by Maj. David Kurle
442nd Fighter Wing
2/27/2009 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The 442nd Maintenance Group can add another award to the hallway leading to the wing's 5-Bay Hangar - the Air Force Reserve Command Maintenance Effectiveness Award as the best medium-sized aircraft maintenance unit in the command for Fiscal Year 2008.
"It's kind of nice to be known as the best," said Lt. Col. Michael Wood, the group's commander since Dec. 6, 2008. "This unit has always been known as one of the best A-10 maintenance units in the entire Air Force."
Among the group's accomplishments in 2008 was a 45-day deployment of A-10s and maintenance specialists to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, to produce combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
"What I think put us over the top for the award, was the deployment (to Afghanistan)," Colonel Wood said. "I always say, 'quality maintenance equals combat effectiveness.'"
While deployed, Citizen Airmen in the 442nd MXG produced more than 600 A-10 combat sorties, which put more than 2,500 hours on the wing's aircraft. The amount of sorties represented a 17-percent increase over previous A-10 units at Bagram.
A deployment halfway around the world wasn't the only accomplishment of the 442nd MXG - at its home base the men and women in the unit provided combat capability every day to the tune of almost 3,500 sorties.
During training missions from Whiteman Air Force Base, the wing's pilots dropped more than 240 bombs and fired more than 94,000 rounds of 30-millimeter ammunition - all of which had to be stored, maintained, prepared for flight and loaded on aircraft by 442nd MXG maintainers.
In November 2007, the group finished installing smart-multi-function color displays in all 27 of the wing's A-10s, representing a major electronics and combat-capability upgrade for the wing's pilots. From February through May, 442nd maintainers completed another electronics upgrade to the wing's aircraft to enable pilots to talk "beyond-line-of-sight" using satellites for communication.
After its Bagram deployment, the 442nd MXG began work on three time-compliance technical orders to identify and repair wing cracks in certain A-10s.
And, in October, the group provided the majority of the maintenance effort for 14 A-10 teams competing in Hawgsmoke 2008 in Salina, Kan.
"We accomplished everything that was asked of us and still maintained the highest standards of quality in all of our maintenance shops," said Chief Master Sgt. Steve Brazeal, 442nd Maintenance Squadron superintendent. "We do as much as any maintenance group in the Air Force and our planes still look the best of any in the A-10 community as far as appearance."
"The Airmen in the 442nd MXG should be proud of the fact that they have been recognized as the best of the best out of all the maintenance organizations in Air Force Reserve Command," Colonel Wood said. "This is all due to their tremendous efforts."
Far from resting on the group's laurels, Colonel Wood is focused on 2009 and the challenges in store for the 442nd MXG.
"Our main focus this year is nothing but our upcoming operational readiness inspection," he said. "My focus other than the ORI is making sure everyone is getting back to the basics - maintenance-101.''
Source
Showing posts with label Hawgsmoke 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hawgsmoke 2008. Show all posts
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Official AFRC Hawgsmoke 2008 video released
Just found on 442nd Fighter Wing's public website.
Click to play
Produced by: AFRC/PAZ Video Production, 450 Danville Street, Robins AFB, GA 31098
Release date: 081210
Running time 04:15
Click to play
Produced by: AFRC/PAZ Video Production, 450 Danville Street, Robins AFB, GA 31098
Release date: 081210
Running time 04:15
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Hawgsmoke 2008 Aircraft List
by Joachim Jacob
Air National Guardsmen Brian Prichard from the 172nd Fighter Squadron take off in A-10 80-0263 during the Hawgsmoke 2008 competition at the Great Plains Regional Training Center in Salina, Kansas. The plane begins a local area orientation flight and competes in the first event, 'Time On Target'. (Photo via National Guard Bureau)
At least the following 25 A-10s participated in Hawgsmoke 2008:
47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Wing (BD)
79-0145 (47th FS CC)
79-0151
79-0154
79-0155
103rd Fighter Squadron, 111th Fighter Wing (PA)
78-0658
78-0692
80-0273
80-0275
172nd Fighter Squadron, 110th Fighter Wing (BC)
80-0262
80-0263
80-0264 (110th FW CC, door art 'Malleus Die')
80-0269
81-0998
184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (FS)
78-0586 (no unit markings, ex CT)
79-0129
80-0188 (188th FW CC)
303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing (KC)
78-0605 'Thunderbolt of Green Ridge'
78-0615 (ex CT)
78-0632 (ex MA)
79-0109
79-0111
79-0119 'Thunderbolt of Windsor'
79-0122 (442nd FW CC)
79-0136
82-0653 'Thunderbolt of Salina'
(Don Logan and Mark de Greeuw contributed to this list.)
