Exclusive Afghanistan shots of A-10 81-0963

By Joachim Jacob

Today, from a new personal contact I've got the following exclusive pictures of A-10 81-0963 from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany.

The first two pictures were taken during the AEF 1/2 (Cycle 6) rotation (May - August 2006). The 81st EFS deployed together with 6 aircraft from the 303rd FS, 442nd FW (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri:



A-10 81-0963. Visible loadout (from right): AN/ARC-235 FACE pod on station 1, LAU-131 Rocket Pod on station 2, SUU-25 Flare Dispenser on station 3, GBU-12, AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod on station 9. Picture taken from a tanker. Date of shot should be May 26, 2006. (Courtesy photo)



A-10 81-0963. Visible loadout (from left): AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod on station 9, Mk 82, GBU-12, AN/ARC-235 FACE pod on station 1. Picture taken from a tanker. Date of shot should be June 10, 2006. (Courtesy photo)

The next two pictures were taken during the AEF 1/2 (Cycle 7) rotation (January - April 2008). The 81st EFS deployed with 13 aircraft (79-0207, 80-0281, 81-0945, 81-0951, 81-0952, 81-0963, 81-0966, 81-0976, 81-0978, 81-0983, 81-0984, 81-0992, 82-0649):



A-10 81-0963 at Bagram AB, Afghanistan. Date of shot should be January 24, 2008. (Courtesy photo)



A-10 81-0963 at Bagram AB, Afghanistan. Visible loadout (from left): Mk 82, GBU-12, SUU-25 Flare Dispenser, LAU-131 Rocket Pod. Date of shot should be February 4, 2008. (Courtesy photo)

Please note: Special thanks to this personal contact for providing these very interesting shots to Warthog News exclusively.

Video: A-10 pilots keeping it safe in Afghanistan

Video by Scott Schonauer (Stars and Stripes), taken in May 2008 at Bagram Airbase, Afghanistan: 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem AB, Germany.

Source

http://www.stripes.com/multimedia/video/a-10-pilots-keeping-it-safe-in-afghanistan-1.102877

Two 190th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at Lajes during stopover enroute back to CONUS from Afghanistan deployment

On September 27, 2010, Warthog News contributor André Inácio from Portugal had the opportunity to catch two A-10Cs from the 190th Fighter Squadron, 124th Wing (Idaho Air National Guard), Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, as they arrived at Lajes Field, Azores, for stopover enroute back to Continental United States (CONUS) after supporting the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Today, after solving some problems with his PC, André e-mailed me the following two exclusive pictures. As he told me, both Hogs arrived 2:10 pm (local time) and departed Lajes for CONUS on September 29. Escorting tanker was KC-135 61-0277 based at Kansas.



A-10C 78-0703 with usual white IDAHO tail band inscription. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 79-0194 with red IDAHO tail band inscription and marked 124 OG as the 124th Operations Group's bird. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size

Job well done again, André! And special thanks for sharing your exclusive pictures. They are very important to document A-10 OEF combat deployments.

Note:
These two A-10Cs were announced to arrive at Lajes as Mazda 85-86. Serial numbers:
78-0703 and 79-0194 (marked as 124th Operation Group commander's aircraft). Supporting tanker was KC-135 61-0277 from Kansas. Both Hogs were part of a surge deployment to reinforce the 81st EFS at Kandahar. Also part of this surge deployment were six additional Hogs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany.

See also:
Two 190th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs logged at Lajes during stopover enroute back to CONUS from Afghanistan deployment
Two 190th Fighter Squadron A-10s logged at Lajes

81th EFS A-10C arrival shots

As already reported, the first ten A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron "Panthers", 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany, returned home September 27, 2010, from their recent combat deployment as 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (81st EFS) to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Outside Spangdahlem AB George "cyborg" de Jong from the Netherlands had the opportunity to watch all ten jets during their arrival. Yesterday, George provided me one picture of each aircraft. And only one of them (A-10C 81-0980) has been already posted on the recommended Dutch Scramble Message Board. The shots are posted in order of arrival:



A-10C 81-0991. (Photo by George de Jong) Full size



A-10C 82-0656. Note the different black thing on the left yellow fin band (it's not the usual arrow). (Photo by George de Jong) Full size



A-10C 80-0275. Note the absence of any black thing on the left yellow fin band. (Photo by George de Jong) Full size



A-10C 81-0980. (Photo by George de Jong) Full size



A-10C 81-0976. (Photo by George de Jong) Full size



A-10C 81-0963. (Photo by George de Jong) Full size



A-10C 81-0945. (Photo by George de Jong) Full size



A-10C 82-0654. (Photo by George de Jong) Full size



A-10C 81-0985. (Photo by George de Jong) Full size



A-10C 82-0649. (Photo by George de Jong) Full size

Special thanks to George for sharing his rare pictures.

