Lajes supported redeployment of CONUS-based A-10Cs

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

The following stand-alone photo was released by 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Original photo caption: Transient alert members from the 65th Operations Support Squadron park twelve incoming A-10C Thunderbolts from the 442nd Fighter Wing on their way back to their home base after a deployment mission April 12. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lucas Silva) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 81-0998 from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG). It belonged to the CONUS (Continental United States)-based part of the recently deployed "Total Force" A-10C team which included six A-10Cs from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG), Selfridge ANGB (tailcode MI), three A-10Cs from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana (tailcode BD), and three A-10Cs from the 303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri (tailcode KC). The six other deployed A-10Cs belonged to the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany (tailcode SP), which returned home separately.

917th FG returns home

Released by 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

4/20/2012 - Lt. Col. Rodney Glass, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, taxis his jet past a C-17 Globemaster III at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 17, 2012. Glass piloted the final A-10 from the 917th Fighter Group that was used during their deployment to Afghanistan into Barksdale AFB. The C-17, from the 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, carried the final 47 Airmen from the 917 FG who were also deployed to Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0145 from the 47th Fighter Squadron.

4/20/2012 - Lt. Col. James Travis, the commander of the 47th Fighter Squadron, leads the final group of returning Airmen from the 917th Fighter Group across the flightline at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 17, 2012. A C-17 Globemaster III from the 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Del., carried the Airmen from the 917 FG who were returning from a deployment to Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Betty Stephens) Hi-res Source Please note: More pictures will be uploaded soon. BTW: Recently deployed from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana (tailcode BD), were: A-10C 79-0094, A-10C 79-0145, and A-10C 79-0154.

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)

Friends, family welcome Airmen home from deployment

Released by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



4/16/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing wait to process through customs on Ramp 3 here April 13. Family and friends waited at Hangar 3 to welcome home more than 70 Airmen from a deployment with 81st Fighter Squadron to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, who had been providing close-air support during Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res



4/16/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing walk towards their friends and families after a customs inspection on Ramp 3 here April 13. Family and friends waited at Hangar 3 to welcome home more than 70 Airmen from a deployment with 81st Fighter Squadron to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, who had been providing close-air support during Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks)



4/16/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Capt. John Cotman, 81st Fighter Squadron A-Flight commander, embraces his daughter on Ramp 3 here April 13. Family and friends waited at Hangar 3 to welcome home more than 70 Airmen from a deployment with 81st Fighter Squadron to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, who had been providing close-air support during Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res

Source (including 5 photos)

Family, friends welcome Panthers home

Released by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



4/11/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots from the 81st Fighter Squadron prepare to exit their aircraft on Ramp 4 here April 10 after returning from a deployment to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Friends and family waited by to greet six of the squadron's pilots who had been providing close air support during Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res

Note: Pictured (from left) are A-10Cs 81-0981 (marked "81 FS"), 81-0966 (marked "52 OG"), 81-0965, 81-0956, 81-0985 and 80-0275 from the 81st Fighter Squadron which were deployed as part of a "Total Force" A-10C team to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. BTW: This incredible picture would become a milestone in the A-10 history books if the 81st FS should be really deactivated soon as proposed.



4/11/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Capt. Mike Krestyn, 81st Fighter Squadron pilot and chief of plans, climbs down from the cockpit of an A-10 Thunderbolt II on Ramp 4 here April 10. Krestyn was one of the squadron's six pilots returning from a deployment from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, providing close air support during Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 80-0275 from the 81st Fighter Squadron.
























4/11/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Lt. Col. Joshua Ruddell, 81st Fighter Squadron pilot and director of operations, is welcomed home by his wife, Neva, and children, from left, Tyler, Carter and Bella on Ramp 4 here April 10 after returning from his deployment from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Ruddell was one of the squadron's six pilots who had been providing close air support during Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res



4/11/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Capt. Michael Dumas, 81st Fighter Squadron pilot and weapons training officer, receives a hug from his wife, Megan, on Ramp 4 here April 10. Dumas was one of the squadron's six pilots returning from a deployment from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, providing close air support during Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res

Source

Please note: This photo story is only about the six pilots who flew the six deployed 81st FS jets back home to Spang. I still don't know how many 81st FS pilots, crew chiefs and other maintainers were deployed to support the "Total Force" A-10C team, originally deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, and relocated later to Bagram Airfield due to a CAS reset within Afghanistan.

