994 and Operation Allied Force in 1999 benefited greatly from the A-10s being already staged in Europe, since they were geographically close to the conflicts and quickly supported NATO's directives.
The 81st deployed to Afghanistan many times in the past decade, where they have provided close air support to coalition ground forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Source (including 5 photos)
Comment: Please enjoy the associated photo set, linked to Flickr.
Three more 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs finally left Europe after exercise REAL THAW 2013
By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor
During the last couple of days I already posted first info about the departure of the six A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron "Panthers", 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, which participated in exercise REAL THAW 2013, held at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal. See: Three more 81st Fighter Sqadron A-10Cs leaving Spangdahlem? 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs departed Monte Real after exercise REAL THAW 2013 (posted February 22, 2013)
But for a while I wasn't 100 percent sure which "Hogs" returned to "Spang" and which went to Lajes Field, Azores, for stopover enroute Continental United States (CONUS) due to the upcoming deactivation of the 81st Fighter Squadron. Because zero serial number verification showed up neither on the Dutch Scramble Messageboard nor on the German Flugzeugforum, over the last weekend I asked some of my personal contacts for additional photo proofs and related background info.
A look back:
On Friday, February 22, 2013, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal (who reported exclusively on Warthog News during the exercise) told me via e-mail [edited by Warthog News]: Three-ship slot 1 (A-10Cs 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0650) took off 09H26 but returned to base and landed again 11H52. Three-ship slot 2 (A-10Cs 82-0654, 81-0966, 82-0656) took off 10H55. Three-ship slot 1 (A-10Cs 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0650) took off again 16H00 for final departure. On the same day, 17:07, RAMA_77 (user name) posted on the Dutch Scramble Messageboard: Today one flt A10s Retro 01; 02; 03 as Op Coronet East 050 dep from LPMR to LPLA, supp one tanker KC135 Blue51; and one flt A10s Retro 04; 05; 06 dep from LPMR to ETAD (home), supp one tanker KC135 Quid 79 Related to that I was nearly sure which of the six "Hogs" left "Spang" forever. But there was still no photo proof. And I'm a big fan of photo proofs because there were much mistakes in the past again and again due to ("last-minute") changes of original flight plans And so, I was very surprised by a picture taken by aviation journalist Neil Dunridge from the U.K., originally posted on his own Facebook timeline and later shared on Warthog Territory's Facebook page and also on my Facebook page. This rare close-up shot (already posted on Warthog News's Facebook page) pictures A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the 81st Fighter Squadron commander's aircraft, during exercise REAL THAW 2013 at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, carrying TWO (!) Sniper XR targeting pods.
New insights:
At first, I asked Marco for any more departure pictures. In a prompt response, he e-mailed me the following two additional pictures and told me [edited by Warthog News]: On the day of the departures the slot 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0650, took off always clean without targeting pods. The group 82-0654, 81-0966, 82-0656 took off loaded with two targeting pods, as you can see in the photos.
A-10Cs 82-0654 and 81-0966, carrying two Sniper XR targeting pods, taxiing to the end of runway just before departure. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0656, carrying two Sniper XR targeting pods, taxiing to the end of runway just before departure. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
This was the proof I wanted! And now it's clear: A-10Cs 82-0654, 81-0966 and 82-0656 returned home to "Spang", bringing back to base all six Sniper XR targeting pods, used by the six "Hogs" which participated in the exercise. In a Facebook message Neil told me: 650, 962 and 981 were ready to go Thursday but the winds stopped them departing. No idea when they RTB on Friday as I was home by then, on Thursday 650 and 962 didn't have any pods.
Please note: Much more related exclusive info will be posted later today. I will also post additional official A-10C REAL THAW 2013 USAF photos, meanwhile released online by RAF Mildenhall Public Affairs and DVIDS - Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System
During the last couple of days I already posted first info about the departure of the six A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron "Panthers", 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, which participated in exercise REAL THAW 2013, held at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal. See: Three more 81st Fighter Sqadron A-10Cs leaving Spangdahlem? 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs departed Monte Real after exercise REAL THAW 2013 (posted February 22, 2013)
But for a while I wasn't 100 percent sure which "Hogs" returned to "Spang" and which went to Lajes Field, Azores, for stopover enroute Continental United States (CONUS) due to the upcoming deactivation of the 81st Fighter Squadron. Because zero serial number verification showed up neither on the Dutch Scramble Messageboard nor on the German Flugzeugforum, over the last weekend I asked some of my personal contacts for additional photo proofs and related background info.
A look back:
On Friday, February 22, 2013, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal (who reported exclusively on Warthog News during the exercise) told me via e-mail [edited by Warthog News]: Three-ship slot 1 (A-10Cs 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0650) took off 09H26 but returned to base and landed again 11H52. Three-ship slot 2 (A-10Cs 82-0654, 81-0966, 82-0656) took off 10H55. Three-ship slot 1 (A-10Cs 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0650) took off again 16H00 for final departure. On the same day, 17:07, RAMA_77 (user name) posted on the Dutch Scramble Messageboard: Today one flt A10s Retro 01; 02; 03 as Op Coronet East 050 dep from LPMR to LPLA, supp one tanker KC135 Blue51; and one flt A10s Retro 04; 05; 06 dep from LPMR to ETAD (home), supp one tanker KC135 Quid 79 Related to that I was nearly sure which of the six "Hogs" left "Spang" forever. But there was still no photo proof. And I'm a big fan of photo proofs because there were much mistakes in the past again and again due to ("last-minute") changes of original flight plans And so, I was very surprised by a picture taken by aviation journalist Neil Dunridge from the U.K., originally posted on his own Facebook timeline and later shared on Warthog Territory's Facebook page and also on my Facebook page. This rare close-up shot (already posted on Warthog News's Facebook page) pictures A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the 81st Fighter Squadron commander's aircraft, during exercise REAL THAW 2013 at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, carrying TWO (!) Sniper XR targeting pods.
New insights:
At first, I asked Marco for any more departure pictures. In a prompt response, he e-mailed me the following two additional pictures and told me [edited by Warthog News]: On the day of the departures the slot 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0650, took off always clean without targeting pods. The group 82-0654, 81-0966, 82-0656 took off loaded with two targeting pods, as you can see in the photos.
A-10Cs 82-0654 and 81-0966, carrying two Sniper XR targeting pods, taxiing to the end of runway just before departure. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0656, carrying two Sniper XR targeting pods, taxiing to the end of runway just before departure. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
This was the proof I wanted! And now it's clear: A-10Cs 82-0654, 81-0966 and 82-0656 returned home to "Spang", bringing back to base all six Sniper XR targeting pods, used by the six "Hogs" which participated in the exercise. In a Facebook message Neil told me: 650, 962 and 981 were ready to go Thursday but the winds stopped them departing. No idea when they RTB on Friday as I was home by then, on Thursday 650 and 962 didn't have any pods.
Please note: Much more related exclusive info will be posted later today. I will also post additional official A-10C REAL THAW 2013 USAF photos, meanwhile released online by RAF Mildenhall Public Affairs and DVIDS - Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Combat Aircraft Monthly features WARTHOG AT 40
By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor
In their current issue (March 2013 - Volume 14 Number 3) Combat Aircraft Monthly - The World's Top Military Aviation Magazine - features WARTHOG AT 40.
