Common goals

Cadet First Class Kevin Fogler, a senior and receiver for the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons, tries his hand at the 917th Wing's A-10 simulator at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. Dec. 23, 2010. Cadet Fogler and several other cadets made a visit to the simulator after a luncheon with local civic leaders and servicemembers at the Barksdale Club. The USAFA cadets were in town for the Advocare V 100 Independence Bowl, where they squared off against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. The USAFA Falcons won the contest 14-7. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res



by Lt. Col. Joseph C. Jones
Commander, 93rd Bomb Squadron

1/7/2011 - Barksdale AFB, La. -- When the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets matched up against the United States Air Force Academy Fighting Falcons in the Advocare V100 Independence Bowl, it represented the culmination of post-season play for two outstanding centers of higher learning. No doubt, it was a hard fought game between two fine athletic programs; but, when it comes to the defense of this nation, Georgia Tech and the United States Air Force are avowed partners in the current conflict.

In modern warfare, situational awareness is everything. In combat SA is simple in its requirements and very complex in its execution. Distilled down to its most simple components, it is simply knowing where you are and where the enemy is located.

Georgia Tech, in conjunction with the United States Air Force, has collaborated in the development of Portable Flight Planning Software and Falcon View map overlay. Portable Flight Planning Software is the primary mission planning system for development of routes and tactical plans for combat operations. The software is used by a wide range of Air Force operators from F-16 fighter jets to B-52 bombers. Indeed, most combat aviators in the Air Force are user's of this combat planning system.

Falcon View adds the map overlay and provides a moving map display for most common tactical charts, maps and satellite imagery. For a combat operator, it's simple, when he views the mission on Falcon View in the aircraft, he sees his aircraft track along the planned route of flight on a real-time map overlay much like an airborne version of commonly used global positioning systems (GPS) for automobiles that have become almost indispensible in modern life.

The Independence Bowl has been an annual event in the Shreveport Bossier area since 1976. On several occasions, the 917 Wing, which consists of A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter jets and B-52 Stratofortress bombers, has provided the flyby for the opening ceremonies for the event. This flyby was special in that the crew and aircraft are all combat veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The crew and even the aircraft were handpicked to participate in this special occasion. The aircraft is the famed "SAC TIME" and the history of her nose art can be traced back to the 1940s!

When the B-52 Stratofortress "SAC TIME" made her debut before the Advocare V100 Independence Bowl crowd Dec. 27, 2010, her crew was using Portable Flight Planning Software and Falcon View developed by Georgia Tech to execute the flyby for the stadium crowd and countless viewers on ESPN 2.

"SAC TIME" was built in 1961, and is aircraft 61-1029. She saw combat in Operation Enduring Freedom and has participated in every major combat operation in the Afghanistan Theater of Operation.

A "politically correct" version of World War II nose art that adorned the nose of B-17 bombers in the European Theater is visible on the nose of "SAC TIME." Her dedicated crew-chief, Master Sgt. Robert Slansky, selected "SAC TIME" as the nose art for his aircraft and modeled his wife for this historic depiction. "SAC TIME" carries 18 "Tomahawks" on her nose to mark the number of times she pressed the attack against our terrorist enemies.

The crew for the flyby was chosen to mirror the demographics of the current combat air forces and represents the Total Force Enterprise - the Regular Air Force and the Air Force Reserve servicemembers, who work side-by-side on a daily basis at Barksdale AFB.

Colonel Keith Schultz, 307th Operations Group commander, was joined by Lt. Col. Joseph "Doc" Jones, commander, 93rd Bomb Squadron, Lt. Col. Denis Heinz, assistant director of operations, 93d BS, Lt. Col. Chris Talbot, radar navigator instructor, Maj. Sam Smith, an 11th Bomb Squadron B-52 flight instructor, and Capt. Timothy Pierce, senior instructor radar navigator, who is also with the 11th BS.

When a crowd of football fans see an aircraft above their stadium, it could not have been possible without the work of dedicated Airman on the ground. Their support of flying operations makes it all possible. The crew chiefs for "SAC TIME" were Tech. Sgt. Jessie Brouillette and Senior Airman Teddie Hardy. The launch crew for this particular event was Sergeant Brouillette, and Staff Sgt. Jermey Vickers. Sergeants Brouillette and Vickers are Reservists assigned to the 917th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, while Airman Hardy is a Regular Air Force servicemember from the 2nd Bomb Wing Airman working with the 917th AMXS.

Assisting in the coordination of the flyby were Senior Airmen Aaron Kimmel and Sean Mitchell, who are Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, assigned to Det 1, 20th Air Support Operations Squadron, and Senior Airman Matt Roberts, who is a JTAC with the 122nd ASOS at Camp Beauregard, La.

This year's crowd at the Advocare V100 Independence Bowl will have a lot of memories to tuck away for years to come. They may remember the roar of the B-52 Stratofortress as it performed a flyby before the kick off. They may remember the USAFA interception that shut down the final Georgia drive with 14 seconds left on the clock. They may just remember a brisk winter evening in Shreveport, La., spent with family or friends watching the U.S. Air Force Academy's 14-7 win over Georgia Tech. But, for some it will be the memory of two college football teams who came together one day for battle. And, still for others it will be the memory of two colleges who came together to help battle our nation's enemies.