52nd FW Airmen return from deployment

Released today by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs:



10/4/2010 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – 52nd Fighter Wing Airmen who were deployed in support of the 81st Fighter Squadron return to Spangdahlem Air Base October 1, 2010. The Airmen completed a five-month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson)









SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Capt. Josh Arrowood, right, 81st Fighter Squadron pilot, greets his new baby, Annebelle, and wife, Jackie, as he returns from a deployment October 1, 2010. Captain Arrowood was deployed for five months to Kandahar, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Wilson) Hi-res

Note: Please take a closer look on the patch on Capt. Josh Arrowood's left arm. There's an Arabic "ten" for "A-10" and the inscription "Panthers 2010". It could be an official deployment patch of the 81st EFS's latest combat deployment.

Source

Two 190th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs logged at Lajes during stopover enroute back to CONUS from Afghanistan deployment

As mentioned on the Dutch Scramble Message Board some days ago, on September 27, 2010, two A-10Cs from the 190th Fighter Squadron, 124th Wing (Idaho Air National Guard), Gowen Field, Idaho, arrived at Lajes Field, Azores, for stopover enroute back to Continental United States (CONUS) after supporting the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

These two A-10Cs were announced to arrive at Lajes as Mazda 85-86. Serial numbers:
78-0703 and 79-0194 (marked as 124th Operation Group commander's aircraft). Supporting tanker was KC-135 61-0277 from Kansas.

Both Hogs were part of a surge deployment to reinforce the 81st EFS at Kandahar. Also part of this surge deployment were six additional Hogs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany.

See also:
Two 190th Fighter Squadron A-10s logged at Lajes

Spangdahlem A-10s return from deployment

Today, 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs released their first official info and pictures about the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron's return from Afghanistan:



9/30/2010 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 81st fighter squadron taxi onto ramps one and two September 27 as they return to Spangdahlem AB after a five-month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson) Hi-res

Please note: A-10C 81-0991 in the center, A-10C 81-0976 at left, A-10C 82-0656 at right.



9/30/2010 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – A child waves an American flag as an A-10 Thunderbolt II taxis on ramps one and two September 27, 2010. The A-10 was one of five to return to Spangdahlem after a five-month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson) Hi-res



9/30/2010 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – The family and friends of five returning A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots from the 81st Fighter Squadron hold signs and wave flags on the flightline Sept. 27. The A-10s returned to Spangdahlem Air Base after a five-month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilwson)

/30/2010 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Lt. Col. Douglas Sirk, 81st Fighter Squadron assistant director of operations, hugs his wife and kids September 27, 2010, after returning from a five-month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Colonel Sirk was one of five A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots to return on that day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson)



SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – The family and friends of five returning A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots from the 81st Fighter Squadron hold signs and wave flags on the flightline September 27, 2010. The A-10s returned to Spangdahlem AB after a five-month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson) Hi-res

source

81st EFS A-10Cs caught at Spang's ramp after arrival from Afghanistan deployment

Yesterday, from an old friend and a Warthog News contributor I got an e-mail with the following attached pictures and his permission to publish them on my blog. All shots were taken at the ramp of Spangdahlem AB, Germany, after twelve A-10Cs from the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron returned home after their Operation Enduring Freedom combat deployment at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.



A-10C 82-0654. Full size



A-10C 81-0963. Full size



A-10C 80-0275. Full size



A-10C 81-0976. Full size



A-10C 81-0980.Full size



A-10C 81-0976. Full size



A-10C 82-0656. Full size



A-10C 81-0980. Full size

Please note: All shots were taken by "Mr Brehm". Special thanks to him for providing these pictures exclusively to Warthog News!

And: It looks to me the returned Spang Hogs are not wearing any OEF mission markings.

By the way: There are also some other related arrival shots on the web. Let me try to get permissions to also post those pictures.