Publisher's info: WARTHOG AT 40 - Originally designed for the Cold War mission in Europe, the A-10 Thunderbolt II proved adaptable enough to take on combat roles in very different theatres of operations. Forty years after its first flight, Ken Neubeck looks back at a sometimes controversial programme.
Note: This is part one of the article. Part two will be published in the April issue. Ten pages, including 15 photos and a slightly updated cutaway by legendary Mike Bedrocke. The author, Ken Neubeck from the United States, is a friend of mine and already a Warthog News contributor. For years, Ken is doing a great job as an author for Squadron Signal Publications, Carrollton, Texas, USA. His first A-10 book showed up in 1995, titled "A-10 Warthog - Mini in action" as number 4 in Squadron Signal's Mini series, followed 1999 by his outstanding book "Walk Around A-10 Warthog" as number 17 in Squadron Signal's Walk Around series.
BTW: I'm very happy to read my name in the acknowledgements at the end of this article.
Please note: This post will be further updated later.
Publisher's info: WARTHOG AT 40 - Originally designed for the Cold War mission in Europe, the A-10 Thunderbolt II proved adaptable enough to take on combat roles in very different theatres of operations. Forty years after its first flight, Ken Neubeck looks back at a sometimes controversial programme.
Note: This is part one of the article. Part two will be published in the April issue. Ten pages, including 15 photos and a slightly updated cutaway by legendary Mike Bedrocke. The author, Ken Neubeck from the United States, is a friend of mine and already a Warthog News contributor. For years, Ken is doing a great job as an author for Squadron Signal Publications, Carrollton, Texas, USA. His first A-10 book showed up in 1995, titled "A-10 Warthog - Mini in action" as number 4 in Squadron Signal's Mini series, followed 1999 by his outstanding book "Walk Around A-10 Warthog" as number 17 in Squadron Signal's Walk Around series.
BTW: I'm very happy to read my name in the acknowledgements at the end of this article.
Please note: This post will be further updated later.
A-10s Complete Snowbird Mission
by TSgt. Dan Heaton
127th Wing Public Affairs
The logo of the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is seen on an engine cover of an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. The logo features an open-jawed skeleton head over crossbones with the motto "We Fix Nightmares." The 127th AMXS is part of the 127th Maintenance Group, which maintains the fleet of A-10s at Selfridge. The engine cover is removed prior to engine start-up and the flight of the aircraft. (Air National Guard photo by Brittani Baisden) Hi-res
2/23/2013 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. -- Pilots from the 107th Fighter Squadron recorded more than 400 hours of total flight time and deployed more than a dozen different types of munitions during a recent two week training exercise at an Air Force base in Arizona.
Taking advantage of ideal weather conditions during Snowbird 13, nearly 180 Airmen from the 107th Fighter Squadron and the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Unit deployed for two weeks to Davis-Monthan AFB near Tucson, Ariz. The A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots from Selfridge Air National Guard Base performed a number of upgrade sorties and utilized five different tactical weapons ranges to hone their combat skills, while maintenance, ammunition and weapons ground crews successfully prepared and loaded the aircraft at rates and quantities normally seen in combat conditions.
"This level of combat-like activity requires our Airmen to perform at the top of their game," said Lt. Col. Mike Saridakis, commander of the 107th Fighter Squadron and an A-10 pilot. "It simulates war-time sortie generation rates , keeping us sharp for the next time the commander in chief calls on Michigan to provide A-10s to the fight."
The 107th typically deploys for two weeks in the winter to Davis-Monthan for the high volume skills training, but did not participate in a Snowbird in 2012, as the unit was just returning from a deployment to Afghanistan.
Following the recent ribbon cutting ceremony of the 127th Operations Group's new $6.6 million facility, the A-10 squadron and maintenance group Airmen will turn their attention to a major exercise planned in April, also at Davis-Monthan. Angel Thunder is the nation's largest interagency exercise for personnel rescue and recovery, featuring participation from across many units of local, state and federal government, as well as international participation. The exercise is organized by the Air Force's Air Combat Command.
For the 2013 exercise, the 107th will provide the lead A-10 squadron. The A-10, with its ability to loiter for long periods of time in the area of a specified target and its high degree of survivability, is an excellent platform to serve in the "Sandy" mission, providing combat support during search and rescue operations. "Sandy" qualified A-10 pilots will lead large-force assault packages consisting of dozens of airborne assets and over 100 aircrew for the sole purpose of safely extracting downed airmen in a high-threat environment.
Comprised of approximately 1,600 personnel and flying both the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the KC-135 Stratotanker, the 127th Wing supports Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operations Command by providing highly-skilled Airmen to missions domestically and overseas. The 127th Wing is the host unit at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which is also home to units of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection.
Source (including 3 archived photos, not related to the recent Snowbird mission)
127th Wing Public Affairs
2/23/2013 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. -- Pilots from the 107th Fighter Squadron recorded more than 400 hours of total flight time and deployed more than a dozen different types of munitions during a recent two week training exercise at an Air Force base in Arizona.
Taking advantage of ideal weather conditions during Snowbird 13, nearly 180 Airmen from the 107th Fighter Squadron and the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Unit deployed for two weeks to Davis-Monthan AFB near Tucson, Ariz. The A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots from Selfridge Air National Guard Base performed a number of upgrade sorties and utilized five different tactical weapons ranges to hone their combat skills, while maintenance, ammunition and weapons ground crews successfully prepared and loaded the aircraft at rates and quantities normally seen in combat conditions.
"This level of combat-like activity requires our Airmen to perform at the top of their game," said Lt. Col. Mike Saridakis, commander of the 107th Fighter Squadron and an A-10 pilot. "It simulates war-time sortie generation rates , keeping us sharp for the next time the commander in chief calls on Michigan to provide A-10s to the fight."
The 107th typically deploys for two weeks in the winter to Davis-Monthan for the high volume skills training, but did not participate in a Snowbird in 2012, as the unit was just returning from a deployment to Afghanistan.
Following the recent ribbon cutting ceremony of the 127th Operations Group's new $6.6 million facility, the A-10 squadron and maintenance group Airmen will turn their attention to a major exercise planned in April, also at Davis-Monthan. Angel Thunder is the nation's largest interagency exercise for personnel rescue and recovery, featuring participation from across many units of local, state and federal government, as well as international participation. The exercise is organized by the Air Force's Air Combat Command.
For the 2013 exercise, the 107th will provide the lead A-10 squadron. The A-10, with its ability to loiter for long periods of time in the area of a specified target and its high degree of survivability, is an excellent platform to serve in the "Sandy" mission, providing combat support during search and rescue operations. "Sandy" qualified A-10 pilots will lead large-force assault packages consisting of dozens of airborne assets and over 100 aircrew for the sole purpose of safely extracting downed airmen in a high-threat environment.
Comprised of approximately 1,600 personnel and flying both the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the KC-135 Stratotanker, the 127th Wing supports Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operations Command by providing highly-skilled Airmen to missions domestically and overseas. The 127th Wing is the host unit at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which is also home to units of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection.