Source

After deactivating the 917th Wing at Barksdale the A-10C mission will continue with the 917th Fighter Group

By Joachim Jacob

As announced already some weeks ago, on January 8, 2011, the 917th Wing at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, was deactivated. During the related ceremonies the 307th Bomb Wing (as a B-52 Stratofortress unit) was reactivated, and the 917th Operations Group was re-designated as the 917th Fighter Group - an A-10C unit.

Let me present the latest official news:

917th heritage continues as fighter group

by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

1/13/2011 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- When the 917th Wing was deactivated here Jan. 8, it did not signal the end of the 917th designation because the wing's 917th Operations Group was re-designated as the 917th Fighter Group.

In a ceremony presided over by Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., commander of Air Force Reserve Command, the flag of the 917th Fighter Group was uncased, formally re-designating it as an A-10 Thunderbolt II unit.

Col. Eric Overturf, commander of the 442nd Fighter Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., accepted the new flag from General Stenner. The new fighter group is now part of the 442nd FW.

"I'm proud to be your commander," said Colonel Overturf to the Airmen of the 917th FG. "Make no mistake ... you can rest assured when the nation calls on the 917th for airpower, we'll answer the call, and we'll be ready."

The 917th Wing flag was furled and encased, thus signifying the end of the wing's mission and serving as a final symbol of closure for all those, past and present, who were a part of the wing.

The A-10 close-air-support aircraft previously assigned to the 917th WG will remain at Barksdale. The fighter group will be assigned to the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., and will be gained by Air Combat Command, Langley AFB, Va.

"We're losing the A-10s to Whiteman, but they'll still be here. We will still support them, but we are focusing on the bombers," said Brig. Gen. John J. Mooney III, 307th Bomb Wing commander and former commander of the 917th Wing.

The 917th Wing started in 1963 at Barksdale as a troop carrier. General Stenner noted that its lineage has changed over the years, but the unit has never deactivated. He said members of the unit past and present can be proud of what they have achieved and will continue to achieve.

Source

307th Bomb Wing reactivates at Barksdale

by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

1/12/2011 - Barksdale AFB, La. -- A crowd of more than 900 witnessed Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., commander of Air Force Reserve Command, preside over ceremonies deactivating the 917th Wing, re-designating the 917th Operations Group as the 917th Fighter Group and reactivating of the 307th Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Jan. 8, 2011.

Brig. Gen. John J. Mooney III, commander, 307th Bomb Wing, accepted the wing's colors from the presiding officer and in doing so accepted the charge of leading the members of his command and upholding the unit's honor and traditions, as well as the mission of the new Air Force Reserve wing.

General Mooney said he was thankful for the opportunity he has been given to lead the AFRC and 10th Air Force in strengthening the nuclear enterprise of this great nation.

"The 307th Bomb Wing is first and foremost a combat wing with a sole focus on strategic nuclear deterrence and global strike. We will embrace 'Deter and Assure.' At our heart will be a culture of rigorous compliance and continued dedication to excellence," General Mooney said.

The new Air Force Reserve wing will also focus on B-52 aircrew training and the bombing mission.

The 307th Bomb Wing was activated as the 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in 1942. The unit was deactivated on Sept. 30, 1975, after the end of the Vietnam War.

The 307th BW will report to the Tenth Air Force, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Ft. Worth, Texas, and will be gained by the Air Force Global Strike Command. Headquarters Air Force at the Pentagon directed these new actions in support of AFGSC which is also located at Barksdale and will oversee Air Force nuclear weapons training and operations at the new unit.

Scattered through the audience at Hoban Hall for the reactivation ceremony were approximately 40 alumni of the 307th Bomb Wing from the Korean, Vietnam and Cold War eras. Most traveled many miles to witness the reactivation.

"I expected this would be my last great adventure," said Master Sgt. (Ret) Loren Longman, an 88 year-old veteran of the 307th, who traveled from Tampa, Fla., by car. "It was my honor to be a part of the reactivation."

To show the alumni how their heritage will be kept alive, they were escorted through the 307th BW headquarters building where historic artifacts and photos are prominently displayed throughout the hallways. Many of the veterans expressed their gratitude for the unexpected briefings at B-52 and A-10 displays after the ceremonies.

"Today we are in the company of patriots, hero's, members of the greatest generation ... the legacy of the 307th Bomb Wing is legendary, from Wake Island to Rabaul - YAP - TRUK - PALAU - BALIKAN - 5,800 SORTIES OVER KOREA AND ARC LIGHT SORTIES DURING VIETNAM. We are honored to have been chosen to continue this great heritage," said General Mooney.

As General Mooney concluded his remarks, he looked out into the audience and spoke to the men and women of the 917th FG and 307th BW.

"In you, I see the highly disciplined and elite team of citizen Airmen who are undertaking this mission, fully understanding the special trust and responsibility placed on us by our nation for the most powerful weapons in its arsenal. Thank you for your commitment and service. I know you will make the two organizations that stood up here today the finest in the AFRC and the U.S. Air Force ... Thank you."



Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., commander of the Air Force Reserve Command, presents the 307th Bomb Wing flag to Brig. Gen. John J. Mooney III, during reactivation ceremonies at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 8, 2011. During the same ceremonies, the 917th Operations Group was re-designated as the 917th Fighter Group and the 917th Wing was deactivated. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Travis Robertson) Hi-res

Source




The Shreveport Times reported:

Wings shift at Barksdale Air Force Base

By John Andrew Prime • jprime@gannett.com • January 9, 2011

A week of historic changes at Barksdale Air Force Base ended Saturday with formalities.

On Jan. 1, the 917th Wing deactivated after 47 years as the Reserve component on the base, and the 307th Bomb Wing stood up in its place. The names and numbers changed then on the base's gates and atop Hoban Hall, but it was inside that hall Saturday where the formalities that mattered took place in front of an honor section of 307th veterans and today's men and women who make up the unit.

"It has been a week to remember here at Shreveport-Barksdale Air Force Base, has it not?" said Air Force Reserve chief Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., who spoke without notes or a teleprompter for 12 minutes before a crowd that included leadership of Air Force Global Strike Command, 2nd Bomb Wing and local communities, as well as representatives of 8th Air Force and U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu's office.
The flag-furling and unfurling ceremonies marked the final separation of powers and assets on units at the base as part of the Air Force focusing its attention on its nuclear mission.

With the changes formalized Saturday, the bombers that had been under the 917th Wing now work with the 307th as part of the reinvigorated nuclear enterprise spearheaded by Global Strike Command. The A-10 fighters of the 917th Wing now will fly under the 917th Fighter Group here, but under the command of the 442nd Fighter Wing of Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

"Those are not just numbers," said Col. Eric S. Overturf, the 442nd's commander. "Those units, the history that we see here, that legacy of valor, is what gives us something to work for in the Air Force today."

It streamlines operations, he said. "All of the A-10s in the Air Force Reserve Command are going to be brought together in one unit. All will come under a single command."

In addition to the revised lines of command, the mission of the tough, speedy fighters here also will change, he said.

"For those of you out there in BDUs, you'll be going into combat, there's no doubt in my mind."

Brig. Gen. John J. Mooney III, who in the one ceremony relinquished command of the 917th Wing as it deactivated and assumed command of the 307th Bomb Wing, noted that his new unit "is first and foremost a combat wing ... with a sole focus on strategic nuclear deterrence and global strike. At our heart will be a culture of rigorous compliance and continued dedication to excellence."

In addition, he said, "we will continue to partner with the 2nd Bomb Wing to provide first and foremost combat capability and secondly the very best trained and prepared bomber aircrews in the world."

Stenner noted the proud histories of the units involved, and noted their transition over the decades, as well as the Air Force Reserve, in response to changing threats and defense needs.

"We evolve. We make happen the things that need to happen," he said. "I believe that there is no better place that we could do this that right here at Barksdale."

Source

Editorial: Further evidence that Barksdale means jobs

January 5, 2011

News this week out of Barksdale further emphasizes the important role the Air Force base plays in the nation's defense, in general, and in its nuclear mission, in particular.

Splitting off the 917th Wing's B-52 bomber components and putting them in the reactivated 307th Bomb Wing under the supervision of locally headquartered Global Strike Command further streamlines the command structure of the United States' nuclear defense program and brings to Barksdale an enlarged mission to train B-52 crews.

The move also is significant in that it marks the Air Force Reserve Command's first venture into the U.S. nuclear enterprise, Brig. Gen. John Mooney, commander of the 917th Wing, told The Times.

The restructuring also further underlines the fact that Barksdale means jobs, and local jobs at that. That's critical when the unemployment remains high — 7.3 percent in Shreveport-Bossier City Metropolitan Statistical Area and 9.8 percent nationally in November.

It's good news that the A-10 fighters and personnel of the historic 47th Fighter Squadron will physically remain at Barksdale — meaning no job loss — despite the fact that they will be part of the new 917th Fighter Group, which will fall under the command of the 442nd Fighter Wing in Missouri.

In fact, as a result of splitting the 917th Wing's B-52 bomber and A-10 fighter components — which occurred Saturday and will be publicly marked Saturday with the furling of one set of flags and the unfurling of another, Shreveport-Bossier City has gained about 20 jobs over the past few months and will see 65 to 70 more full-time positions in the near future.

Those numbers are not near the 950 to 1,000 jobs created by Global Strike Command, But the economic impact of the restructuring will be further enhanced by another 160 or so personnel who will serve a weekend a month here.

Under the 307th Bomb Wing, the 343rd Bomb Squadron has brought in the equivalent of about five crews plus a commander and support forces. The new associated 707th Maintenance Squadron will mean 230 new billets, including the 65 to 70 full-timers in need of housing, etc.

The remaining 160 or so weekend-only personnel also will need housing — at least temporary lodging in hotels and motels — and will bring associated spending. Some of those, in turn, could decide they could do their civilian jobs here just as easily and opt to move to the Shreveport-Bossier City area as well.

"It's a huge week for Team Barksdale," Mooney proclaimed. And for Shreveport-Bossier City, we might add.

Source


The Bossier Press-Tribune reported:

Barksdale wing deactivates, reactivates

Tuesday, 04 January 2011 15:43 Press-Tribune Staff News - Military News

Bossier Press-Tribune

BARKSDALE AFB, La. - The 917th Wing at Barksdale officially deactivated, Jan. 1, and reactivated as the 307th Bomb Wing.

