81st departs for final European exercise

by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs


SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – An A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 81st Fighter Squadron takes off Feb. 8, 2013. The 81st FS is participating in REAL THAW 13, and will support the Portuguese military in realistic combat scenarios, including close air support, forward air control, combat search and rescue, air interdiction, maritime air support, and special operations forces integration and support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 82-0656.

2/8/2013 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 81st Fighter Squadron departed Feb. 8 for Air Base 5, Monte Real, Portugal, in support of REAL THAW 13.

REAL THAW is an exercise that tests the Portuguese military's combat capabilities and also incorporates other nations to improve interoperability for contingency operations.

This is the first time Spangdahlem's A-10s have supported this exercise. Some of the scenarios that the 81st will support include close air support, forward air control, combat search and rescue, air interdiction, maritime air support, and special operations forces integration and support.

This will be the last 81st exercise before their inactivation later this year.


SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – An A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 81st Fighter Squadron takes off Feb. 8, 2013. The 81st FS is participating in REAL THAW 13, a multinational exercise in Portugal aimed at integrating forces from multiple NATO countries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Hi-res

Source (including 2 photos)