Source (including 3 archived photos, not related to the recent Snowbird mission)
Operations Group moves to new facility
by 127th Wing Public Affairs
(from left to right) Colonel Michael T. Thomas, 127th Wing commander, Senator Carl Levin, and Colonel Douglas Champagne, 127th Operations Group commander, cut the ribbon to the entrance of the new Operations Group facility at a ceremony held on February 22 at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. The new $6.6 million building hosts the Operations Group command staff, the 107th Fighter Squadron and the 127th Operations Support Flight. (photo by John S. Swanson) Hi-res
2/22/2013 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, MICH. -- The A-10 Thunderbolt II, or "Warthog", operators have a new home in which to hang their helmets at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
The 127th Operations Group, which provides pilots, intelligence, flight equipment, and other support personnel to the fighter aircraft mission associated with the 127th Wing, has moved into a new facility on the base and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 22.
The new "Ops" Building, Building 34, is in the same location as the previous facility aligned with a string of aircraft hangars which were some of the first permanent structures on the base. The building hosts the Operations Group command staff, the 107th Fighter Squadron and the 127th Operations Support Flight.
The total cost of the project was approximately $6.6 million. Design was completed by CH2M Hill or Corvallis, Oregon, and construction was performed by Rock Industries of Pontiac, Mich.
"I guarantee this new facility will pay dividends to all those soldiers and Marines who will call on us when their lives get tough and we can be overhead in an A-10 for them," said Col. Douglas Champagne, commander of the Operations Group. "We can be there for them because we've had the opportunity to have the best training environment an A-10 squadron can have in all of the Air Force."
U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Michigan, was among the many dignitaries at the event.
"This is part of a long string of facility improvements at Selfridge of about $75 million since 2001. This base deserves this investment and this base is here to stay," said Levin, who serves as chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. "The men and women who put on this country's military uniforms deserve everything we can provide them."
In addition to offices, classified briefing rooms, operations desk, aircrew flight equipment room, and other general-use spaces, the facility also houses a small gymnasium within its 27,000 sq. feet. of floorspace.
The construction project spanned the period of time when most of the Operations Group Airmen, along with a couple hundred aircraft maintainers from the 127th Maintenance Group, were deployed to Kandahar Airfield in support of Operation Enduring Freedom October 2011 through January 2012. When not deployed, the group relocated during the construction to the old base gymnasium, converting it into usable space with modular furniture, in order to maintain their operation. Occupation of the new facility took place in December of 2012, but the opening ceremony was delayed as the fighter squadron and supporting personnel deployed for two weeks to Davis-Monthan AFB near Tucson, Ariz., in late January in order to perform a number of upgrade sorties and utilize different tactical weapons ranges to hone their combat skills.
The Operations facility is one of the few major construction projects that have taken place around the base in recent years. The new Security Forces Squadron facility was completed in December 2011, and construction of a several buildings related to the maintenance and administration of aircraft munitions will be open for business in the near future.
On the horizon for the joint military installation, a new $30.2 million jet fuel storage and delivery system will be built later this decade, potentially smoothing the way for future aircraft and mission assignments to the southeastern Michigan base. The fuel farm will feature an above ground, 630,000 gallon storage complex, an eight-station hydrant refueling system that will allow even the largest Air Force aircraft to "pull-up to the pump," and a new fuel unloading site that, while it will be on existing military property, may be located outside of the base's fence line to provide better security to the base.
That project, to be funded by the federal Defense Logistics Agency, is expected to become operational in 2018.
One of the oldest military air fields in continuous service, the military first took possession of Selfridge Air National Guard Base on July 1, 1917. The first flight took place on July 8 and formal flight operations began on July 16, 1917. Today the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard is the host unit at the base, which also houses units of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection.
Source (including 3 photos)
Please note: One more picture will be posted soon.
2/22/2013 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, MICH. -- The A-10 Thunderbolt II, or "Warthog", operators have a new home in which to hang their helmets at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
The 127th Operations Group, which provides pilots, intelligence, flight equipment, and other support personnel to the fighter aircraft mission associated with the 127th Wing, has moved into a new facility on the base and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 22.
The new "Ops" Building, Building 34, is in the same location as the previous facility aligned with a string of aircraft hangars which were some of the first permanent structures on the base. The building hosts the Operations Group command staff, the 107th Fighter Squadron and the 127th Operations Support Flight.
The total cost of the project was approximately $6.6 million. Design was completed by CH2M Hill or Corvallis, Oregon, and construction was performed by Rock Industries of Pontiac, Mich.
"I guarantee this new facility will pay dividends to all those soldiers and Marines who will call on us when their lives get tough and we can be overhead in an A-10 for them," said Col. Douglas Champagne, commander of the Operations Group. "We can be there for them because we've had the opportunity to have the best training environment an A-10 squadron can have in all of the Air Force."
U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Michigan, was among the many dignitaries at the event.
"This is part of a long string of facility improvements at Selfridge of about $75 million since 2001. This base deserves this investment and this base is here to stay," said Levin, who serves as chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. "The men and women who put on this country's military uniforms deserve everything we can provide them."
In addition to offices, classified briefing rooms, operations desk, aircrew flight equipment room, and other general-use spaces, the facility also houses a small gymnasium within its 27,000 sq. feet. of floorspace.
The construction project spanned the period of time when most of the Operations Group Airmen, along with a couple hundred aircraft maintainers from the 127th Maintenance Group, were deployed to Kandahar Airfield in support of Operation Enduring Freedom October 2011 through January 2012. When not deployed, the group relocated during the construction to the old base gymnasium, converting it into usable space with modular furniture, in order to maintain their operation. Occupation of the new facility took place in December of 2012, but the opening ceremony was delayed as the fighter squadron and supporting personnel deployed for two weeks to Davis-Monthan AFB near Tucson, Ariz., in late January in order to perform a number of upgrade sorties and utilize different tactical weapons ranges to hone their combat skills.
The Operations facility is one of the few major construction projects that have taken place around the base in recent years. The new Security Forces Squadron facility was completed in December 2011, and construction of a several buildings related to the maintenance and administration of aircraft munitions will be open for business in the near future.
On the horizon for the joint military installation, a new $30.2 million jet fuel storage and delivery system will be built later this decade, potentially smoothing the way for future aircraft and mission assignments to the southeastern Michigan base. The fuel farm will feature an above ground, 630,000 gallon storage complex, an eight-station hydrant refueling system that will allow even the largest Air Force aircraft to "pull-up to the pump," and a new fuel unloading site that, while it will be on existing military property, may be located outside of the base's fence line to provide better security to the base.
That project, to be funded by the federal Defense Logistics Agency, is expected to become operational in 2018.
One of the oldest military air fields in continuous service, the military first took possession of Selfridge Air National Guard Base on July 1, 1917. The first flight took place on July 8 and formal flight operations began on July 16, 1917. Today the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard is the host unit at the base, which also houses units of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection.
Source (including 3 photos)
Please note: One more picture will be posted soon.