At the same time, the 917th Fighter Group activated and provide support to the 47th Fighter Squadron.

The official ceremony will be held on Jan. 8 at 2 p.m., Hoban Hall, Barksdale AFB, La.

The 917th Wing was originally formed as the 917th Troop Carrier Group on Jan 17, 1963, at Barksdale, equipped with the C-124 Globemaster II. In 1971, the unit changed from the C-124 to the A-37 Dragonfly, and then the A-10 Thunderbolt II, in 1983.

In 1993, the 917th Wing added the B-52 to their A-10s and became a dual aircraft Wing. As one of the largest Wing's in the Air Force Reserve Command, their mission was to equip, train and employ combat capable aircraft and aircrews in support of theater commanders' war plans.

The 307th Bomb Wing reactivation will bring a new mission to train B-52 aircrew to employ the B-52 in combat. The A-10s will remain at Barksdale, but fall under the 442nd Fighter Wing, 917th Fighter Group, Whiteman AFB, Mo.

Air Force Reserve Command's leadership decided to activate the 307th Bomb Wing for the B-52 mission areas, and re-designate the 917th Fighter Group to accomplish the A-10 support requirements.

"Due to the formal training unit in support of B-52 operations between AFRC's 917th Wing and Global Strike Command's 2nd Bomb Wing, there was a necessity to change the focus of the 917th from both bomber and fighter to bomber only," said Brig. Gen. John J. Mooney III, current 917th Wing commander and new 307th Bomb Wing commander. "The U.S. nuclear arsenal forms the ultimate backstop of our nation's strategic defense - deterring potential adversaries and reassuring allies. Activating the 307th will make a more effective and efficient organization that leverages the unique strengths of the bomber force at Barksdale as we form a more cohesive and effectivecombat wing."

Source


Official 917th Wing background info (archived)

MISSION
The 917th is a composite wing which operates both the A-10A Thunderbolt II and the B-52H Stratofortress. Located at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., the Wing employs approximately 1,600 Air Force Reserve personnel. The mission of the 47th Fighter Squadron is to train student pilots to fly the A-10. The primary mission of the 93rd Bomb Squadron is to conduct strategic heavy bombardment and maritime operations in the B-52.

HISTORY
The 917th Wing was originally formed as the 917th Troop Carrier Group on Jan. 17, 1963, at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and was assigned to the 435th Troop Carrier Wing. Its mission was to administer and support its assigned 78th Troop Carrier Squadron, which was equipped with C-124s.

On July 1, 1963, both the group and squadron were reassigned to the 442nd Troop Carrier Wing because their new gaining command, Military Air Transport Service, wanted all five Air Force Reserve C-124 Groups assigned to the same wing. The units were reassigned to the 512th Troop Carrier Wing on March 25, 1965.

Reflecting similar changes in the active force, the 917th was re-designated twice -- to the 917th Air Transport Group in 1965, and then to the 917th Military Airlift Group in 1966. The 917th Military Airlift Group was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its exceptional safety record of more than 55,000 accident-free flying hours and global support missions.

As the A-37 Dragonfly conversion began on April 13, 1971, the group was reassigned to the 434th Special Operations Wing. On April 26, 1972, the unit was re-designated the 917th Special Operations Group, with Tactical Air Command as the gaining major air command.

As the hardware and missions changed, the unit was re-designated the 917th Tactical Fighter Group on October 1, 1973. The 78th Troop Carrier Squadron was subsequently deactivated and replaced by the 47th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

Assigned to the 434th Tactical Fighter Wing at Grissom Air Force Base, Ind., the 917th reached combat-ready status 45 days ahead of schedule and garnered honors as the first fighter group in the Air Force Reserve to achieve this distinction.

When the A-37B Dragonfly was eventually phased out, the group converted to the A-10 Thunderbolt II airframe. The 917 TFG assumed replacement-training responsibilities on October 1, 1983. This ultimately led to the creation of the 46th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, in addition to the 926th Tactical Fighter Group in New Orleans, La.

Due to Air Force restructuring in June 1992, Tactical Air Command was combined with Strategic Air Command to form Air Combat Command. The 917th Tactical Fighter Wing joined Air Combat Command and "Tactical" was dropped from its name.

On Oct. 1, 1993, the 917th Fighter Wing saw important changes once again. The 46th Fighter Training Squadron was deactivated when the active-duty Air Force took control of all fighter replacement training. On this same day, the 917th became the first unit in Air Force Reserve history to acquire a strategic mission: B-52s were added to the wing make-up and the 93rd Bomb Squadron was activated. Now a composite wing, the 917th dropped "Fighter" from its name and became the 917th Wing.

In December 1993, the wing deployed its aircraft, personnel and equipment to Aviano Air Base, Italy, to support the United Nations' no-fly rule over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Dubbed "Operation Deny Flight," the 917th returned to Aviano Air Base in August 1994 and again in May 1995 to uphold the U.N. ban on military flights in the Bosnia-Herzegovina airspace.

In November 1995, the 917th Wing was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, for exceptionally meritorious service during deployments to support Operation Deny Flight and successfully converting a fighter unit to the Reserve's first heavy bomber unit. Oct. 7, 1996, marked the return of pilot training to the 917th as the 47th Fighter Squadron became an A-10 replacement-training unit.

