Protecting the protectors: Contractors upgrade sun shades

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/12/2012 - Civilian contractors perform upgrades to the A-10 Thunderbolt II sun shades June 12, 2012. The sun shades provide protection from the elements for the aircraft and the maintainers. The A-10s are assigned to the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston) Hi-res

6/12/2012 - Civilian contractors perform upgrades to the A-10 Thunderbolt II sun shades June 12, 2012. The sun shades provide protection from the elements for the aircraft and the maintainers. The A-10s are assigned to the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston) Hi-res

Phase Inspection

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Maintenance technicians work on phase inspection for an A-10 Thunderbolt II that returned from Aghanistan April 17, 2012. The inspection is completed every 500 hours of flight time. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0119 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron.

Confined-space exercise

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Emergency personnel assist a "victim" during a confined-space exercise April 20, 2012 conducted by the 442nd Maintenance Squadron. The exercise, mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Air Force Instruction and Air Force Occupational Safety and Health, simulated a technician falling unconscious in an A-10 Thunderbolt II fuel tank. Technicians simulated harnessing and lifting the injured Airmen from the fuselage, performing self aid and buddy care, and assisting emergency personnel. The 442nd MXS is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0121 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron. Crew inscription: PILOT: LT COL MARK ERNEWEIN, CREW CHIEF: SSGT DON JOHNSTON, ASST. CREW CHIEF: SRA KENNETH VAUGHAN

Clinton Junior ROTC tours the 442nd Fighter Wing

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/25/2012 - The Junior ROTC from Clinton High School, Clinton, Mo., toured the 442nd Fighter Wing April 24, 2012. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0122 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron.

4/25/2012 - Capt. Paul Doran, 303rd Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, tells the Junior ROTC from Clinton High School, Clinton, Mo., about the "Warthog" April 24, 2012 during at tour. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston) Hi-res Source

Nudd selected as 442nd Fighter Wing command chief

by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Chief Master Sgt. James Nudd (pictured as Senior Master Sgt. in 2010) was selected April 24, 2012 as the incoming command chief of the 442nd Fighter Wing. The wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Nudd served in the 442nd FW in 2009 and 2010 as the weapons safety manager. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston) Hi-res

4/25/2012 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Chief Master Sgt. James Nudd was announced as the incoming command chief of the 442nd Fighter Wing, here, April 24, 2012.

He was selected by Brig. Gen. Eric S. Overturf, 442nd Fighter Wing commander. Nudd is currently assigned as the Air Force Munitions Functional Manager at Headquarters United States Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington D.C., and is responsible for logistics plans and policies to organize, train and equip munitions and missile maintenance, and related functions within the Air Force. He serves as the Air Staff lead for all conventional munitions and missile maintenance activities.

Nudd was assigned to the 442nd Fighter Wing as the weapons safety manager from December 2009 to August 2010. During that time, he was awarded Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter, Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Air Force Reserve Command Weapons Safety Manager of the Year.

Originally from Medina, N.Y., Nudd entered the Air Force in 1984. He has worked in a variety of leadership positions within the munitions and weapons safety arenas for several commands in the Air Force. He has served in multiple deployments and served as a first sergeant at the 184th Maintenance Squadron, McConnell AFB, Kan. Nudd has a bachelor's degree in occupational safety and health from Columbia Southern University, Ala.

Nudd will assume the position June 1, 2012.

Source

Pilots, jets complete redeployment of aviation package

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Capt. Lance Orr, 303rd Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, returns from Afghanistan April 17, 2012. The 303rd FS is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0109 "Thunderbolt of Lincoln" from the 303rd Fighter Squadron.



4/17/2012 - Lt. Col. Mark Ernewein, 303rd Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, returns from Afghanistan April 17, 2012. The 303rd FS is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston) Hi-res

Note: "Fifi. DELIVERIN' PAIN!" ladder door art. She rides an AGM-65.



























Maj. Brian Leiter, 303rd Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, returns from Afghanistan April 17, 2012, while his son waits for his first hug. The 303rd FS is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston) Hi-res

Source (including 8 photos)

Lt. Col. Brian Vandiviere, retiring Air Force Reserve Command Branch Chief for A-10 training and tactics, went on his final A-10 flight

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Lt. Col. Brian Vandiviere, retiring Air Force Reserve Command Branch Chief for A-10 training and tactics, went on his final A-10 flight April 14, 2012. He was greeted by friends, family and coworkers upon his return to the ground. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo) Hi-res



Lt. Col. Brian Vandiviere, retiring Air Force Reserve Command Branch Chief for A-10 training and tactics (at right), went on his final A-10 flight April 14, 2012. Anybody who can identify the A-10C pilot at left?