355th Operations Group
by Airman 1st Class Josh Slavin
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
U.S. Air Force Maj. Aaron Celusta (left), 355th Operations Group chief of standardization and evaluation, reviews paperwork with Maj. Matt Kaercher, 355th Operations Group A-10 pilot on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb 21, 2013. The 355th OG employs 83 A-10C aircraft and an AN/TPS-75 radar system. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Josh Slavin) Hi-res
2/22/2013 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 355th Operations Group consists of five squadrons and over 300 personnel employing 83 A-10C aircraft and an AN/TPS-75 radar system. It provides war-fighters with forces for close air support, forward air control, combat search and rescue.
Source (including 6 photos)
Please note: Two more pictures will be posted soon.
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
2/22/2013 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 355th Operations Group consists of five squadrons and over 300 personnel employing 83 A-10C aircraft and an AN/TPS-75 radar system. It provides war-fighters with forces for close air support, forward air control, combat search and rescue.
Source (including 6 photos)
Please note: Two more pictures will be posted soon.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Three more 81st Fighter Sqadron A-10Cs leaving Spangdahlem?
By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor
It seems like three of the six 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs which participated in exercise REAL THAW 2013 left Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, for Lajes Field, Azores, for a stopover enroute CONUS (Continental United Staates) due to the upcoming deactivation of the 81st Fighter Squadron "Panthers", 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany.
On Friday, February 22, 2013, 17:07, RAMA_77 (user name) posted on the Dutch Scramble Messageboard: Today one flt A10s Retro 01; 02; 03 as Op Coronet East 050 dep from LPMR to LPLA, supp one tanker KC135 Blue51; and one flt A10s Retro 04; 05; 06 dep from LPMR to ETAD (home), supp one tanker KC135 Quid 79.
See topic: Monte Real (LPMR) - 2013 MIL
BTW: I would be very grateful for any more related info.
It seems like three of the six 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs which participated in exercise REAL THAW 2013 left Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, for Lajes Field, Azores, for a stopover enroute CONUS (Continental United Staates) due to the upcoming deactivation of the 81st Fighter Squadron "Panthers", 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany.
On Friday, February 22, 2013, 17:07, RAMA_77 (user name) posted on the Dutch Scramble Messageboard: Today one flt A10s Retro 01; 02; 03 as Op Coronet East 050 dep from LPMR to LPLA, supp one tanker KC135 Blue51; and one flt A10s Retro 04; 05; 06 dep from LPMR to ETAD (home), supp one tanker KC135 Quid 79.
See topic: Monte Real (LPMR) - 2013 MIL
BTW: I would be very grateful for any more related info.
Friday, February 22, 2013
81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs departed Monte Real after exercise REAL THAW 2013
By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor
At Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal had the opportunity to take more shots of participating A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Via e-mail, Marco told me [edited by Warthog News]: Three-ship slot 1 (A-10Cs 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0650) took off 09H26 but returned to base and landed again 11H52. Three-ship slot 2 (A-10Cs 82-0654, 82-0966, 82-0656) took off 10H55. Three-ship slot 1 (A-10Cs 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0650) took off again 16H00 for final departure.
Comment by Warthog News: At least for the moment I don't know why slot 1 returned to base. Was there any inflight problem? I would be very grateful for an explanation.
Three-ship slot 2 at the end of the runway before take-off. Pictured (from front) are A-10Cs 82-0654, 81-0966 and 82-0656. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Three-ship slot 1 at the end of the runway before second take-off and final departure. Pictured (from front) are A-10Cs 81-0981, 81-0962 and 82-0650. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Three-ship slot 1 at the end of the runway scrambling before first take-off. Pictured are (from front) 82-0650, 81-0962, 81-0981 (taxiing at right to join the slot). (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Please note: Additional info will be posted soon.
At Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal had the opportunity to take more shots of participating A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Via e-mail, Marco told me [edited by Warthog News]: Three-ship slot 1 (A-10Cs 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0650) took off 09H26 but returned to base and landed again 11H52. Three-ship slot 2 (A-10Cs 82-0654, 82-0966, 82-0656) took off 10H55. Three-ship slot 1 (A-10Cs 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0650) took off again 16H00 for final departure.
Comment by Warthog News: At least for the moment I don't know why slot 1 returned to base. Was there any inflight problem? I would be very grateful for an explanation.
Three-ship slot 2 at the end of the runway before take-off. Pictured (from front) are A-10Cs 82-0654, 81-0966 and 82-0656. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Three-ship slot 1 at the end of the runway before second take-off and final departure. Pictured (from front) are A-10Cs 81-0981, 81-0962 and 82-0650. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Three-ship slot 1 at the end of the runway scrambling before first take-off. Pictured are (from front) 82-0650, 81-0962, 81-0981 (taxiing at right to join the slot). (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Please note: Additional info will be posted soon.
Conversion immersion: 188th preps Airmen for mission change
by Senior Airman John Hillier
188th Figher Wing Public Affairs
An MQ-9 Reaper flies above Creech Air Force Base, Nev., during a local training mission. The 42nd Attack Squadron at Creech AFB operates the MQ-9. The 188th Fighter Wing is currently in the beginning stages of converting from A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" to an MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Paul Ridgeway) Hi-res
2/20/2013 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- The upcoming mission conversion for the 188th Fighter Wing has many Airmen asking questions about their futures with the wing.
The 188th is currently in the beginning stages of converting from A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" to an MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) mission.
The 188th's mission conversion team hosted a knowledge expo to familiarize unit members with the new Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) positions slated to be a part of the new mission. The expo also furnished unit members with the opportunity to speak with personnel from other units who are already in those career fields.
"Our end goal is to make sure that people are aware of the larger options that are out there," said Lt. Col. Toby Brallier, 188th conversion project officer. "I can tell you what the job is, but I can't tell you what it's like to live the job and what to expect on a daily basis. So we brought in some people from other units who work these same jobs so they can field questions about their specific jobs."
Positions in RPA crews, Distributed Ground Systems (DGS) and targeteering will have the largest number of openings. But Brallier said these won't be the only career fields that are going to be available.
Manning documents are not expected to be released until March so the conversion team is still dealing with a lot of unknowns.
"There are some job aspects that must wait to be discussed until unit members receive security clearances," Brallier said. "But what the team can do in the interim is give people broad, general overviews and provide opportunities to talk with other Airmen currently doing these jobs.
"There are also plans for unit members who currently hold security clearances to view more detailed briefing on the Secure Internet Protocol Router (SIPR) Network."
During the expo, subject matter experts provided overviews of individual AFSCs expected to be part of the conversion as well as details about training requirements.
Three sessions were held throughout the day, providing Airmen working various duty schedules an opportunity to attend. At each session, Airmen volunteers from the 123rd Intelligence Squadron, located at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.; the 178th Intelligence Group in Springfield, Ohio; and the 147th Reconnaissance Wing in Houston, Texas, were on hand provide their expertise and answer questions.
Brallier said that while many of the new jobs will require Top Secret security clearances and long technical training courses, the 188th is working hard to prepare its members for success.
"The conversion team will do everything it can to get information to unit members so they can make the best decisions for their future and the future of the wing," Brallier said.
Source (including 5 photos)
188th Figher Wing Public Affairs
2/20/2013 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- The upcoming mission conversion for the 188th Fighter Wing has many Airmen asking questions about their futures with the wing.
The 188th is currently in the beginning stages of converting from A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" to an MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) mission.