First ten 81st EFS A-10Cs returned home to Spang after Afghanistan deployment

As mentioned on the German FlugzeugForum some hours ago, the first ten A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron "Panthers", 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany, returned home today from their recent combat deployment as 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (81st EFS) to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Visual logged by a spotter (user name Black Widow) were the following aircraft:

First wave:
A-10Cs 81-0991, 82-0656, 80-0275, 81-0980 and 81-0976.
Supporting tanker was KC-135R 62-3507 from Mc Dill.

Second wave:
A-10Cs 81-0963, 81-0945, 82-0654, 81-0985 and 82-0649.
Supporting tanker was KC-135T 59-1468 from the Pennsylvania ANG.

Special thanks to this individual spotter for sharing his info. Unfortunately, because of bad weather (it rains in Germany since Saturday evening) he took zero pictures of this arrival.

Aircraft sorted by serial numbers:

80-0275
81-0945 (deployed with the original fighter package)
81-0963
81-0976
81-0980 (deployed with the original fighter package)
81-0985
81-0991
82-0649 (deployed with the original fighter package)
82-0654 (deployed with the original fighter package)
82-0656

Please note:
Originally, the 81st EFS was deployed with 12 aircraft (as usualy). Later, the 81st EFS was reinforced in place by six more 81st FS Hogs and by two ANG Hogs.

Please also note:
Just after Black Widow's serial number post on FlugzeugForum, there were also posted two A-10C arrival shots, taken by another FF user. Unfortunately, these pictures were not more online this evening.

Warm welcome for returning Sabers

Released today by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs:



9/22/2010 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Staff Sgt. Wesley Tandy, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, kisses his newborn daughter, Ava, who was born during his deployment to Afghanistan. Sergeant Tandy was deployed in support of the 81st Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Heather M. Norris) Hi-res

Source

Note: That sounds like some maintenance people and other support personnel already returned home to Spang. In a couple of days the 81st EFS will be replaced by the 75th EFS from Moody AFB, Georgia.

Ammo Airmen support explosive mission

by Senior Airman Melissa B. White
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

8/26/2010 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Building bombs is what they do - a job some might take for granted, or a thought that will never even cross the mind of others.

"Most people seem to think that bombs actually come preassembled, but these Airmen are out here building them with their hands," said Master Sgt. Robert Brown, a munitions systems specialist assigned to the 451st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Munitions Flight at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. "People don't know what it takes to put the bombs together, but we're out here on a daily basis working around explosives."

Even though others might look past jobs like theirs, these 62 Airmen from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, with a handful of others, understand the importance of their jobs.

"I think this job has a direct result on the warfighting capability," said Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Smartt, a conventional maintenance crew chief with the 451st EMXS. "Whenever we build these bombs and the aircrews expend them, we're taking care of the enemy. It's satisfying to have such a large impact on the mission."

Since arriving here in May with the A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron also based at Spangdahlem AB, this munitions flight has supported seven different types of aircraft and built close to 200 bombs.

With at least one more month to go in the flight's deployment, this group of Airmen has recently increased their bomb output compared to previous months.

"It just depends on the tempo. The Taliban have stepped up their operations, so we stepped up ours and we've adapted," said Sergeant Brown.

Other than just building bombs, the ammo Airmen have plenty more to do to keep busy. They are responsible for inspecting all components prior to building, also ensuring the parts don't exceed the service life. Once they build the bombs, they then deliver the completed munitions to the flightline when needed.

"It's very time consuming and it takes a lot of planning and preparation," said Sergeant Smartt.

However, ammo Airmen aren't all about bombs. They are also responsible for replacing the expended 30 mm round ammunition tubes with new rounds for the A-10s. The Airmen have done this for tens of thousands of rounds throughout their rotation. They also build flares for the aircrews and rebuild them when necessary.

"Without us they can't complete their mission," said Sergeant Brown

There is one thing that might be working against this group of Airmen: the heat. However, with temperatures regularly soaring above 110 degrees during summer months, they have found ways to cope with the conditions and work around them.

"We usually build when it's cooler - at night or at the beginning or end of the day - because, as you may notice, we don't have a lot of shade," said Sergeant Smartt.

Nothing seems to be slowing them down as they work before sunrise, singing along to the music from the radio as they get the job done.

"It's the first time deploying for a lot of these Airmen and the morale is good," said Sergeant Brown. "We're here to complete our mission and to do it safely."