81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs back home from Afghanistan

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

According to the Dutch Scramble Messageboard, all of the six A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, which were combat-deployed as part of a "Total Force" A-10C team to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, returned home today.

Deployed were:
A-10C 80-0275
A-10C 81-0956
A-10C 81-0965
A-10C 81-0966 (marked "52 OG")
A-10C 81-0981 (marked "81 FS")
A-10C 81-0985

And here's the original log, posted on Scramble (including arrival times):

A-10C 81stFS 81-981/SP y '81 FS' L16:32
A-10C 81stFS 81-966/SP y '52 OG' L16:34
A-10C 81stFS 81-965/SP y L16:36
A-10C 81stFS 81-956/SP y L16:38
A-10C 81stFS 81-985/SP y L16:42
A-10C 81stFS 80-275/SP y L16:45
(these six A-10s each were equipped with one external central fuel-
tank and two travel-pods under the belly)

Source:
ETAD 10-04-2012

Please note: This post will be further updated soon.

F-16s head south

by Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs



An F-16 Fighting Falcon lands at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Feb. 16, 2012. The jet, originally deployed from Bagram Airfield, moved to Kandahar Airfield because of a close air support reset that also involved an A-10 unit migrating north to Bagram Airfield. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle) Hi-res

2/26/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Several units moving through an area of responsibility isn't an unusual occurrence, but recently over a two week period, the A-10 Thunderbolt tails based at Kandahar Airfield, switched places with the F-16 Fighting Falcon tails based at Bagram Airfield. A combat air support reset is a wing's movement of its members, equipment, and aircraft to another airfield to better address strategic concerns.

"This movement postures close air support to best support the campaign plans in the long and short term," said Col. Kevin Blanchard, 451st Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander. "The reset should provide the regional commanders' the best air assets for the environment and operations each will encounter."

A CAS reset may sound simple, but the units faced unique challenges, though overall the transition went smoothly.

"Moving personnel and cargo is something we do every day, but with the reset starting mid-rotation coupled with only a three month planning phase, plus building up certain F-16 airfield requirements at Kandahar Airfield, we had to go above and beyond," said Lt. Col. Thomas "TShane" Nicholson, 451st Air Expeditionary Wing chief of plans.

First, deployed and home station units folded integral personnel into working groups to plan for this colossal movement, said Nicholson. Bagram Airfield and Kandahar Airfield site surveys, developing a time line, and holding several video teleconferences were just a few things done to prep for the reset, he said.

"Our goal during the planning phase was to accomplish this CAS reset with minimal impact to the air tasking order," Nicholson said.

That particular goal was deftly accomplished when all U.S. Air Force components came together in a superb example of how a one-team, one-fight mentality overcame obstacles while maintaining air superiority.

"We are still settling in, but with the phenomenal professionalism of our people, who've had more than eight combat deployments, we haven't missed a single ATO," said Major Trenton Twedt, and 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and F-16 Aircraft Maintenance Unit officer in charge deployed from the 132nd Fighter Wing, Des Moines, Iowa. "Some of our maintainers and pilots have worked with this airframe for more than 15 years."

But keeping jets in the air required looking to the ground for proper F-16 airfield conditions. Standard operating procedures were established and airfield alterations were made.

"An indicator of a strong unit is to set high standards and establish SOPs for people to follow," said Chief Master Sgt. Russell Starmer, with the 451st EAMXS and chief in charge deployed from the 132nd FW. "I'm proud that we came in as the first American F-16 unit at Kandahar and can leave a legacy for our successors."

SOPs won't be the only evidence of the F-16s move to Kandahar. Extra personnel and Airfield upgrades, two full-time sweepers and three new sweeping machines, are a must to mitigate foreign object damage and maintain the F-16s mission capability.
Additional FOD procedures, such as expanding flight line perimeters and increased FOD checks were also enacted. Another necessity for the airfield is a trim pad, a vital F-16 airfield component that can accommodate 100,000 pounds of engine thrust and is used for strapping aircraft down to perform engine checks.

"We are using the Marines's trim pad because the one being built for us won't be ready for awhile," said Technical Sgt. Jed Holl, 451st EAMXS crew chief deployed from the 132nd FW.

The plan may have accounted for logistical requirements but sometimes Mother Nature can mislay the best of plans.