Note: Pictured in both photos is A-10C 79-0121 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron.



Lt. Col. Brian Vandiviere with his family. Visible at left seems like A-10C 79-0107.

Please note: More related pictures will be uploaded soon.

A-10 tour

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Students from the Blackenbeach chapter of the Young Explorer post toured the 442nd Fighter Wing, April 14, 2012. Students were briefed on the A-10 Thunderbolt II by Lt. Col. Michael "Fresco" Bever, an A-10 pilot. The 442nd FW is an A-10 Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Wright) Hi-res

Note: Pictured in the middle is A-10C 82-0653 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron.

Hundreds return from deployment

by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Staff Sgt. Jasen McLendon, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, meets his daughter, Sara Beth, for the first time. (U.S. Air Force photo) Hi-res

4/11/2012 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Today, nearly 300 Citizen Airmen returned home from deployment here and at Barksdale AFB, La.

The reservists, all part of the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman, deployed in December 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The wing deployed the air expeditionary force package to include maintainers, operators and support personnel.

The 90-day deployment included A-10 Thunderbolt II employment in theater both at Bagram Air Base and Kandahar, Afghanistan. The wing's mission is to "Train and Deploy Ready Reservists." This is the wing's fifth mass deployment of aircraft and personnel since 9/11.

"I am so proud to be part of a wing who can employ combat power and defend great Americans," said Brig. Gen. Eric S. Overturf, 442nd Fighter Wing commander. "This wing provides all A-10 combat power in the Air Force Reserve, and these Citizen Airmen are dedicated to getting the job done."

Source (13 photos)

Related source, also released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs:
Family members reunite after deployment (11 photos)

Please also check the photo album 2012 Redeployment on the 442nd Fighter Wing's Facebook page (26 photos).

Please also note: Unfortunately, individual photo captions are only given to the pictures on Facebook!

BTW: That means this return also included members of the 917th Fighter Group, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, who were part of this deployment.

Keeping them in the air

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



4/9/2012 - Richard Murchison and Nick Nolte, jet mechanics and Air Reserve Technicians assigned to the 917th Fighter Group, torque a high pressure turbine rotor on a TF34-100A engine at the 917th Propulsion Shop on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 15, 2012. Nolte, a staff sergeant, and Murchison, a technical sergeant, are in the Air Force Reserve and is part of a team rebuilding the TF34-100A engine, which is used on A-10 Thunderbolt II jet aircraft. Personnel at the engine shop rebuilt more than 32 engines last year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Source

Checking the landing gear - a very special shot of A-10C phase inspection

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

At least from my personal viewpoint, the following picture should be rare and very interesting for all "Hog" enthusiasts. It was posted by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs in addition to previous releases on their public website.



John Tischhauser, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron technician, checks the descent of the front landing gear on an A-10 Thunderbolt II phase inspection check as part of the inspection cycle, March 28, 2012. The 442nd AMXS is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an A-10 Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Wesley Wright) Hi-res

Please note: Take a closer look on the hi-res version for the nose landing gear mechanism. Two more related pictures will be uploaded soon.

Phase inspection: Fit for flight

by Senior Airman Wesley Wright
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Posted 3/28/2012 Updated 4/5/2012

3/28/2012 - WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. -- The 442nd Maintenance Squadron has performed twice the number of normal phase inspections here to keep the 442nd Fighter Wing's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs in top fighting shape.

The Air Force requires that before 500 hours of flight time, each A-10 must be brought into a maintenance hangar to undergo a phase inspection. This could be phase I, where the plane is considered fully mission capable upon passing inspection, or phase II, where a pilot must take the jet on a check-flight after the inspection. To avoid having too many jets out of service at once, the inspection schedule is staggered so while one or two planes are receiving routine maintenance the rest are out fulfilling the mission.

Chief Master Sgt. Cary Brown, 442nd MXS superintendent, said the phase team has learned to do more with less, especially now that...

"The current home station phase crew is not fully manned, it is a skeleton crew, doing a phase in about 30 days versus the normal 20," he said.

Their mission is not confined to Whiteman, however. The unit regularly deploys and performs phase inspections when deployed.