Staff Sgt. Misty Lowe tightens the super bolt while Airman 1St Class Anthony Anderson holds the bomb in place August 23, 2010, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Sergeant Lowe and Airman Anderson are munitions systems specialists with the 451st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Munitions Flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chad Chisholm) Hi-res

Source

More A-10Cs are deployed to reinforce the 81st EFS at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan (Update)

According to inofficial sources, at least six unknown A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, together with A-10Cs 78-0703 and 79-0194 from the 190th Fighter Squadron, 124th Wing (Idaho Air National Guard), Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, are deployed to reinforce the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Let me present the main pieces of that info puzzle:

Scramble Messageboard, topic ETAD 30-07-2010

Posted: 30 Jul 2010, 21:18
6 A-10s left ETAD today for LICZ, and then further (south)east for exercise or deployment.

Posted: 02 Aug 2010, 11:35
Sigonella should be first stop. They were going further on, but no clue on destination. Might be short exercise as well.

Scramble Messageboard, topic Lajes (Azores) (LPLA/TER) - 2010 MIL

Posted: 26 Jul 2010, 01:40
Some A-10s should be arriving at Lajes tomorrow (Monday July 26).

Posted: 30 Jul 2010, 17:08
An intresting week at Lajes produced the following,

[...] 28 july
A-10's
78-0703/ID
79-0194/ID
KC-135
60-0336/ZZ
[...]

Posted: 31 Jul 2010, 04:25
The A-10s should be departing tomorrow (Saturday) as Mazda 75 and Mazda 76. They are under CE161.

Posted: 10 Aug 2010, 19:01
Hi J.J. and others,

I have no additional info about the A-10's.

I think that the 2 ID coded A-10's who where at Lajes did a rendezvous at Sigonella with the 6 SP A-10's and then fly futher into Afgan with the ZZ kadena tanker aswel. That ZZ tanker was spotted several days later on Mildenhall.....

Hog grtzzz,
George


Anonymous comments to my post Two 190th Fighter Squadron A-10s logged at Lajes:

- More A-10's went to Kandahar AF from Spangdahlem as well as the guard. They requested more planes down there.

- also the 81st will be there longer since they sent more people and A-10s.


Comment by me: It looks like the two ID Hogs crossed the Atlantic for a first stopover at Lajes Airfield, Azores. The six Spang Hogs departed their home base in Germany for a first stopover at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily. And then, all eight aircraft did a rendezvous at Sigonella to reach their last stopover - Al Udeid AB, Quatar.

After their arrival at Kandahar Airfield, the 81st EFS will comprise 12 + 8 A-10Cs.

Let me point out: Such a reinforcement of A-10s is a first in the history of Operation Enduring Freedom. In the past, we only had replacements in cause of wing cracks.

If the combat deployment of the 81st EFS is extended, which A-10 unit will be their replacement?


I would be very grateful for any more related info and pictures.

General Fraser visits the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron

Released today by 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs:



Lt. Col. Ronald Stuewe Jr. (left), 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, and Gen. William Fraser III (right), commander of Air Combat Command, discuss the capabilities of the A-10 Thunderbolt II during a recent visit July 20, 2010. General Fraser visited various units within the 451st AEW during his visit to Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Chisholm) Hi-res

More A-10Cs are deployed to reinforce the 81st EFS at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan

Please note: This is a breaking news. According to an anonymous source, the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, currently deployed to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, is reinforced by additional A-10s.

Note: Please wait for further details.

Check: Source

New A-10 unit provides close air support

Released today by 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs:



Lt. Col. Ron Stuewe, 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, waits in the cockpit for the crew chiefs to do their post flight checks on the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft upon landing at Kandahar Airfield May 11, 2010. More than 200 members from the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the 81st EAMXS deployed here from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Within a two-week period, approximately a dozen jets arrived on KAF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nancy Hooks) Hi-res

Note: The aircraft is A-10C 81-0945. 1945 marking on the ejection seat, 10945 marking on the canopy rail.

by Tech. Sgt. Renni Thornton
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

5/18/2010 - Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan -- More than 200 Air Force pilots, maintainers and crew chiefs of the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the 81st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron arrived on Kandahar Airfield May 11 to provide close air support throughout Afghanistan.

They are taking over from the Airmen of the 184th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron who have since returned home to Fort Smith, Ark.