The 451st Expeditionary Logistical Readiness Squadron had to quickly adapt to shifting weather but still moved more than 550 personnel and 275 cargo increments over the course of the reset, said Technical Sgt. Chad Molenhour, the noncommissioned officer in charge of logistics plans.

While the sheer numbers and intricacies of this reset could overwhelm some, members stayed focused on the bottom line.

"We are here to support the ground commanders, and hopefully with no friendly losses or collateral damage," said Maj. Aleksander Lied, 451st Expeditionary Operations Squadron pilot and monitor deployed from the 124 Expeditionary Fighter Squadron under the 132nd FW. "In doing so we would've effectively accomplished our mission."

Source

See also:
Back to Bagram: Breaking shots of relocated A-10C's
CAS reset within Afghanistan: "Total Force" A-10C team moved from Kandahar to Bagram Airfield
A10s head north

For the related F-16C fighter package please check F-16.net for the topic Bagram AB Deployment 2011-12.

CAS reset within Afghanistan: "Total Force" A-10C team moved from Kandahar to Bagram Airfield

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

According to a news article A10s head north, released yesterday by 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs, the "Total Force" A-10C team, currently combat-deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, have been re-located from Kandahar Airfield to Bagram Airfield.

This historic move took place to support a close-air support reset of Air Force assets within Afghanistan.

As already reported on Warthog News, the "Total Force" A-10C team's aircraft package consists of six active A-10Cs, six AFRC A-10Cs, and six ANG A-10Cs - all in all 18 "Hogs" again:

81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany (tailcode SP)

A-10C 80-0275
A-10C 81-0956
A-10C 81-0965
A-10C 81-0966 (marked "52 OG")
A-10C 81-0981 (marked "81 FS")
A-10C 81-0985

107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG), Selfridge ANGB (tailcode MI)

A-10C 80-0163
A-10C 80-0258
A-10C 80-0262
A-10C 80-0265
A-10C 81-0994
A-10C 81-0998

47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana (tailcode BD)

A-10C 79-0094
A-10C 79-0145
A-10C 79-0154

303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri (tailcode KC)

A-10C 79-0109
A-10C 79-0111
A-10C 79-0119

At first, this "rainbowed" A-10C package operated as 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. Now it's called 303rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. May be they will further operate as 47th and 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadrons.

Let's wait for an A-10C news release and pictures from Bagram's 455th AEW Public Affairs.

At Kandahar Airfield, the "Hogs" were replaced by F-16Cs:



Flying South for the Winter - An Air Force F-16C, deployed from the 132nd Fighter Wing, Iowa Air National Guard, arrives at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Feb. 16, 2012. The F-16 unit arrived Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan to replace the A-10s that were stationed at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle) Hi-res

Please note: This breaking news will be updated soon.

A10s head north

by Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle
451st Air Expeditionary Wing



Members of the 303rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and Royal Australian air force pose in front of an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Feb. 14, 2012. This was the last A-10 tour given before the aircraft were flown north to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Passion Julinsey) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0119 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri.

2/19/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Since their arrival here, unit members from the 303rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and the 451st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron have executed their mission despite the day-to-day complications that come with moving to a different base to support a close-air support reset of Air Force assets within Afghanistan. They've kept focus on the big picture goal.

"We need to keep supporting our ground troops while still moving 163 increments of cargo, 350 people, and A-10s up north in just a few days," said Lt. Col. Steve Nester, 303rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron Commander, deployed from the 442nd Fighter Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

The A-10s were originally housed at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan and came down to Kandahar Airfield in 2008. Now, with the CAS reset, the A-10s are headed north to Bagram Airfield again. That involves a hectic juggling act to balance two groups of people, cargo, and aircraft moving between two airfields, but group members were up to the task.

"We haven't missed one sortie since we've been here," said Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Lyons, 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron specialist flight supervisor, deployed from the 442nd Fighter Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

Yet keeping focused on the mission while dealing with everyday issues such as living quarters, meals, and laundry can put stress on a unit, Nester said.

Both Nester and Lyons said that though some members had to move quarters three or four times, there were always people quick to volunteer to help out with extra duties to pick up the slack. A can-do attitude and team spirit directly contribute to this group's success rate.

"If you don't have the whole team working together, you can't put bombs on target," said Lyons.

Other members cite patience, flexibility, awareness, helpfulness, and professionalism as traits everyone possesses in ample quantity.