"The current deployed phase crew is doing a phase every five to six days versus 20 days - the normal flow at home station when fully manned," Brown said.

Despite the high work tempo, Brown said the unit comes through.

"It is about aircraft availability; we are constantly pushing aircraft through," Brown said. "We do timely inspections to get them out there."

Senior Master Sgt. Mike Bannon, 442nd Intermediated Automatic Test Station Shop supervisor, agreed with Brown.

Bannon was brought in to fill the phase and repair and reclamation flight chief spot left vacant by the group's recent deployment.

"After you send a plane out, you typically have a few days to a week to perform additional duties and get the dock prepped for the next plane," Bannon said.

While A-10s may all look alike, Brown said each has its own feel.

"Every plane has its own nuances; pilots give feedback to chiefs, who can tell us what is needed," Brown said.

Brown said despite being shorthanded due to the recent deployment, the job is too important to fall by the wayside.

"It's critical to put those hours back into the fleet," he said. "Those aircraft have to be available."

Bannon said the phase crew is dedicated to their job.

"Our phase inspect team is a great group of people who refuse to fail," Bannon said. "They enjoy their job and what it stands for."

Source

A-10 phase inspection

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Chris Fry, 442nd Maintenance Squadron phase dock technician, drains hydraulic fluid from the landing gear of an A-10 Thunderbolt II as part of the regular phase inspection cycle, March 27, 2012. The 442nd MXS is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an A-10 Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Wright) Hi-res

Very first official A-10C shot from Bagram Airfield after relocating

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Approximately 300 reservists are deployed to Afghanistan from the 442nd Fighter Wing. The 442nd FW is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force/courtesy photo) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 81-0994 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron.

Wright Flight

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Students from Central-Hardin Middle School went on a tour of Whiteman Air Force Base on March 12, 2012. The tour was organized by Wright Flight, a non-profit organization that motivates students to achieve academically through incentive tours and flights. The students were briefed on the 442nd Fighter Wing A-10 Thunderbolt IIs by Col. Gregory Eckfeld and Capt. Christopher Johns. They were also shown the Oscar 1 site by Staff Sgt. Steven Bussey and ate at the Ozark Inn dining facility. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Wright) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0136, named Thunderbolt of Sedalia, from the 303rd Fighter Squadron.



Students from Central-Hardin Middle School went on a tour of Whiteman Air Force Base on March 12, 2012. The tour was organized by Wright Flight, a non-profit organization that motivates students to achieve academically through incentive tours and flights. The students were briefed on the 442nd Fighter Wing A-10 Thunderbolt IIs by Col. Gregory Eckfeld and Capt. Christopher Johns. They were also shown the Oscar 1 site by Staff Sgt. Steven Bussey and ate at the Ozark Inn dining facility. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Wright) Hi-res

A-10 pilots can breath easier knowing Whiteman Airmen are on the job

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



3/12/2012 - Airman Branden Jewell, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron/b-flight, closes the canopy of an A-10 Thunderbolt II after loading liquid oxygen onto to it on March 4, 2012. The 442nd AMXS is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an A-10 reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Wright) Hi-res



3/12/2012 - Airman Branden Jewell, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron/b-flight, loads liquid oxygen onto an A-10 Thunderbolt II on March 4, 2012. The 442nd AMXS is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an A-10 reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Wright) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0114 "Thunderbolt of Kansas City" from the 303rd Fighter Squadron.

Source

From the Frontlines: Senior Airman Shawn Watters

by Heidi Hunt
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs



SOUTHWEST ASIA -- As an aircraft electrical and environmental systems technician, Senior Airman Shawn Watters, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, is currently serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and is assigned to phase dock where he and his team conduct more than 500 inspection hours on the A-10 Thunderbolt II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle) Hi-res

Note: Senior Airman Shawn Watters poses in front of A-10C 79-0109 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron, currently combat-deployed for OEF as part of an A-10C "Total Force", together with two other jets of this squadron. Maybe this picture was taken at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

3/1/2012 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The anatomy of an aircraft system contains miles of wire, thousands of sensors, hundreds of dials, indicators and many switches.

Senior Airman Shawn Watters, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft electrical and environmental systems technician, is currently serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and is assigned to phase dock where he and his team conduct more than 500 inspection hours on the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

"We ensure our systems remain fully operational during inspections and fix any discrepancies," said Watters. "A lot of preventative maintenance is carried out in the phase dock."