"The mission of the unit is to provide close air support for coalition forces," said Lt. Col. Ronald Stuewe, commander, 81st EFS.

"That is the bread and butter of this aircraft and the bread and butter of the mission here. That's what we train to do and that is what we are here to execute," he said.

The two units are scheduled to be deployed here for four months, said Capt. Kathleen Fitzpatrick, commander of the 81st EAMXS.

They are assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
The units brought with them most of the support personnel, maintainers, aircrew flight equipment personnel, intelligence personnel, and medical personnel assigned to their home station, said Captain Fitzpatrick.

The average flying time for the A-10 unit has been low due to aircraft upgrades and flight restrictions at home station, said Colonel Stuewe, but the pilots were able to get phenomenal training hours in the States before coming here, he said.

Although this is the unit's first time at KAF, the A-10 unit has deployed to other locations in the area of responsibility.

"The duration of sorties is a little longer than we normally do but that's to be expected. We are extremely excited."

"One nice thing we like about the location is the proximity to all the back-shop support. It's all right here," he said.

"We are glad to be here and ready to go. We've hit the ground running. We've had a great start to what seems like a fantastic deployment," he said.

"The number one goal for our squadron is 100 percent positive impact to the battle space. That comes across in many forms. Not just pilots flying the aircraft, but our people launching the aircraft, as well," continued Colonel Stuewe.

The fighter squadron has recently completed upgrading the aircraft to the A-10C model, featuring new avionics and software systems.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II maneuvers at low air speeds and altitude and is a highly accurate weapons system. It is used to provide close air support and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

The Thunderbolt IIs have night-vision imaging systems.

The aircraft can survive direct hits from armor-piercing and high-explosive projectiles.

The aircraft's self-sealing fuel cells are protected by internal and external foam.

Other upgrades include glass cockpit displays, moving map, hands on throttle and stick, digital stores management, advanced targeting pod integration, situational awareness data link, variable message format, GPS-guided weapons and upgraded DC power.

Avionics equipment includes multi-band communications, global positioning system and inertial navigations systems, infrared and electronic countermeasures against air-to-air and air-to-surface threats.

Manual systems back up their redundant hydraulic flight-control systems. This permits pilots to fly and land when hydraulic power is lost.



Members of the 81st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare to set a toe bar to the nose wheel of an A-10 Thunderbolt II to push the aircraft back into parking position May 11, 2010. Within a two week period a total of 12 jets arrived on Kandahar Airfield. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nancy Hooks) Hi-res

Note: The aircraft is A-10C 81-0945.



Col. Peter Hunt, 451st Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander, greets Lt. Col. Ron Stuewe, 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, upon arrival to Kandahar Airfield after a four hour flight from Spangdahlem AFB, Germany. The 81st replaced the 188th EFS from Fort Smith, Arkansas, guard unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nancy Hooks) Hi-res

Note: The aircraft is A-10C 81-0945.



A crew chief from the 81st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron gives a signal for the A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot to hold his position as the chalks are put in place May 11, 2010, on Kandahar Airfield. The crew chiefs are conducting post flight checks to make the jet ground safe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nancy Hooks) Hi-res

Note: The aircraft is A-10C 82-0649.



The remaining six A-10 Thunderbolt II jets from Spangdahlem AFB, Germany, arrive at Kandahar Airfield May 11, 2010,after a four hour flight. The Spandahlem team will be replacing the 188th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Arkansas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nancy Hooks) Hi-res

Note: The aircrafts (from left) are A-10Cs 82-0649, 82-0654 and 81-0945.



A crew chief from the 81st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron relays information to an A-10 pilot from Spangdahlem AFB, Germany, here May 11, 2010. Within a two week period a total of 12 jets arrived on Kandahar Airfield. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nancy Hooks) Hi-res

Note: The aircraft is 81-0980. Very nice zoom shot, depicting external fuel tank on center station 6 and MXU-648 baggage pods (also called travel pods) on stations 4 and 8.



The remaining six A-10 Thunderbolt II jets from Spangdahlem AFB, Germany, arrive at Kandahar Airfield May 11, 2010, after a four hour flight. The Spandahlem team will be replacing the 188th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Arkansas. In a two-week period 12 jets arrived on KAF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nancy Hooks) Hi-res

Note: The aircraft is 81-0980.