The Wing again received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in December 1999, primarily for winning the Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award and Secretary of Defense Award for the Self-Inspection Tracking System. The award also noted the unit's sponsorship of the STARBASE program. Which creates interest in math, science, and technology by using an aviation theme. Also, that year the 917th Maintenance Squadron won the Maintenance Effectiveness Award.

In September 2000 the Wing again won the Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award for the Smart Pay Tracking System.

The 917th Wing hosts one other Reserve unit at Barksdale: Detachment 1, 307th Civil Engineering Squadron, RED HORSE (Rapid Engineering Deployable, Heavy Operational Repair Squadron, Engineer).

In September 2001, the 93rd Bomb Squadron received war-tasking orders and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. At the same time security policemen, firefighters, maintenance personnel and various other personnel from the 917th Wing were also activated in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NOBLE EAGLE.

In September 2002, the 93rd Bomb Squadron returned home from a forward operating area and activated reservists were demobilized. In March 2003, approximately 250 personnel from the 917th Wing mobilized again to support the war on terrorism through Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. They deployed in support of Central, European, and Pacific Commands.

In August 2003, Wing personnel returned to Barksdale where they remain operation ready to support and defend. In December 2003 the Wing was again awarded the Outstanding Unit Award for their participation in the war against terrorism for the period 1 Oct 01 - 1 Aug 03.

In January 2005, the 917th Wing deployed six B-52 and approximately 300 personnel to Anderson AFB, Guam as part of a 60-day Air and Space Expeditionary Force rotation to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the Asian-Pacific region.

In 2006 under Base Realignment and Closure the 917 WG gained eight A-10 aircraft and a number of full-time and part-time positions.

In December 2007, the 917th Wing Command Post merged with the 2d Bomb Wing Command Post to become one integrated force, called the Barksdale Command Post as part of the total force concept.

In 2008, the 917th Civil Engineers Squadron became part of a test program for integrating active duty and reserve civil engineers to include the Readiness Flight called the ECS Test Program.

In December 2008, the 93rd Bomb Squadron won top honors at the five day Buff Smoke competition held at Barksdale. They won four out of the five top award; Best Squadron, Best Crew, Best Aircraft Maintenance Unit, and Best Crew Chief Awards.

(Current as of January 2009)

Maj. Aristotle "So-Crates" Rabanal makes final flight with the 47th Fighter Squadron

Released by 917th Wing Public Affairs:



12/23/2010 - Maj. Aristotle Rabanal, 47th Fighter Squadron pilot, taxis an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft to its parking spot after returning from his last sortie with the squadron on Dec. 21, 2010, 917th Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt Greg Steele) Hi-res

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Please note: All related pictures will be uploaded soon.

Change is in the air

Released by 917th Wing Public Affairs:



12/20/2010 - With new shields in place, the 917th Wing Headquarters building stands ready for future changes at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 17, 2010. The 917th Wing is preparing to be deactivated, and the 307th Bomb Wing reactivated in ceremonies at Hoban Hall on Barksdale AFB, Jan. 8, 2011. In addition to those changes, the 917th Operations Group will be re-designated as the 917th Fighter Group in the same ceremonies. Although the equipment and personnel assigned to the 917 FG will remain at Barksdale, command and control for the unit will fall under the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

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Professional Pilot magazine visits 917th Wing

Released by 917th Wing Public Affairs:



An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 47th Fighter Squadron sits on the ramp as a B-52 Stratofortress from the 917th Wing lifts off the runway behind it at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 10, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10 79-0945.








Phil Rose, managing editor, Professional Pilot magazine, flies a sortie in an A-10 simulator under the watchful eye of Capt. Grant McCall, standardization and evaluations liaison officer, 47th Fighter Squadron, at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 10, 2010. Mr. Rose was at Barksdale gathering information for a story about the professional pilots of the 917th Wing for an upcoming issue of the Professional Pilot magazine to be published in early 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res





Jack Sykes, art director, Professional Pilot magazine, proves you can perform a "crash and burn" scenario in an A-10 simulator, as he inadvertently rolls his jet into the ground during a familiarization session at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 10, 2010. Mr. Sykes, under the professional tutelage of Capt. Grant McCall, standardization and evaluations liaison officer, 47th Fighter Squadron, recovered from his death defying act of courage and went on to down a bogie during his visit to the 47th FS, bringing his final results to one won and one lost. Mr. Sykes was at Barksdale gathering information and taking photos for a story about the professional pilots of the 917th Wing for an upcoming issue of the Professional Pilot magazine to be published in early 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

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STARBASE; Engaging young minds

Released today by 917th Wing Public Affairs:



12/14/2010 - Maj. Maurice J. Kent, A-10 fighter pilot, 917th Operations Support Squadron, fields questions from a group of Caddo Heights Elementary School 5th Grade students during a briefing about the A-10 Thunderbolt II at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 10, 2010. The students are attending STARBASE Louisiana, at Barksdale, one of 60 national STARBASE sites. It is sponsored by the 917th Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command. The program presents an exciting 25-hour hands on/minds on aviation and aerospace curriculum to area 5th grade students and their teachers. The DoD program is committed to addressing the critical needs in STEM education - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - STARBASE Louisiana introduces its students to exciting STEM education topics, inspiring these young minds to further explore these topics in future course work. Meadowview Elementary is part of the Bossier Parish School System. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is a preserved A-10 with an old camouflage.