The 188th's mission conversion team hosted a knowledge expo to familiarize unit members with the new Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) positions slated to be a part of the new mission. The expo also furnished unit members with the opportunity to speak with personnel from other units who are already in those career fields.
"Our end goal is to make sure that people are aware of the larger options that are out there," said Lt. Col. Toby Brallier, 188th conversion project officer. "I can tell you what the job is, but I can't tell you what it's like to live the job and what to expect on a daily basis. So we brought in some people from other units who work these same jobs so they can field questions about their specific jobs."
Positions in RPA crews, Distributed Ground Systems (DGS) and targeteering will have the largest number of openings. But Brallier said these won't be the only career fields that are going to be available.
Manning documents are not expected to be released until March so the conversion team is still dealing with a lot of unknowns.
"There are some job aspects that must wait to be discussed until unit members receive security clearances," Brallier said. "But what the team can do in the interim is give people broad, general overviews and provide opportunities to talk with other Airmen currently doing these jobs.
"There are also plans for unit members who currently hold security clearances to view more detailed briefing on the Secure Internet Protocol Router (SIPR) Network."
During the expo, subject matter experts provided overviews of individual AFSCs expected to be part of the conversion as well as details about training requirements.
Three sessions were held throughout the day, providing Airmen working various duty schedules an opportunity to attend. At each session, Airmen volunteers from the 123rd Intelligence Squadron, located at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.; the 178th Intelligence Group in Springfield, Ohio; and the 147th Reconnaissance Wing in Houston, Texas, were on hand provide their expertise and answer questions.
Brallier said that while many of the new jobs will require Top Secret security clearances and long technical training courses, the 188th is working hard to prepare its members for success.
"The conversion team will do everything it can to get information to unit members so they can make the best decisions for their future and the future of the wing," Brallier said.
Source (including 5 photos)
Thursday, February 21, 2013
81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught during exercise REAL THAW 2013 February 21, 2013
By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor
At Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal had the opportunity to take more shots of participating A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Via e-mail, Marco told me [edited by Warthog News]: Three missions on Thursday. Two-ship mission at morning: A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654 (Take-off 10H08 as a pair, Landing 11H47). Afternoon I: Two-ship mission of A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654 (Take-off 14H23; Landing 16H20). Before landing they made some beautiful passages in formation with PoAF F-16s 15112 and 15132. Unfortunately the weather doesn't help. Afternoon II: Single-ship mission of A-10C 82-0656 (Take-off 16H30, Landing 17H10). Tomorrow photos of departure...
A-10Cs 81-0966, marked 52 OG as the 52nd Operations Group bird, and 82-0654 take off as a pair in the morning. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654 in formation with PoAF F-16s 15112 and 15132. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654 in formation with PoAF F-16s 15112 and 15132. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654 in formation with PoAF F-16s 15112 and 15132. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
At Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal had the opportunity to take more shots of participating A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Via e-mail, Marco told me [edited by Warthog News]: Three missions on Thursday. Two-ship mission at morning: A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654 (Take-off 10H08 as a pair, Landing 11H47). Afternoon I: Two-ship mission of A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654 (Take-off 14H23; Landing 16H20). Before landing they made some beautiful passages in formation with PoAF F-16s 15112 and 15132. Unfortunately the weather doesn't help. Afternoon II: Single-ship mission of A-10C 82-0656 (Take-off 16H30, Landing 17H10). Tomorrow photos of departure...
A-10Cs 81-0966, marked 52 OG as the 52nd Operations Group bird, and 82-0654 take off as a pair in the morning. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654 in formation with PoAF F-16s 15112 and 15132. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654 in formation with PoAF F-16s 15112 and 15132. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654 in formation with PoAF F-16s 15112 and 15132. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught during exercise REAL THAW 2013 February 20, 2013
By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor
At Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal had the opportunity to take more shots of participating A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Via e-mail, Marco told me [edited by Warthog News]: Two missions on Wednesday. Four-ship mission at afternoon: A-10Cs 81-0981, 82-0654, 81-0962, 81-0966 (Take-off 14H24, Landing 16H40); Two-ship mission at night: 81-0981, ??-???? (can't see the registration) (Take-off 19H50, Landing 21H45)
A-10C 81-0962 lands after afternoon mission. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 81-0966, marked 52 OG as the 52nd Operations Group bird. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 82-0654. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's aircraft. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Visible at right is A-10 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's aircraft. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
At Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal had the opportunity to take more shots of participating A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Via e-mail, Marco told me [edited by Warthog News]: Two missions on Wednesday. Four-ship mission at afternoon: A-10Cs 81-0981, 82-0654, 81-0962, 81-0966 (Take-off 14H24, Landing 16H40); Two-ship mission at night: 81-0981, ??-???? (can't see the registration) (Take-off 19H50, Landing 21H45)
A-10C 81-0962 lands after afternoon mission. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 81-0966, marked 52 OG as the 52nd Operations Group bird. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 82-0654. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's aircraft. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Visible at right is A-10 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's aircraft. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Air Force A-10 jet makes emergency landing in Price
No injuries reported » Hill AFB investigating why aircraft forced to land on rural strip.
By Bob Mims
The Salt Lake Tribune
February 20, 2013
A-10 Thunderbolt makes emergency landing in Price. (Sun Advocate photo) (Screenshot by Warthog News)
An A-10 Thunderbolt military aircraft experiencing engine difficulties made an emergency landing late Wednesday morning at the Carbon County Airport.
Hill Air Force Base Tech Sgt. Gerren Douglas said the single-seat, twin-engine, straight-wing jet aircraft, stationed at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, was en route to HAFB from Arizona's Davis-Monthan AFB when the pilot reported one of his two engines had failed.
The aircraft landed at the rural air strip in the central Utah town of Price without incident or injury to the male pilot.
Douglas said Air Force maintenance and security personnel were en route to Price from Davis-Monthan and Moody.
Price firefighters and police, along with Carbon County sheriff deputies, responded to the scene initially.
The venerable A-10, more commonly known as the "Warthog" for its heavily-armored, ugly and yet effective design, was developed in the early 1970s, toward the end of the Vietnam War.
The plane, armed with a 30mm rotary cannon, is designed to provide close air support for ground forces, especially in attacking tanks and other armored vehicles and missile batteries. It has seen action in Desert Storm and more recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Source
Note: According to news media photos the involved aircraft is A-10C 78-0701 from the 75th Fighter Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group, 23rd Wing (ACC), Moody AFB, Georgia.
Please note: This breaking news will be updated later this night.
First update:
One more picture:
A-10 Thunderbolt makes emergency landing in Price. (Sun Advocate photo) (Screenshot by Warthog News)
Second update:
A-10 makes emergency landing in Utah
The Associated Press
Posted: Wednesday Feb 20, 2013 16:30:57 EST
SALT LAKE CITY — An Air Force fighter jet is grounded at a tiny Utah airport after making an emergency landing on one engine.
Officials say the A-10 Thunderbolt was being flown from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Ariz., on Wednesday when one of the two engines failed and couldn't be restarted in mid-flight.
The pilot landed at a rural air strip outside Price, Utah, about 120 miles short of his destination at Hill Air Force Base in Layton, Utah.
Officials say maintenance crews from Hill are arriving to inspect the fighter jet.