Source



Cover of The Kandahar Chronicle (May 17, 2010, public online PDF issue), official newspaper of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

From the Warthog News Editor: Special thanks to Senior Airman Nancy Hooks from 451st AEW Public Affairs for their outstanding arrival shots of Spang Hogs at Kandahar Airfield!!! They are very important for the A-10 history books.

Meanwhile, 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs copied this news article to place it on their own website: Source

81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron left Spang for Afghanistan

As mentioned on the Dutch Scramble Message Board, A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, "have gone East!"

And as expected by me for months, elements from the 81st FS with twelve A-10Cs are finally on an Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) combat deployment to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

As mentioned on the German Flugzeugforum - see topic Flugbetrieb in Spangdahlem (ETAD) 2010 - twelve A-10Cs departed Spang already on Thursday, May 6, 2010.

Possibly (and at least usual in the past), their stopovers en route Afghanistan were at Souda Bay, Crete, and at Al Udeid AB, Qatar.

During their AEF (Air Expeditionary Force) rotation (time frame still unknown to me, but four months are usual), the 81st EFS will replace an Air National Guard "Rainbow Team", consisting of personnel and 12 A-10Cs from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG), and from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG).

For their current OEF combat deployment, the 81st FS finally spinned-up during exercise Red Flag 10-03 at Nellis AFB, Nevada.

2009 Colonel James Jabara Award for Airmanship

Released today by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Capt. Travis Burton, 81st Fighter Squadron, poses for a photo in front of A-10 79-0207 after he distinguished himself through heroic actions while serving as A-10 flight lead at Bagram AB, Afghanistan. For his actions, Captain Burton earned the 2009 Colonel James Jabara Award for Airmanship. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Natividad) Hi-res

According to EXIF data, this picture was already taken on 25 January 2008.

According to the original captions, the following three associated pictures were taken at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, as Capt. Travis Burton prepares for flight on March 20th, 2009. In contrast, EXIF data shows 02 January 2008. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Staci Miller)



Hi-res Hi-res Hi-res

Source

Note: Elements from the 81st Fighter Squadron and support personnel were recently deployed with 13 aircraft (including 81-0207) as 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to Bagram AB, Afghanistan, for Operation Enduring Freedom as part of USAF's AEF 1/2 (Cycle 7) rotation (January - April 2008).

See: A-10 Units of Operation Enduring Freedom

Background info:

SULLENBERGER, '73 AND BURTON, '00 WIN THE 2009 JABARA AWARD
March 13, 2009

The United States Air Force Academy is proud to announce that two graduates have won the 2009 Colonel James Jabara Award for Airmanship.

[...] Captain Travis A. Burton, class of 2000, distinguished himself through heroic actions on 24 February 2008, while serving as A-10 flight lead assigned to the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany. On that night, he was tasked to provide close air support for a coalition forces convoy in the vicinity of Sangular Ghar, Afghanistan. The convoy was taking heavy and accurate small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenade fire from the enemy. Captain Burton quickly coordinated with other A-10 aircraft, F-15E aircraft and an unmanned aerial vehicle to assess the situation and formulate a plan. Rugged landscape and deteriorating weather made the task more difficult. Over the next 90 minutes, Captain Burton and other aviators repeatedly struck enemy positions until enemy fire waned. [...]

Source

Related links:
The Jabara Award for Airmanship (Association of Graduates, United States Air Force Academy)
Jabara Award (Wikipedia)

81st Fighter Squadron credited for providing critical CAS in Afganistan

By Joachim Jacob

According to latest USAF news, the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, is "indirect" credited for providing critical close-air support (CAS) during an intense 6,5-hour battle in Shok Valley, Afghanistan, on April 6th, 2008. At that time, elements of the 81st Fighter Squadron with 13 A-10s (79-0207, 80-0281, 81-0945, 81-0951, 81-0952, 81-0963, 81-0966, 81-0976, 81-0978, 81-0983, 81-0984, 81-0992, 82-0649) were deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing (455th AEW) at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, as part of USAF's AEF 1/2 (Cycle 7) rotation (January - April 2008).

Please, at first let me post the latest news. During the next couple of days I will add some related archives news.

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Combat controller receives Air Force Cross, Purple Heart

by Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Office

3/11/2009 - POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (AFNS) -- Tears stood in Sue Rhyner's eyes as she talked about her son, who, in a ceremony March 10 here received the Air Force Cross, the highest military decoration awarded by the service, and a Purple Heart.

Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner of the 21st Special Tactics Squadron from Pope Air Force Base, N.C., received the medal for uncommon valor during Operation Enduring Freedom before a crowd of hundreds dotted with combat controllers' red berets.

The decoration is second only to the Medal of Honor, and is awarded by the president.

"This is overwhelming. I couldn't be prouder," Ms. Rhyner said. "Zac is part of an awesome group of individuals who personify teamwork; something he learned early on being one of five children."

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley presented Sergeant Rhyner the Air Force Cross for his actions during an intense 6.5-hour battle in Shok Valley, Afghanistan, April 6, 2008. The Air Force has not awarded the decoration in more than six years.

"Your actions are now and forever woven into the rich fabric of service, integrity and excellence that has connected generations of America's Airmen since the very inception of airpower," Secretary Donley said to Sergeant Rhyner.

"Rarely do we present an Airman with the Air Force Cross, let alone a Purple Heart, and with good reason. The Air Force Cross is reserved for those who demonstrate unparalleled valor in the face of insurmountable odds."

Secretary Donley added that among the millions who have served, only 192 Air Force Crosses have been awarded.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz also presented Sergeant Rhyner with the Purple Heart. General Schwartz said special forces Soldiers lived to tell the story of the Shok Valley battle thanks to the courage, tenacity, teamwork, as well as the invaluable and selfless efforts of Sergeant Rhyner.

Despite injuries he sustained as the result of persistent insurgent fire, Sergeant Rhyner coordinated more than 50 aerial attacks to continuously repel the enemy during the beleaguering battle that occurred during his first deployment. According to the decoration citation, Sergeant Rhyner "provided suppressive fire with his M-4 rifle against enemy fire while fellow teammates were extracted from the line of fire."

"The team survived this hellish scene ... not by chance, not by luck and not by the failings of a weak or timid foe," General Schwartz said.

The general spoke emotionally and with gratitude for the team's devotion to duty and courage in the line of fire.

"A grateful nation could not be more proud for what you do and no doubt what you will do," the general said.

Lt. Col. Michael Martin, the 21st STS commander, echoed the efforts of Sergeant Rhyner and the aviators from above.

"Zac -- systematically with (F-15E) Strike Eagles, A-10 (Thunderbolt IIs) and AH-64 (Apaches) -- unleashed hell on the enemy," Colonel Martin said. "The enemy had the proverbial high ground that day on those mountain ridge lines, but it was the aviators in the sky who truly held the highest ground."

Colonel Martin credited the 335th Fighter Squadron from Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., and the 81st Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, for providing critical close-air support during the battle. Sergeant Rhyner's demonstration of teamwork among his colleagues and flying units was the linear theme of the ceremony.

For the same battle, an unprecedented 10 special forces Soldiers received Silver Stars, the Army's third highest award for valor in combat.

"It all boils down to teamwork," Colonel Martin said to Sergeant Rhyner. "You did exactly what you get paid to do -- kill the enemy -- and you did a damned good job."

Perhaps Sergeant Rhyner's heroism is bested only by his humility.

"Any other combat controller in the same position would've done just what I did," said the NCO who was a senior airman at the time of the battle.

Sergeant Rhyner's father, Paul Rhyner, said he now has only one expectation for his son and other special forces members in future missions.

"Come home safe; all of you," the elder Rhyner said.

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Strike Eagles protect ground forces in massive firefight

by Staff Sgt. Shawn J. Jones
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/5/2009 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Ten Soldiers who earned silver stars and an Airman who will receive an Air Force Cross March 10 might not be alive today if it were not for 4th Fighter Wing Airmen providing crucial close-air support during an assault on an insurgent stronghold in Afghanistan's Shok Valley last year.

A 130-man assault force of American and Afghan soldiers was flown into the valley by CH-47 Chinook helicopters April 6, 2008, with a mission to capture a top insurgent target who had been funding the insurgency.

As the assault force assembled near a riverbed in the valley's rocky terrain, two 335th Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagles soared above, providing cover and hunting for potential threats from the insurgents' mountainside village stronghold.

Capt. Prichard Keely, a weapons system officer from the 335th FS here, maintained constant communication with the assault force on the ground as they moved upriver and tried to assess how they would enter the stronghold.

Using the Strike Eagle's high-fidelity targeting pods, he could see the insurgents preparing to attack.