"Our folks have handled all this well and with the professionalism of an experienced combat unit," said Nester.

Source

451st AEW welcomes new commander

Released by 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

1/29/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Brig. Gen. Thomas Deale relinquished 451st Air Expeditionary Wing command to Brig. Gen. Scott Dennis, the Kandahar Airfield commander, during a change of command ceremony Jan. 29, 2012.

Click here to view the slideshow.



KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- From right, Brig. Gen. Thomas Deale, outgoing 451st Air Expeditionary Wing commander, congratulates Brig. Gen. Scott Dennis, incoming 451st AEW commander, at the change of command ceremony Jan. 29, 2012 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Dennis is currently dual-hatted as the commander of the 451st AEW and Kandahar Airfield. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle) Hi-res

See also:
Official USAF Biography of Brigadier General Scott L. Dennis. He was commissioned through Officer Training School in 1985 after graduating from Michigan Technological University. He has held various operational F-16 flying positions and served as a USAF Fighter Weapons School instructor pilot. He commanded the 14th Fighter Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan, including combat deployments in support of operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom. He also commanded the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group at Balad Air Base, Iraq, and the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The general has served on the Joint Staff and as Director of Air Operations in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.

A-10 squadron about to deploy

Written by John Andrew Prime
shreveporttimes.com
12:05 AM, Jan. 21, 2012

Adapting to the latest in a series of dramatic changes, air crews with the local 47th Fighter Squadron will deploy to Afghanistan in the next few weeks.

The increased training tempo may be apparent to people living near the base and residents of the south Arkansas training ranges who have seen its twin-tailed A-10 Warthog jet fighters go through paces as the pilots ready to take part again in war.
Just over a year ago, the 917th Wing ceased to be and separated its components, with bombers going to the new 307th Bomb Wing and the A-10 fighters under Travis' command going into the 917th Fighter Group. Though based here, the Reserve fighters are under the Missouri-based 442nd Fighter Wing.

In addition to that corporate restructuring, the 47th Fighter Squadron was told to change from being a training unit to a combat unit, and also to transition to the newest model of the A-10, the A-10C.

"It's a significant change in the way we do business," said Lt. Col. Jim Travis, the squadron's commander. "There's tactics that changed, there's equipment that changed, and the guys have risen to the challenge of not only knowing how to do the tactics with the equipment, but they're school house instructors that are going to combat-coded level of skill-sets. And then all of a sudden we get this new equipment. We had three years to convert and we're deploying at the year-and-a-half mark."

The deploying air crews and other squadron personnel will catch up with almost 250 fellow Reservists from Barksdale and Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., who left for Afghanistan in late December.

The deployed airmen represent various units from the local 917th Fighter Group and Whiteman's 442nd Fighter Wing.

The units maintain and operate the Warthog, the informal crew name for what the service calls the Thunderbolt II, which provides close air support to ground troops with a wife assortment of bombs and missiles and its best-known weapon, a fierce 30-millimeter Gatling gun.

"The purpose of A-10 combat power is to keep others safe," Col. Eric S. Overturf, 442nd Fighter Wing commander, told his deploying troops at the December departure, according to the wing's website. "Because you're going over there to employ this aircraft and its munitions, you are ensuring that a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine can return home safely to his family."

The wing, which took over the 917th Fighter Group a year ago, has deployed four times since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the east coast.

The deployed personnel are expected to return in the spring, or as Travis put it, "home by Easter."

Morale is high, he said, with many personnel eager to fill the deployment slots.

"A good challenge makes for good morale," he said. "Everybody around here walks around with fire in their heart."

Travis said his squadron's job "is to defend the Army mission." Drawing a comparison to the end of the movie "Saving Private Ryan," where air power saves the day for the embattled soldiers, he said his unit's goal is "to make sure they've got what it takes to be able to provide somebody's movie ending right."

Source

Warthogs provide top cover for ground troops

By Staff Sgt. David Carbajal
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs



KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- A 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief waits for the pilot's call to pull the chalks during an A-10 Thunderbolt II launch at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Jan. 20, 2012. Kandahar's A-10s provide close-air support for U.S. and coalition ground troops throughout Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is an A-10C from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Fighter Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge ANGB.

1/21/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Kandahar's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provide close-air support for U.S. and coalition ground troops throughout Afghanistan. Members of the 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron make sure the "Warthogs" are fully-mission capable and launch on time.