Watters departed two days after Christmas in 2011 and said his mission as an E&E technician is to primarily handle the jet's crucial systems such as the flight deck pressurization, landing gear, internal and external lighting and the electrical systems.

"We also assist the fuels and engines shops and the crew chiefs with various troubleshooting," Watters said.

"Additionally, we run the liquid oxygen farm on base where we fill oxygen tanks for the C-130 Hercules who make medical evacuations," he said.

Watters said he typically works more than 12 hours a day to complete assigned tasks at the phase dock.

"Working on the A-10 is amazing because it directly supports the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen on the ground fighting."

If there isn't a lot of work, the team usually checks on their programs such as foreign-object damage ensuring they are up-to-date.

While his duties at Whiteman AFB differ he said he enjoys what he does.

"At Whiteman I am a flightline environmental and electrical technician, so the job is very different," Watters said. "At home I troubleshoot more often and I have to problem solve quickly. The flightline is more unpredictable than the phase dock, because on the line you never know when work is going to occur."

Watters is set to return to Whiteman AFB this summer and said the best part of his deployment thus far is the mission and the people.

"I know that what I am doing helps ensure my brothers in arms come home safe," Watters said. "I love that my mission is primarily troop support and that is a good feeling.

"I work alongside people from the 442nd Fighter Wing and our unit is like a family; they have been great," he said. "I am fortunate to have met so many new people."

In addition to his deployed workload, Watters said he volunteers as a mail carrier and for litter carrier duty.

"We carry wounded troops from the hospital to the aircraft that is taking them out of the war zone," he said.

Overall, Watters said he feels lucky that he's had the opportunity to serve and said the next chance he gets he wants to return to support the troops and the mission overseas.

"It feels good that I'm helping fight against terrorism and now have the opportunity to support Operation Enduring Freedom ... that is why we are here."

Although Watters said he is excited about his deployment he said he misses his family and friends and is looking forward to seeing them.

Source

Please note: On March 7, 2012, this news article has been re-published on USAF's public main website as Maintainer plys his trade in Afghanistan, and as a feature of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story. But at least on the moment, this news story is'nt shared on 442nd Fighter Wing's public website.

Please also note: This news story refers to the original OEF combat deployment to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the currently deployed A-10C "Total Force" team with 18 jets moved to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

Col. Eric Overturf promoted to brigadier general

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Col. Eric S. Overturf, 442nd Fighter Wing commander, was promoted to brigadier general in a ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base on March 3, 2012. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Padden) Hi-res

Please note: More pictures will be uploaded soon.

AOR happenings

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs. Posted: 3/1/2012



Senior Airman Joshua Good, 442nd Munitions Flight technician, was recognized as an outstanding performer by Lt. Col. Stephen Nester, 303rd Fighter Squadron Commander, on Feb. 8, 2012. Good's accomplishments include the following: - Guided majority of Munitions Line Delivery's daily operations; took on supervisory tasking--100% QA Evaluations passed - Commanded 60 explosive operations; transported 85K lbs NEW incident free--combat sorties 100% on-time - Advocated daily vehicle safety inspections; ensured serviceability of $1.2M in vehicle fleet --94.4% serviceability - Delivered to 18 A-10Cs; oversaw and led safe commute of 800lbs NEW of munitions assets--4 GBU-38'S on target - Regulated MQ-1 Predators/MQ-9 Reapers; propelling 43 total AGM-114s to F/L--400 total on-time combat sorties This young traditional reservist has had real influence on his peers. The 442nd Munitions Flight is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an A-10 Thunderbolt II reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo) Hi-res

UCM faculty tour 442nd Fighter Wing

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



2/22/2012 - University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Mo., faculty members toured the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Feb. 17, 2012. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman AFB, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Wright) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0118 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron.



2/22/2012 - University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Mo., faculty members toured the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Feb. 17, 2012. Col. Gregory Eckfeld, pictured right, 442nd Fighter Wing vice commander, briefed the group. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Wright) Hi-res



2/22/2012 - Christine Eckfeld, wife of Gregory Eckfeld, 442nd Fighter Wing vice commander, poses for a photo with University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Mo., faculty members. UCM faculty toured the 442nd FW at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Feb. 17, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Wesley Wright) Hi-res

Note: Pictured in the background is A-10C 79-0122 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron, named "442d Fighter Wing" as 442nd FW flagship. Very interesting: Christine Eckfeld wears a cool T-shirt with the inscription "DESPERATE HOG WIVES"!

Source