"I could see people with weapons moving around on top of the houses," Captain Keely said.

The view provided by the Strike Eagle's targeting pod and vantage point was useful for more than just identifying threats.

"They asked me to get them the best route of ingress from the riverbed to the village itself," he said. "I chose the terrain that was least exposed to enemy gunfire and the easiest point of ingress, while avoiding the most mountain climbing."

A small group broke off from the main assault force and proceeded along the suggested route. They made it up a few of the mountain's terraces, when he saw a muzzle flash at a village window followed by one from the small group on the terrace, the captain said.

A firefight erupted with gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades screaming down from the stronghold at the group on the terrace and the main assault force still in the valley.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner, a joint terminal air controller, was on the terrace. As a JTAC (pronounced jay-tac) and combat controller, his duty is to work alongside the assault force and coordinate air strikes from the ground. As his group was pinned down by enemy gunfire, Sergeant Rhyner called upon airpower to buy the team some time to finish the objective and return the injured to safety.

Sergeant Rhyner requested airstrikes that are considered danger-close, which means the small team of Soldiers on the terrace was not a safe distance away from the target area and could possibly get hurt.

At that point, the captain said "It just got very real."

Additionally, while the main assault force was just within the safe zone of the danger-close air strikes, they were positioned below the target area, which means falling rock and other debris would become a significant hazard.

Releasing ordnance that could harm American servicemembers and allied Afghans presented a moral challenge for Captain Keely.

"It was pretty overwhelming, but you just take a deep breath and do exactly what you are trained to do," he said. "We knew it needed to happen, and we knew it was one of the only ways they were going to make it out of there."

Fighter jets weren't the only aircraft providing close air support. While Sergeant Rhyner coordinated air strikes with the Strike Eagles, Staff Sgt. Rob Gutierrez, another Air Force JTAC with the main assault force, called in airstrikes from Army AH-64 Apache helicopters. After nearly an hour of fighting, two A-10 Warthogs also arrived. Captain Keely said communication between the various aircraft and between the air and ground forces was executed well, which significantly contributed to the mission.

"It was a fully integrated Army-Air Force joint-air attack team," he said.

Combined firepower from the assault force and the aircraft allowed the terrace team to return to the main assault force, though several had been hit by enemy gunfire.

"It was pretty intense," he said. "It was one of the most intense things I have ever experienced, knowing that those guys are getting shot at and knowing there are only a couple of things I can do to try to help them."

Captain Keely, his pilot Major James Scheideman, 335th FS, and their Wingman remained in the fight for three hours, receiving in-air refueling twice, before being relieved by two other Strike Eagle aircrews. While the peak of the fight had passed, it was difficult for the captain to leave before it was truly over.

"We had run out of gas, and we had run out of munitions," he said. "You just wish there was one more thing you could do to keep those guys safe."

By the end of the fight, between 150 and 200 insurgents were killed, according to reports. Numerous American and Afghan ground forces were injured and two Afghans were killed, but without airpower and the aircrew putting needed bombs on target, there could have been countless more.

While Captain Keely said he was most impressed by the heroism of the ground forces that day in Shok Valley, he acknowledges the results would have been much different had airpower not delivered.

"I think there would have been significantly more losses," he said.

Sergeant Rhyner echoed the captain's sentiments.

"I think the situation would have been a lot worse had we not had airpower," Sergeant Rhyner said.

The captain said the Strike Eagle performed admirably. The multi-role fighter jet was designed to excel in fighting environments like Shok Valley. Its ability to carry more ordnance than any other fighter jet combined with its large fuel capacity make the Strike Eagle an ideal weapon for the prolonged close-air support mission.

Having two crew members also offers significant advantages over single-seat fighter jets.

"Task management is really a huge advantage," he said.

The pilot can concentrate on flying, while the weapons systems officer can communicate with ground forces and other aircraft, or both can communicate simultaneously. The captain said splitting task management was particularly useful when his Strike Eagle required an in-air refuel during the fight.

"I can stay in combat mode while the pilot can concentrate on getting to the tanker, receiving fuel and getting back on station," he said.

Captain Keely defers most of the praise from Shok Valley to the ground forces that were in danger and the fighter jet he operates. He remains humble about his personal contributions.

"It makes me want to do more," he said. "In our position, we can make a significant difference in the lives of people in the Army and the people of Afghanistan."

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