Click here to see the photo slideshow.



KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- A parked A-10 Thunderbolt II sits on the ramp in the early-morning hours at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Jan. 20, 2012. Kandahar's A-10s provide close-air support for U.S. and coalition ground troops throughout Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0111 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri.



KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- An A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot taxis to the runway at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Jan. 20, 2012. The A-10 fires a 30-millimeter cannon and can carry up to 16,000 pounds of ordnance for close air support missions to support troops on the ground. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is an A-10C from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. Visible in the background is Kandahar International Airport's main terminal with the tower just behind the "Hog's" nose gear.



KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- A 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief waits for the pilot's call to pull the chalks during an A-10 Thunderbolt II launch at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Jan. 20, 2012. The A-10 can employ a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general purpose bombs, cluster bomb units and laser guided bombs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 80-0262 from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Fighter Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge ANGB.



KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Weapons load crew chiefs perform end-of-runway inspections on two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Jan. 20, 2012. The A-10 can employ a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general purpose bombs, cluster bomb units and laser guided bombs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal) Hi-res

Note: Pictured at left is an A-10C from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. Pictured at right is A-10C 80-0262 from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Fighter Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge ANGB.

Source

BTW: Special thanks to Staff Sgt. David Carbajal and the entire 451st AEW PA staff for sharing these impressive frontline pictures!

Further aircraft identification will be uploaded soon.

Visible standard combat loadout configuration:
Station 1: empty
Station 2: AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod
Station 3: LAU-117 launch rail (for a single AGM-65 Maverick)
Station 4: GBU-38 JDAM
Station 5: GBU-38 JDAM
Station 6: empty
Station 7: GBU-38 JDAM
Station 8: GBU-38 JDAM
Station 9: SUU-25 Flare Dispenser
Station 10: LAU-131 Rocket Pod
Station 11: empty

Selfridge Airmen to Return Home [Update]

Col. Michael Thomas welcomes home members of the Michigan Air National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., Jan. 9, 2012. The Airmen returned home after a 4-month deployment to Afghanistan, where they flew, maintained and supported the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The Airmen are all members of the 127th Wing at Selfridge, of which Thomas is the commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. Dave Kujawa) Hi-res

by TSgt. Dan Heaton
127th Wing Public Affairs

1/9/2012 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. -- Approximately 300 Airmen of the Michigan Air National Guard returned to Selfridge Air National Guard Base Monday, Jan. 9, after a four-month deployment to Afghanistan. The Airmen operated and maintained the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft while deployed, serving with the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing, based at Kandahar Airfield. [...]



Major Gen. Gregory J. Vadnais, the adjutant general of Michigan, welcomes home a group of Airmen at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., Jan. 9, 2012. The Airmen, all members of the 127th Wing at Selfridge, were returning home after a 4-month deployment to Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. Dave Kujawa) Hi-res






Hundreds of friends and family members welcome home members of the Michigan Air National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., Jan. 9, 2012. The Airmen returned home after a 4-month deployment to Afghanistan, where they flew, maintained and supported the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The Airmen are all members of the 127th Wing at Selfridge. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. David Kujawa) Hi-res

Source (Including 7 photos and a video)



Please note: The rest of this news article is identical with it's previous version, already published on January 6, 2012. See: Selfridge Airmen to Return Home



This video is available now also on YouTube:



Comment: Welcome home, 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and all of your supporters!

Selfridge Airmen to Return Home

by TSgt. Dan Heaton
127th Wing Public Affairs

1/6/2012 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. -- Approximately 300 Airmen of the Michigan Air National Guard are returning to Selfridge Air National Guard Base this month, after a four-month deployment to Afghanistan. The Airmen operated and maintained the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft while deployed, serving with the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing, based at Kandahar Airfield.

"The safe return of our Michigan Airmen is a very welcome way to begin the new year," said Col. Michael Thomas, commander of the 127th Wing, the home unit of the returning Airmen. "The selfless service rendered by these men and women, which included being deployed over the holiday season, epitomizes the core values of the U.S. Air Force."

The deployment was the fourth major deployment of the unit's since 2001. This was the first deployment for the Selfridge fighter aircraft unit to Afghanistan and the first since the 107th Fighter Squadron made the transition to flying the A-10, an air-to-ground attack aircraft. The deployment included members of the 127th Operations Group and the 127th Maintenance Group.