December UTA happenings

Released by 917th Wing Public Affairs:

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Please note: Related pictures will be uploaded soon.

47th Fighter Squadron A-10C caught at D-M November 16, 2010

At Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, Warthog News contributor Ned Harris had the opportunity to take the following shot:



A-10C 79-0120. AATC. Note the Sniper targeting pod. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

917th Wing is shaping futures

Released by 917th Wing Public Affairs:



11/10/2010 - Lt. Col. Peter Olson, a Regular Air Force instructor pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, fields questions from a group of Meadowview Elementary School 5th Grade students during a briefing about the A-10 Thunderbolt II at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Nov. 8, 2010. The students are attending STARBASE Louisiana, at Barksdale, one of 60 national STARBASE sites. It is sponsored by the 917th Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command. The program presents an exciting 25-hour hands on/minds on aviation and aerospace curriculum to area 5th grade students and their teachers. The DoD program is committed to addressing the critical needs in STEM education - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - STARBASE Louisiana introduces its students to exciting STEM education topics, inspiring these young minds to further explore these topics in future course work. Meadowview Elementary is part of the Bossier Parish School System. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Arkansas community shows support for veterans

Released today by 917th Wing Public Affairs:



11/8/2010 - Families of the Fouke, Ark community observe two 917th Wing A-10 Thunderbolt II as they flyover the Fouke, Ark. Veterans Park Dedication, Nov. 6, 2010. The park was dedicated after several years of fundraising and hard work put in by the local community. The city raised approximately $120,000 for the park that will honor past, present and future veterans. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt Greg Steele) Hi res

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Jagello 2000 members visit 917 Wing

Released by 917th Wing Public Affairs:



Lt. Col. Joseph Jones, 93rd Bomb Squadron commander, talks about the capabilities of the A-10 Thunderbolt II with Zbynek Pavlacik, Jagello 2000 Association chairman, during his visit to the 917th Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., on Oct. 26, 2010. The Jagello 2000 Association is a top Czech Republic nonprofit, nongovernmental organization in the field of public and defense diplomacies, focusing on the presentation of NATO and security politics for the general public. It is also the main sponsor of the NATO Days in Ostrava air show, which was held Sept. 18-19, 2010, in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The 917th Wing supplied a B-52H Stratofortress and personnel in support of the air show, which marked the first-time a B-52 visited the Czech Republic. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele)

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Ratican completes final flight with 47th FS

Updated October 28, 2010

Yesterday, that was a breaking news, released by 917th Wing Public Affairs. And today, we got the hi-res pictures.



Capt. Adam Ratican, a 47th Fighter Squadron instructor pilot, taxis in his A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft after returning from his last flight with the 47th FS squadron on Oct. 19, 2010, at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Hi-res



Capt. Adam Ratican, a 47th Fighter Squadron instructor pilot, gets a wet down from Capt. Jason Cobb, 47th FS instructor pilot, after returning from his final flight with the squadron on Oct. 19, 2010, at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Hi-res



Capt. Adam Ratican, a 47th Fighter Squadron instructor pilot, goes after Capt. Jason Cobb, 47th FS instructor pilot, after being wet down upon returning from his final flight with the squadron on Oct. 19, 2010, at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Hi-res



A 4-ship of 47th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft led by Capt. Adam Ratican, a 47FS instructor pilot, flies overhead during his final flight with the “Terrible Termites” on Oct. 19, 2010, at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Hi-res

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47th FS A-10C caught at D-M October 8, 2010

At Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, Warthog News contributor Ned Harris from the United States had the opportunity to take the following picture:



AATC A-10C 79-0120 from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Wing (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, on final approve. LITENING AT targeting pod on station 10. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

Early birds catch the sunrise

Released by 917th Wing Public Affairs:



10/5/2010 - The sun slowly peaks over buildings on the southern ramp on Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, as members of the 917th Wing start their Unit Training Assembly weekend October 1, 2010. The 917th Wing is a composite wing which operates both the A-10A Thunderbolt II and the B-52H Stratofortress. Located at Barksdale AFB, the Wing employs approximately 1,700 Air Force Reserve personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

A-10 pilots speak at local AFA Chapter quarterly social

by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
917th Wing Public Affairs

9/30/2010 - Barksdale AFB, La. -- Two A-10 pilots assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., were guest speakers at the Air Force Association ARK-LA-TEX Chapter #159 quarterly social at the Barksdale Club, Sept. 24, 2010.

Lt. Col. Rodney Glass, flight safety officer, 917th Wing, and Lt. Col. Robert Hetland, flight commander, 47th FS, informed and entertained the group with information about the future of the 917th Wing and the 47th FS, as well as stories on the mission capabilities and experiences in the ongoing areas of responsibilities in Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to the AFA Louisiana Ark-La-Tex website, the Association provides an organization through which we, as free people, may unite: to advocate for and support the men and women of the United States Air Force; to address the defense responsibilities of our nation imposed by the many advances in aerospace technology that have been and will continue to be made; to educate the members and the public at large as to what those men and women and technology contribute to the security of free people and the betterment of mankind; and to advocate and support military preparedness of the United States and its allies in order to adequately maintain the security of the United States and the free world.