Air National Guardsmen Brian Prichard from the 172nd Fighter Squadron take off in A-10 80-0263 during the Hawgsmoke 2008 competition at the Great Plains Regional Training Center in Salina, Kansas. The plane begins a local area orientation flight and competes in the first event, 'Time On Target'. (Photo via National Guard Bureau)
At least the following 25 A-10s participated in Hawgsmoke 2008:
47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Wing (BD)
79-0145 (47th FS CC)
79-0151
79-0154
79-0155
103rd Fighter Squadron, 111th Fighter Wing (PA)
78-0658
78-0692
80-0273
80-0275
172nd Fighter Squadron, 110th Fighter Wing (BC)
80-0262
80-0263
80-0264 (110th FW CC, door art 'Malleus Die')
80-0269
81-0998
184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (FS)
78-0586 (no unit markings, ex CT)
79-0129
80-0188 (188th FW CC)
303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing (KC)
78-0605 'Thunderbolt of Green Ridge'
78-0615 (ex CT)
78-0632 (ex MA)
79-0109
79-0111
79-0119 'Thunderbolt of Windsor'
79-0122 (442nd FW CC)
79-0136
82-0653 'Thunderbolt of Salina'
(Don Logan and Mark de Greeuw contributed to this list.)
Saturday, October 25, 2008
The Hawgsmoke 2008 champions
By Joachim Jacob
The Hawgsmoke 2008 team from the 190th Fighter Squadron, 124th Wing, Idaho Air National Guard, accept the trophy for the top team Oct. 17 in Salina, Kan. From left: Capt. Ben "Holiday" Rhoades, 1st Lt. Ryan Brown, Lt. Col. Tony "Sumo" Brown and Lt. Col. Ron "Chester" Hedges. They were crowned Hawgsmoke champions after four days of competition among teams from 14 Air Force A-10 squadrons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle)
Hi-res
CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE WARTHOG NEWS!
The Hawgsmoke 2008 team from the 190th Fighter Squadron, 124th Wing, Idaho Air National Guard, accept the trophy for the top team Oct. 17 in Salina, Kan. From left: Capt. Ben "Holiday" Rhoades, 1st Lt. Ryan Brown, Lt. Col. Tony "Sumo" Brown and Lt. Col. Ron "Chester" Hedges. They were crowned Hawgsmoke champions after four days of competition among teams from 14 Air Force A-10 squadrons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle)
Hi-res
CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE WARTHOG NEWS!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Let the games begin
By Tim Unruh
Salina Journal
10/16/2008
Minutes after four A-10 "Warthog" jet planes landed and taxied to a stop Wednesday at Salina Municipal Airport, an old black limousine motored up.
Out popped the driver, nicknamed "Zero," carrying cold cans of Bud Light for the pilots from the Michigan National Guard 110th Fighter Wing, Battle Creek.
Zero got to work unloading luggage and golf clubs from travel pods on the aircraft and crammed them into the 1988 limo, owned by the 303rd Fighter Squadron, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.
The greeting was part of the pomp Wednesday as 30 of the fighters from Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units across the United States arrived for Hawg-smoke 2008, a bombing and strafing competition at the airport and the Smoky Hill Weapons Range west of Salina.
The 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman, which includes the 303rd, is hosting about 100 pilots and 400 support crew members.