The Thunderbolt belongs to the 75th Fighter Squad at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia. It was being flown to Utah for maintenance.
Lt. Meredith Kirchoff of Moody Air Force Base says Thunderbolts can fly on one engine, but the pilot landed for safety reasons.
Source
Third update
That's probably the very first related news:
Air Force jet makes emergency landing at Carbon Airport
By John Serfustini
Sun Advocate associate editor
Sun Advocate
A US Air Force A-10 attack aircraft made a successful emergency landing at the Carbon County Airport Wednesday morning shortly after 10 a.m.
The specific cause of the emergency was not immediately available. However, the plane was apparently unable to taxi from the north end of the runway 18-36, the airport's main take-off and landing runway. There was no smoke or fire apparent, nor any visible damage to the exterior of the plane.
The plane was not carrying armaments under its wings.
The Price Fire Department scrambled three engines and crews. Price Police, Carbon County deputy sheriffs and the county ambulance also stood by on the tarmac.
Source (including 3 photos)
By Bob Mims
The Salt Lake Tribune
February 20, 2013
A-10 Thunderbolt makes emergency landing in Price. (Sun Advocate photo) (Screenshot by Warthog News)
An A-10 Thunderbolt military aircraft experiencing engine difficulties made an emergency landing late Wednesday morning at the Carbon County Airport.
Hill Air Force Base Tech Sgt. Gerren Douglas said the single-seat, twin-engine, straight-wing jet aircraft, stationed at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, was en route to HAFB from Arizona's Davis-Monthan AFB when the pilot reported one of his two engines had failed.
The aircraft landed at the rural air strip in the central Utah town of Price without incident or injury to the male pilot.
Douglas said Air Force maintenance and security personnel were en route to Price from Davis-Monthan and Moody.
Price firefighters and police, along with Carbon County sheriff deputies, responded to the scene initially.
The venerable A-10, more commonly known as the "Warthog" for its heavily-armored, ugly and yet effective design, was developed in the early 1970s, toward the end of the Vietnam War.
The plane, armed with a 30mm rotary cannon, is designed to provide close air support for ground forces, especially in attacking tanks and other armored vehicles and missile batteries. It has seen action in Desert Storm and more recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Source
Note: According to news media photos the involved aircraft is A-10C 78-0701 from the 75th Fighter Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group, 23rd Wing (ACC), Moody AFB, Georgia.
Please note: This breaking news will be updated later this night.
First update:
One more picture:
A-10 Thunderbolt makes emergency landing in Price. (Sun Advocate photo) (Screenshot by Warthog News)
Second update:
A-10 makes emergency landing in Utah
The Associated Press
Posted: Wednesday Feb 20, 2013 16:30:57 EST
SALT LAKE CITY — An Air Force fighter jet is grounded at a tiny Utah airport after making an emergency landing on one engine.
Officials say the A-10 Thunderbolt was being flown from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Ariz., on Wednesday when one of the two engines failed and couldn't be restarted in mid-flight.
The pilot landed at a rural air strip outside Price, Utah, about 120 miles short of his destination at Hill Air Force Base in Layton, Utah.
Officials say maintenance crews from Hill are arriving to inspect the fighter jet.
The Thunderbolt belongs to the 75th Fighter Squad at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia. It was being flown to Utah for maintenance.
Lt. Meredith Kirchoff of Moody Air Force Base says Thunderbolts can fly on one engine, but the pilot landed for safety reasons.
Source
Third update
That's probably the very first related news:
Air Force jet makes emergency landing at Carbon Airport
By John Serfustini
Sun Advocate associate editor
Sun Advocate
A US Air Force A-10 attack aircraft made a successful emergency landing at the Carbon County Airport Wednesday morning shortly after 10 a.m.
The specific cause of the emergency was not immediately available. However, the plane was apparently unable to taxi from the north end of the runway 18-36, the airport's main take-off and landing runway. There was no smoke or fire apparent, nor any visible damage to the exterior of the plane.
The plane was not carrying armaments under its wings.
The Price Fire Department scrambled three engines and crews. Price Police, Carbon County deputy sheriffs and the county ambulance also stood by on the tarmac.
Source (including 3 photos)
Nellis weapons load crews
Released by Team Nellis Public Affairs
2/19/2013 - Staff Sgt. Kevin Knight and Senior Airman Ian Carter, 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew members, load a MK-82 onto an A-10 Thunderbolt II Feb.15, 2013, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Weapons loaders participate in quarterly load crew competitions to keep airmen sharp and to recognize superior performers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Matthew Lancaster) Hi-res
Note: Pictured is a Triple Ejector Rack (TER), loaded with three Mk. 82 inert training bombs (blue stripes). This loadout config has been not used on flying "Hogs" for years. But it was common during operation Desert Storm. Unfortunately, this photo release doesn't include a full picture of the aircraft. And so I can't identify the station.
Source (including 5 photos)
Note: Pictured is a Triple Ejector Rack (TER), loaded with three Mk. 82 inert training bombs (blue stripes). This loadout config has been not used on flying "Hogs" for years. But it was common during operation Desert Storm. Unfortunately, this photo release doesn't include a full picture of the aircraft. And so I can't identify the station.
Source (including 5 photos)
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught during exercise REAL THAW 2013 February 19, 2013
By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor
At Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal had the opportunity to take more shots of participating A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Via e-mail, Marco told me [edited by Warthog News]: Afternoon mission of a three-ship: 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0654 (take-off 13H30, landing 15H10). Single-ship: 82-0650 - it made some low approaches! - (take-off 14H05, landing 15H30)
A-10C 82-0650. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 82-0650. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 82-0650 on a low approach. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro)
A-10C 82-0654 takes off with a grey sky (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
At Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal had the opportunity to take more shots of participating A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Via e-mail, Marco told me [edited by Warthog News]: Afternoon mission of a three-ship: 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0654 (take-off 13H30, landing 15H10). Single-ship: 82-0650 - it made some low approaches! - (take-off 14H05, landing 15H30)
A-10C 82-0650. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 82-0650. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 82-0650 on a low approach. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro)
A-10C 82-0654 takes off with a grey sky (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Update: 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught during exercise REAL THAW 2013 February 18, 2013 (night ops)
By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor
At Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal had the opportunity to take more shots of participating A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. On Monday, February 18, 2013, he had the rare opportunity to take the following exclusive shot. Via e-mail, Marco told me [edited by Warthog News]: Four-ship mission, including A-10Cs 82-0650, 81-0962, 81-0966, 82-0654 (Take-off 19H33, Landing 22H05). BTW: Marco also told me: This photo was taken from the beautiful view from my house! Warthog News's comment: What a lucky guy!!!
Exclusive night ops snapshot of "Hogs" from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, currently participating in exercise REAL THAW 2013 at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal. From left: A-10C 82-0654 and A-10C 81-0966, marked 52 OG as the 52nd Operations Group bird, during a night mission February 18, 2013. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
At Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal had the opportunity to take more shots of participating A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. On Monday, February 18, 2013, he had the rare opportunity to take the following exclusive shot. Via e-mail, Marco told me [edited by Warthog News]: Four-ship mission, including A-10Cs 82-0650, 81-0962, 81-0966, 82-0654 (Take-off 19H33, Landing 22H05). BTW: Marco also told me: This photo was taken from the beautiful view from my house! Warthog News's comment: What a lucky guy!!!