The quarterly social, which included dinner, was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance by Lt. Col. (Ret) Tony Wolf, followed by a poem and invocation by Lt. Col. Jim Huggins.

Current President Chief Master Sgt, (Ret) Jack Skaggs, who acted as emcee for the event, also announced the chapter's new officers.

President - Albert Yantis
Vice President - Dick Kittler
Secretary: Jim Huggins
Treasurer: David Bird

For more information concerning the Air Force Association, check out these websites:

Air Force Association
http://www.afa.org/

Air Force Association ARK-LA-TEX Chapter #159
http://www.afalouisiana.org/

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Master Sergeant James W. Jones retires

9/15/2010 - Chief Master Sergeants Stacy Bauer and Cary Johnson congratulate Master Sgt. (Ret) James W. Jones at the reception after his retirement ceremony at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, September 11, 2010. Sergeant Jones, who began his military career in 1973 as a Marine, enlisted in the Air Force Reserves in 1984. At the time of his retirement, Sergeant Jones was the A-10 phase dock night shift phase coordinator for the 917th Maintenance Squadron at Barksdale. He was responsible for managing the scheduled maintenance of more than 25 A-10 aircraft and supervising 11 Airmen. Sergeant Jones was a member of the 926th Fighter Wing at New Orleans prior to its' closing under the Base Realignment and Closure that relocated to the 917th Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Hi-res

917th Wing conducts specialized rescue exercises

Senior Airman Joaquin Martinez, 917th Maintenance Squadron, fuels systems specialist, simulates taking a reading with an oxygen level meter during a Confined Space Rescue Exercise conducted at the 917 Maintenance Squadron fuels section hangar, September 11, 2010. Fuels personnel from the 917th Wing conducted the training for 917th Wing and 2nd Bomb Wing personnel who work together under the Total Force Integration program at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. Qualified confined space personnel assigned to the 917 MXS Fuels Section and authorized fire department personnel are required to have hands-on practice in removing simulated victims (such as dummies, mannequins, or actual persons) from actual or representative confined spaces having openings and portals like the types from which rescue is to be performed. The training, which is required Air Force wide, is work center specific where hazardous environments exist. Practice for each team member is conducted initially, and then required at least once every 12 months thereafter. Rescue personnel are trained on rescue duties and responsibilities, use of retrieval and rescue equipment, proper wear and use of personal protection equipment, CPR and basic first-aid. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. John Reser) Hi-res



Senior Airman Joaquin Martinez, 917th Maintenance Squadron, fuels systems specialist, simulates taking a reading with an oxygen level meter during a Confined Space Rescue Exercise conducted at the 917 Maintenance Squadron fuels section hangar, September 11, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. John Reser) Hi-res

Pacific Thunder 2010

by Master Sgt. Greg Steele
917th Wing Public Affairs

8/25/2010 - Barksdale AFB, LA. -- Concealed in brush on a barren mountainside, an airman hears the distinctive whine of two General Electric turbofan engines; the Hog is close. Over his radio he hears, "Up and in", the words letting him know the attack is imminent. An A-10 Thunderbolt II pops over a hill, climbs, banks hard left and then rolls almost inverted, the pilot finding his target. The airman responds, "Swine two -two, cleared hot." The jet rolls back over, levels out, and he watches the bomb leave the aircraft, falling with unbelievable precision, impacting directly on a tank. "Shack!" he responds, letting the pilot know it was a kill.

This is business as usual for a Joint Terminal Attack Controller, but instead of the harsh and deadly country side of Afghanistan, this scenario took place on the Yakima Training Center, an Army maneuver training area located in central Washington, northeast of the town of Yakima. The A-10, affectionately known as the "Warthog", was supplied by the 917th Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

In July 2010, approximately one-hundred 917th Wing Airmen and six 47th Fighter Squadron A-10s, deployed to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., for two-weeks of close-air-support training with the 5th Air Support Operations Squadron. The 5th ASOS is a combat support unit assigned to the 1st Air Support Operations Group, Fort Lewis, Wash. "Our training simulated wartime conditions with wartime airspace management issues," said Lieutenant Colonel Robin Sandifer, 47th FS director of operations. "We were able to put together all of the components of the integrated air-to-ground war with the guys on the ground who control the air."

The "guys on the ground" were the JTACs, a group of specialized Airmen who work side-by-side with the Army to make sure the right bomb lands on the right target. During the two-weeks of training, A-10 pilots brought a wide variety of munitions to the field, ranging from laser-guided bombs to 30mm bullets. The first week of training consisted of sorties flying inert (non-explosive) munitions that are the same size and weight as their "live" counterparts. In all, 48 inert 500 pound BDU-50 low drag bombs and 35 inert 500 pound laser-guided bombs were dropped on the Yakima range, with weapon releases being directed by the JTACs on the ground. When using these types of "low drag" munitions, their releases are from higher altitudes and the LGBs require the use of a laser for target designation.