Over the 120-day deployment period, the unit logged approximately 8,300 flight hours in 2,000 sorties, or flight missions.

While the bulk of the unit is returning home in early January, a small cadre will remain behind to assist with the transition of the unit that replaced the Michigan Air Guardsmen at Kandahar, a NATO base in southern Afghanistan.

Composed of approximately 1,700 Citizen-Airmen, the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard is the host organization at Selfridge, flying the KC-135 Stratotanker, an aerial refueler, and the A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the Warthog, which is an air-to-ground attack fighter. In addition to the Wing, Selfridge is home to numerous other military and federal agencies, which fly a variety of helicopters and small, light fixed-wing aircraft.

More information on the 127th Wing and Selfridge Air National Guard Base is available at www.127wg.ang.af.mil.

Comment: Job well done, 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and all supporting units! That was the first leg of an ongoing "Total Force" A-10C combat deployment to the 451st AEW at Kandahar Airfield in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

451st AEW support Kandahar Air Wing open house

KANDAHAR AIR WING, Afghanistan -- An A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot speaks to an interested event attendee during the 2012 Kandahar Air Wing Open House at Kandahar Air Wing, Afghanistan, Jan. 1, 2012. The 451st Air Expeditionary Wing supported the open house by having an MQ-9 Reaper and an A-10 Thunderbolt II static display for Afghan locals to see and ask questions about. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal) Hi-res

Note: Pictured in the background is A-10C 81-0965 from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. The A-10C pilot is called BUBBLES on his name patch (probably his personal callsign), and due to the checkerboard design of the A-10 logo he's deployed from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG), Selfridge ANGB.

by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

1/2/2012 - KANDHAR AIR WING, Afghanistan -- Hundreds of Afghan locals, Kandahar Air Wing leadership and Kandahar Airfield leadership attend the 2012 Kandahar Air Wing Open House at Kandahar Air Wing, Afghanistan, Jan. 1, 2012. Leaders at the Kandahar Air Wing invited more than 300 local children to the open house to show them the various airframes flown at Kandahar Air Wing and Kandahar Airfield.

Source

Barksdale Reservists do their part

Released by 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs



12/29/2011 - Col. John Breazeale at right, commander of the 917th Fighter Group, converses with two 47th Fighter Squadron pilots at Hoban Hall on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 28, 2011. The pilots assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, are a part of approximately 124 Airmen who deployed from the 917th FG to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 917th FG is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Source (including four more photos)

Related info:
Reservists head to Afghanistan

Note: And so, according to all of these official sources, at least approximately 254 reservists are currently deployed to take over the A-10C OEF combat missions at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, from the Air National Guard. Maybe later next year they will be replaced by personnel from the 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, for the third and final leg of this "Total Force" A-10C team combat deployment.

Reservists head to Afghanistan

Approximately 130 reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing deployed to Afghanistan, Dec. 28, 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The deployed reservists are scheduled to return in spring 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nick Wilson) Hi-res

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

12/28/2011 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Approximately 130 Citizen Airmen from the 442nd Maintenance and Operations groups here deployed to Afghanistan today in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The units maintain and operate the A-10 Thunderbolt II, which provides close air support to ground troops and is most notable for its 30-millimeter gatling gun.

"The purpose of A-10 combat power is to keep others safe," said Col. Eric S. Overturf, 442nd FW commander to the deploying Airmen at their final out brief. "Because you're going over there to employ this aircraft and its munitions, you are ensuring that a soldier, sailor, Airman or Marine can return home safely to his family."

Members from throughout the community, to include the Whiteman Base Community Council and local retirees had to opportunity, Dec. 28, to wish the reservists well on their deployment. The Whiteman BCC made hundreds of cookies that each reservist got to take with him to make the flight more comfortable.

"The support from the local community is outstanding," Overturf said. "They not only support our Airmen, but they support the families the Airmen have to leave behind, which makes it much easier for them to accomplish the mission in theater."

Despite the 3 a.m. takeoff, the reservists had dozens of people sending them off.
The wing has a rich history in deployments - four deployments since 9/11 - where it has sent a package of maintainers, operators and aircraft to the area of responsibility.

Hundreds of reservists from other parts of the wing have also deployed in previous years, but most recently the 442nd Security Forces Squadron, and currently, the 442nd Civil Engineers Squadron.