Exclusive night ops snapshot of "Hogs" from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, currently participating in exercise REAL THAW 2013 at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal. From left: A-10C 82-0654 and A-10C 81-0966, marked 52 OG as the 52nd Operations Group bird, during a night mission February 18, 2013. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Monday, February 18, 2013
81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught during exercise REAL THAW 2013 February 18, 2013
By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor
At Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal had the opportunity to take more shots of participating A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Via e-mail, Marco told me [edited by Warthog News]:
A-10C four-ship mission at afternoon: 82-0650, 81-0962, 81-0966, 82-0654 (take-off 14H41, landing 16H21)
A-10C 81-0962 lands on rnwy 19 after mission. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
The A-10C four-ship at the end of the runway before take-off: 82-0650, 81-0962, 81-0966, 82-0654 (from right). (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
The A-10C four-ship returns after mission. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 82-0650 sits at the end of the runway, already joined at least by 81-0962. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 82-0650 sits at the end of the runway. A-10 82-0654 taxies. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 82-0654, visible in the background, joins the other three A-10Cs already lined up for take off at the end of the runway. (Photo by Marco Casaleira) Full size
A-10C 82-0650 taxiies for lining up at the end of the runway, followed by A-10C 81-0962 and also by A-10C 81-0966 (at left). (Photo by Marco Casaleira) Full size
Two A-10Cs taxiing. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Please note: Give me time to re-arrange these shots in the right chronological order.
At Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal had the opportunity to take more shots of participating A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Via e-mail, Marco told me [edited by Warthog News]:
A-10C four-ship mission at afternoon: 82-0650, 81-0962, 81-0966, 82-0654 (take-off 14H41, landing 16H21)
A-10C 81-0962 lands on rnwy 19 after mission. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
The A-10C four-ship at the end of the runway before take-off: 82-0650, 81-0962, 81-0966, 82-0654 (from right). (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
The A-10C four-ship returns after mission. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 82-0650 sits at the end of the runway, already joined at least by 81-0962. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 82-0650 sits at the end of the runway. A-10 82-0654 taxies. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 82-0654, visible in the background, joins the other three A-10Cs already lined up for take off at the end of the runway. (Photo by Marco Casaleira) Full size
A-10C 82-0650 taxiies for lining up at the end of the runway, followed by A-10C 81-0962 and also by A-10C 81-0966 (at left). (Photo by Marco Casaleira) Full size
Two A-10Cs taxiing. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Please note: Give me time to re-arrange these shots in the right chronological order.
81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs featured in a REAL THAW 2013 Spotters Day special
By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor
In addition to my photo news 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught during exercise REAL THAW 2013 February 13, 2013 (already posted on February 14, 2013) I'm now able to present much more "Hog" stuff taken on February 13, 2013, which was organized by the Portuguese Air Force as REAL THAW 2013 Spotters Day to give aviation photographers the opportunity to take a closer look at the exercise and participating aircraft.
Portuguese aviation photographers are taking shots of A-10C 82-0650, one of six "Hogs" from the 81st Fighter Squadron "Panthers", 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, currently participating in exercise REAL THAW 2013. (Photo by Sandra Antunes) Full size
Participating photographers are gathered for a group shot at sunset. Pictured on display at left is A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's aircraft. (Photo by Filipe França) Full size
A-10C 82-0650 on a taxiway. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's bird, parked in the forest before mission. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's bird, parked in the forest before mission. Crew inscriptions: Lt Col Clinton Eichelberger, SrA Joseph Aquilera. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Nice snapshot: A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's aircraft, taxies near the main gate, "passing" preserved F-16A Block 15R (ex USAF 83-1090, ex POAF 15150) displayed as a pole mounted gate guard. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's bird, lands at sunset. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's bird, parked at sunset after mission. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's bird, parked at sunset after mission. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Top shot: Low-pass of A-10C 82-0650 in formation with a C-130 of Portuguese Air Force (POAF). (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Low-pass of an E-3 Sentry AWACS with an A-10C four-ship in the sky above. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Please note: More pictures will be posted later today. I will also try to embed some video stuff. For tons of related stuff please check
In addition to my photo news 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught during exercise REAL THAW 2013 February 13, 2013 (already posted on February 14, 2013) I'm now able to present much more "Hog" stuff taken on February 13, 2013, which was organized by the Portuguese Air Force as REAL THAW 2013 Spotters Day to give aviation photographers the opportunity to take a closer look at the exercise and participating aircraft.
Portuguese aviation photographers are taking shots of A-10C 82-0650, one of six "Hogs" from the 81st Fighter Squadron "Panthers", 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, currently participating in exercise REAL THAW 2013. (Photo by Sandra Antunes) Full size
Participating photographers are gathered for a group shot at sunset. Pictured on display at left is A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's aircraft. (Photo by Filipe França) Full size
A-10C 82-0650 on a taxiway. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's bird, parked in the forest before mission. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's bird, parked in the forest before mission. Crew inscriptions: Lt Col Clinton Eichelberger, SrA Joseph Aquilera. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Nice snapshot: A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's aircraft, taxies near the main gate, "passing" preserved F-16A Block 15R (ex USAF 83-1090, ex POAF 15150) displayed as a pole mounted gate guard. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's bird, lands at sunset. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's bird, parked at sunset after mission. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's bird, parked at sunset after mission. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Top shot: Low-pass of A-10C 82-0650 in formation with a C-130 of Portuguese Air Force (POAF). (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Low-pass of an E-3 Sentry AWACS with an A-10C four-ship in the sky above. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size
Please note: More pictures will be posted later today. I will also try to embed some video stuff. For tons of related stuff please check
Sunday, February 17, 2013
REAL THAW 13 sets aim for interoperability
by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MONTE REAL, Portugal – Maintainers recovers A-10 Thunderbolt II jets from the 81st Fighter Squadron after a mission in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 14, 2013. The 81st is participating in REAL THAW, a Portuguese military exercise that seeks to provide a realistic operating environment that accurately reflects current theaters of operation, provide adequate training to multinational participants while coordinating joint operations assets on land, air and sea, and improve interoperability between allied forces. The training is for multinational, joint operations in support of future military operations within the framework of several international cooperating forces, such as NATO and EU. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Hi-res
Note: Pictured are A-10Cs 81-0962 (at right) and 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's aircraft. "Stored" on the ground is an external fuel tank. At Monte Real Air Base the six participating "Hogs" are diverted in a forest.
2/16/2013 - MONTE REAL, Portugal -- Aircraft and military professionals from the U.S., Portugal, Netherlands, the U.K. and NATO are continuing to develop their ability to work together during REAL THAW 13, Feb. 11-22.
REAL THAW is the Portuguese military's premiere annual exercise that integrates the Portuguese Army, Navy and Air Force for joint operations and scenarios. The exercise also includes forces from partner nations.
The 81st Fighter Squadron, out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, is one of the U.S. representatives in Portugal. Their airframe, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, is the only close air support aircraft participating this year, and the Portuguese military is taking full advantage of its capabilities.