"The SOFLAM is what we use for target acquisition," said Airman Michael Pincheira, 5th ASOS radio operator maintenance and driver. "Once we acquire the target and the bomb is released, the seeker head on the weapon follows the laser to the intended target." The Special Operations Forces Laser Acquisition and Marker (SOFLAM) is not only used for laser target acquisition, but also for range finding, which can be very important when you're dropping "live" munitions and want to stay well out of the fragmentation area.

Airman Pincheira, a new ROMAD fresh out of a five-month technical school, is a JTACs apprentice and responsible for setting up equipment such as the SOFLAM and radios the JTACs will use to communicate with the pilots to bring them on target. "This is great training for the younger guys," said Staff Sergeant Jarrid Cavanaugh, 5th ASOS Battalion JTAC. "It gives us a chance to bring them up to speed on any new equipment and gives them some much needed range time. For many of these guys it's their first time on the range, so it gives them a better understanding of what it is we actually do and what hopefully they'll be doing in a couple of years once they are certified JTACs."

Week two consisted of a volley of "live" weapon deliveries to the range in the form of 500 pound class MK-82 low drag and high drag bombs. High drag weapons allow the pilots to release them at a much lower altitude because their slower rate-of-fall gives the jets time to exit the fragmentation area prior to the bomb's impact and detonation.

The arrival of "live" weapons on the range also brings a volley of range restrictions which can be the cause of great frustration for both the JTACs and pilots. "This is an Army maneuver training range and even though the ground is littered with hard targets, the Air Force can only drop bombs on a select few," said Captain Kenneth Francis, 5th ASOS air liaison officer. "The JTAC is responsible for ensuring the pilot knows what targets to hit and keeps him aware of any changes in range restrictions, which could include anything from how low the pilot can fly the aircraft, to the direction needed to start the attack." Regardless of the restriction, communication between the JTAC and pilot was vital since the A-10s had a limited amount of range time for releasing their weapons.

The range terrain also brought its own difficulties. A JTAC relies on roads, structures, or natural landmarks to "talk" the pilot onto a target, but the moonscape appearance of Yakima range gave the JTACs little help when trying to describe to an A-10 pilot where his AF target is among the dozens of Army targets sitting out in the open. "It's a tough range to talk-on," said Cavanaugh. "Even JTACs that have years of experience say it's one of the hardest ranges to describe. The lack of detail and visible landmarks really makes it hard."

Live fire exercises were also being performed by the Army which included helicopters firing Hellfire missiles and artillery training. "It's great that we can do our Air Force training, but it's a bonus for us to be able to put titanium over army cranium," said Colonel James Macaulay, 917th Operations Group vice commander. "We want the army to get that warm fuzzy when they hear the whine of hogs overhead knowing that we're here for them. It's done huge things for us in the A-10 community and one of the reasons we're still around."

All totaled, by the end of the week of "live" drops, 24 500 pound MK-82 low drag bombs and 168 500 pound MK-82 high drag bombs had been released without incident, along with 6,900 rounds of 30mm target-practice rounds fired from the A-10's GAU-8/A Gatling guns. "This was my first time to see the A-10s in action and have been told what it sounds like when they fire the gun. It's definitely something you need to hear for yourself," said Airman Pincheira. "The training was great and I even got in some radio time with the pilots." The 47th FS flew a total of fifty-eight close-air-support missions during the two-week deployment.

CAS training in July on Yakima range is hot, dusty, and your only opportunity for shade might be underneath the backend of a Humvee, but you won't hear any complaining, because these JTACs and ROMADs know it will pay off when they're "downrange" on a mountainside somewhere in Afghanistan, calling in airstrikes to support their army buddies on the ground.

"This really gives our guys the opportunity to hone their CAS skills and expose them to what they'll see and experience once they're deployed," said Capt. Francis.

For the A-10 pilots of the 47th FS, who might someday find themselves flying over hostile Afghanistan airspace, they'll be waiting on the call from the JTACs of the 5th ASOS, who they consider to be one of the best combat CAS teams in the world.



In front of a picturesque setting, an A-10 Thunderbolt II comes in for a landing after completing a close-air-support mission on the Yakima bombing range. The 47th Fighter Squadron deployed six A-10s and flew 64 CAS sorties in support of Pacific Thunder, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, July 29, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Hi-res

Note: The aircraft is A-10C 79-0150.

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47th Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at D-M August 13, 2010

On August 13, 2010, Warthog News contributor James O'Rear from United States had the opportunity to take the following pictures at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona:



A-10C 79-0120 "Big Barnsmell" from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Wing "Dogpatchers" on final approve. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size



A-10C 81-0954 from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Wing "Dogpatchers" on final approve. (Photo by James O'Rear) Full size

Note: AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod on station 10.

Photos: 47th FS Change of Command

Released today by 917th Wing Public Affairs:



8/11/2010 - Col. Keith Schultz, commander, 917th Operations Group, presents The Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. John Russell, 47th Fighter Squadron commander, during the 47th FS Change of Command ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, August 7, 2010. Lt. Col. Russell relinquished command of the 47th FS to Lt. Col. James Travis. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Hi-res







8/11/2010 - Col. Keith Schultz, commander, 917th Operations Group, passes the 47th Fighter Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. James Travis, 917th Operations Support Flight commander, who assumed command of the 47th FS, at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, August 7, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Hi-res