The reservists are scheduled to return in the spring.

For more photos, see the 442nd Fighter Wing slideshow.

Source

See also:

Whiteman reservists deploy over holidays

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

12/27/2011 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Approximately 230 reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing here and from its geographically separated unit, the 917th Fighter Group, Barksdale AFB, La., will deploy at the end of December in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The reservists, most of whom maintain civilian employment in the local area, are assigned to the 442nd Maintenance and Operations groups.

The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

The reservists are expected to return in April.

Source

Note: Seems like this deployment marks the second leg to operate and maintain a "Total Force" A-10C team which is currently combat-deployed to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The reservists will replace guardsmen from the 127th Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge ANGB, which deployed for the first leg in late September 2011. As a result of this replacement, maybe the designation of the deployed A-10C aircraft package will be changed from 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to another designation. But I'm not sure.

442nd Fighter Wing members deploy for Afghanistan

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Approximately 30 reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing departed Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., and headed for Afghanistan, Dec. 19. Made up of mostly maintainers and pilots, the group is scheduled to return around April 2012. The 442nd FW 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 Wolf) Hi-res

Note: This combat deployment to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom is part of the currently deployed "Total Force" A-10C team. For some more related pictures please check the 442nd FW public website's photo section.

Maintenance group hosts holiday party before deployment

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



12/4/2011 - In December 2011, approximately 250 members of the 442nd Maintenance Group and Operations Group will deploy to Afghanistan. Pictured is: (bottom row, left to right) Master Sgt. Elgin Cline, Senior Master Sgt. Aaron McRoberts, (top row, left to right) Capt. James Patrick Chevalier, Tech. Sgt. Brian Bilbruck, Tech. Sgt. Darrin Rawson, Senior Master Sgt. Chuck Sampson, and Chief Master Sgt. Russell Robinson, all of the 442nd Maintenance Group. The 442nd MXG and OG is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman AFB, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kent Kagarise) Hi-res

Source

Note: Maybe that marks the second leg of the "Total Force" A-10C team's ongoing combat deployment to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

An A-10C Inspection at Kandahar Airfield

Released by 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs



KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Senior Airman Steve Roeper, 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons load crew two man, performs a rack inspection and cleaning on an A-10 Thunderbolt at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 2, 2011. The A-10 can employ a wide variety of conventional muntions, including general purpose bombs, cluster bomb units, laser guided bombs and others. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Hook) Hi-res

Note: Visible in the revetment far right in the background is an A-10C from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge.



KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- (Right) Senior Airman Ken Choate and Tech. Sergeant James Foster, 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons load crew members, unload a Guided Bomb Unit, GBU-38 from an A-10 Thunderbolt at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 2, 2011. The load crew is unloading weapons on an A-10 to conduct a rack inspection and cleaning. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Hook) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is an A-10C from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana).



KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- (Left) Senior Airman Ken Choate and Tech. Sergeant James Foster, 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons load crew members, load a Guided Bomb Unit, GBU-38 on an A-10 Thunderbolt at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 2, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Hook) Hi-res

Note: An external fuel tank is stored at the revetment's wall.



KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --Tech. Sergeant James Foster, 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons load crew chief, helps unload the flare dispenser from an A-10 Thunderbolt at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 2, 2011. Crew chiefs maintain and repair aircraft and aircraft equipment, inspect and perform various functional checks and ensure aircraft are in optimal condition after flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Hook) Hi-res

Note: Rear view of an SUU-25 Flare Dispenser



KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Senior Airman Steve Roeper, 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons load crew two man, inspects the rocket pod attached to an A-10 Thunderbolt at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 2, 2011. The A-10 can employ a wide variety of conventional muntions, including general purpose bombs, cluster bomb units, laser guided bombs and others. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Hook) Hi-res

Note: Rear view of a LAU-131 Rocket Pod



KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Tech. Sergeant James Foster, 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons load crew chief, documents a rack inspection performed on an A-10 Thunderbolt at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 2, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Hook) Hi-res

Note:
These are the very first official USAF photos of the "Total Force" A-10C team, currently combat-deployed to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). It consists of 18 A-10Cs from different units. According to the original photo captions, at least currently this team is designated as 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. That suggests the 127th Wing (Michigan Air National Guard) with their 107th Fighter Squadron is the leading unit on this deployment's first leg.