"The A-10 is a special asset that we don't have the everyday opportunity to work with," said Portuguese air force Lt. Col. Carlos Lourenco, the director of REAL THAW.
The Portuguese air force flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon as their primary fighter aircraft, but do not have a close air support aircraft like the A-10. Having the ability to conduct operations like search and rescue with the 81st is beneficial for training.
This is especially important for the helicopter squadrons, and working together increases both parties' understanding of operating in a joint environment, said Lourenco.
"Our opportunity to be here and train on a wide variety of missions is invaluable for us. We haven't been able to do this in months, " said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Clint Eichelberger, 81st commander.
The exercise helps keep pilots from the 81st combat-ready, because of the different skill sets that they can train on here. Some of the scenarios they've supported so far are combat search and rescue, close air support and convoy escort. The upcoming week will also integrate the Portuguese navy, and the 81st will provide maritime air support, said the colonel.
"We are very rarely going to go anywhere that we'll deploy and not have to work with other forces. We're always going to integrate, whether they be air forces, ground forces, or maritime," said Eichelberger. "The last place that you want to figure out how to work together is on the battlefield. That's why coming to these exercises are so important."
Although the 81st is inactivating later this year, it gives both the U.S. and Portuguese forces a chance to learn in a joint environment and draw on each others' strengths to provide a solid response if contingencies arise.
"Everyone has different experience levels, so we all can learn from each other," said Lourenco of the training. "The A-10 brings new approaches and lessons we can apply to our own experience."
MONTE REAL, Portugal – Two A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 81st Fighter Squadron take off from Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 14, 2013. The A-10's are participating in a simulated scenario with complex, realistic situations that provide training for multinational, joint theater operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Hi-res
Note: Pictured from left are A-10Cs 81-0962 and 81-0966, marked 52 OG as the 52nd Operations Group bird.
MONTE REAL, Portugal – U.S. Airmen from the 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit prepare an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft for take-off in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 14, 2013. This is the first time the 81st has participated in REAL THAW, a multinational exercise hosted by the Portuguese military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Hi-res
Note: Pictured is A-10C 81-0966, marked 52 OG as the 52nd Operations Group bird. Crew inscriptions: PLT Col David Lyons, DCC SSgt Ryan Stout, ACC A1C Cody Cook
MONTE REAL, Portugal – U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Steve Vaughn, 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit jet engine mechanic from Chattanooga, Tenn., walks on the wing of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft during a pre-flight inspection in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 14, 2013. The 81st is participating in REAL THAW, a Portuguese military exercise that seeks to provide a realistic operating environment that accurately reflects current theaters of operation, provide adequate training to multinational participants while coordinating joint operations assets on land, air and sea, and improve interoperability between allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Hi-res
Note: Pictured is A-10C 82-0654.
MONTE REAL, Portugal – Pilots from the 81st Fighter Squadron prepare for an upcoming mission in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 14, 2013. The 81st is participating in REAL THAW, a Portuguese military exercise. This exercise seeks to provide a realistic operating environment that accurately reflects current theaters of operation, provide adequate training to multinational participants while coordinating joint operations assets on land, air and sea, and improve interoperability between allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Hi-res
Source (including 5 photos)
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MONTE REAL, Portugal – Maintainers recovers A-10 Thunderbolt II jets from the 81st Fighter Squadron after a mission in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 14, 2013. The 81st is participating in REAL THAW, a Portuguese military exercise that seeks to provide a realistic operating environment that accurately reflects current theaters of operation, provide adequate training to multinational participants while coordinating joint operations assets on land, air and sea, and improve interoperability between allied forces. The training is for multinational, joint operations in support of future military operations within the framework of several international cooperating forces, such as NATO and EU. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Hi-res
Note: Pictured are A-10Cs 81-0962 (at right) and 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's aircraft. "Stored" on the ground is an external fuel tank. At Monte Real Air Base the six participating "Hogs" are diverted in a forest.
2/16/2013 - MONTE REAL, Portugal -- Aircraft and military professionals from the U.S., Portugal, Netherlands, the U.K. and NATO are continuing to develop their ability to work together during REAL THAW 13, Feb. 11-22.
REAL THAW is the Portuguese military's premiere annual exercise that integrates the Portuguese Army, Navy and Air Force for joint operations and scenarios. The exercise also includes forces from partner nations.
The 81st Fighter Squadron, out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, is one of the U.S. representatives in Portugal. Their airframe, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, is the only close air support aircraft participating this year, and the Portuguese military is taking full advantage of its capabilities.
"The A-10 is a special asset that we don't have the everyday opportunity to work with," said Portuguese air force Lt. Col. Carlos Lourenco, the director of REAL THAW.
The Portuguese air force flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon as their primary fighter aircraft, but do not have a close air support aircraft like the A-10. Having the ability to conduct operations like search and rescue with the 81st is beneficial for training.
This is especially important for the helicopter squadrons, and working together increases both parties' understanding of operating in a joint environment, said Lourenco.
"Our opportunity to be here and train on a wide variety of missions is invaluable for us. We haven't been able to do this in months, " said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Clint Eichelberger, 81st commander.
The exercise helps keep pilots from the 81st combat-ready, because of the different skill sets that they can train on here. Some of the scenarios they've supported so far are combat search and rescue, close air support and convoy escort. The upcoming week will also integrate the Portuguese navy, and the 81st will provide maritime air support, said the colonel.
"We are very rarely going to go anywhere that we'll deploy and not have to work with other forces. We're always going to integrate, whether they be air forces, ground forces, or maritime," said Eichelberger. "The last place that you want to figure out how to work together is on the battlefield. That's why coming to these exercises are so important."
Although the 81st is inactivating later this year, it gives both the U.S. and Portuguese forces a chance to learn in a joint environment and draw on each others' strengths to provide a solid response if contingencies arise.
"Everyone has different experience levels, so we all can learn from each other," said Lourenco of the training. "The A-10 brings new approaches and lessons we can apply to our own experience."
MONTE REAL, Portugal – Two A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 81st Fighter Squadron take off from Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 14, 2013. The A-10's are participating in a simulated scenario with complex, realistic situations that provide training for multinational, joint theater operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Hi-res
Note: Pictured from left are A-10Cs 81-0962 and 81-0966, marked 52 OG as the 52nd Operations Group bird.
MONTE REAL, Portugal – U.S. Airmen from the 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit prepare an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft for take-off in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 14, 2013. This is the first time the 81st has participated in REAL THAW, a multinational exercise hosted by the Portuguese military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Hi-res
Note: Pictured is A-10C 81-0966, marked 52 OG as the 52nd Operations Group bird. Crew inscriptions: PLT Col David Lyons, DCC SSgt Ryan Stout, ACC A1C Cody Cook
MONTE REAL, Portugal – U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Steve Vaughn, 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit jet engine mechanic from Chattanooga, Tenn., walks on the wing of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft during a pre-flight inspection in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 14, 2013. The 81st is participating in REAL THAW, a Portuguese military exercise that seeks to provide a realistic operating environment that accurately reflects current theaters of operation, provide adequate training to multinational participants while coordinating joint operations assets on land, air and sea, and improve interoperability between allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Hi-res
Note: Pictured is A-10C 82-0654.
Source (including 5 photos)
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