"One day we were sitting around and decided we needed a limo as a mascot. We all pitched in and bought it on eBay," said Zero. His real name is Capt. Chad Carlton of the 303rd.
Besides the friendly battle for bragging rights -- the winner puts on the next Hawgsmoke in two years -- there is the always-serious side of perfecting the squadrons' role in fighting wars and protecting the peace.
"Everything we do here is to build on what we need to do in the field," said Maj. Preston McConnell of the 303rd. He's been an A-10 pilot since 1998, having flown missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"On any given day, anyone in this field can go out and win it. The key to any one of these competitions is to not make a mistake," McConnell said.
But this gathering is more than networking and honing expertise. It's a convention-like atmosphere through Saturday at the airport, the Kansas Regional Training Institute, and a golf course that wasn't named.
On Wednesday, the Salina Airport Authority's new hangar was like a reunion hall, but roughly the size of a football stadium. In fact, some airmen were tossing the pigskin.
For Hawgsmoke, the 442nd has outfitted the hangar with a gift shop. Snacks and meals are available, along with meeting rooms, a lounge with a television, a medical clinic and areas for the news media.
Only a small part of what goes on today through Saturday at the airport is open to the public -- only at certain times and in only in one, designated area. None of today's competition at the weapons range is open.
"Whenever you have low-flying aircraft firing live ordnance, that's an obvious hazard," said Maj. David Kurle, chief of public affairs with the 442nd Wing.
It serves the country
Hawgsmoke is another training mission where skills are honed for battle, McConnell said.
"Everyone loves what they do. It's something bigger than themselves. It serves the country," he said.
But there are elements built into Hawgsmoke for relaxation, networking and camaraderie among those with a common bond.
"Professionals have got to take breaks, too ... pass along information and get together with our friends," he said.
It's a balance of fun and games, and the serious military side.
"The skills we use here are the same ones we use every day," Kurle said.
The goal is to protect freedoms, he said, including those being expressed several hundred yards to the north, where the Salina People for Peace were demonstrating. Their posters and actions caught the attention of military personnel Wednesday while they were escorting media on the tarmac.
"We like it when people use their First Amendment rights as long as nobody gets hurt," Kurle said. "That's all I care about."
Original caption: A 1988 limousine, a mascot of the 303rd Fighter Squadron, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, is used to greet A10 pilots arriving Wednesday for Hawgsmoke, a bombing and strafing competition at Salina Municipal Airport and the Smoky Hill Weapons Range. The 442nd Fighter Wing, which includes the 303rd, is hosting the event that is staged every two years at a different site. (Photo by Tim Unruh / Salina Journal)
Source
Note: Sorry that I overlooked this interesting news story in the last couple of days.
Salina Journal
10/16/2008
Minutes after four A-10 "Warthog" jet planes landed and taxied to a stop Wednesday at Salina Municipal Airport, an old black limousine motored up.
Out popped the driver, nicknamed "Zero," carrying cold cans of Bud Light for the pilots from the Michigan National Guard 110th Fighter Wing, Battle Creek.
Zero got to work unloading luggage and golf clubs from travel pods on the aircraft and crammed them into the 1988 limo, owned by the 303rd Fighter Squadron, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.
The greeting was part of the pomp Wednesday as 30 of the fighters from Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units across the United States arrived for Hawg-smoke 2008, a bombing and strafing competition at the airport and the Smoky Hill Weapons Range west of Salina.
The 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman, which includes the 303rd, is hosting about 100 pilots and 400 support crew members.
"One day we were sitting around and decided we needed a limo as a mascot. We all pitched in and bought it on eBay," said Zero. His real name is Capt. Chad Carlton of the 303rd.
Besides the friendly battle for bragging rights -- the winner puts on the next Hawgsmoke in two years -- there is the always-serious side of perfecting the squadrons' role in fighting wars and protecting the peace.
"Everything we do here is to build on what we need to do in the field," said Maj. Preston McConnell of the 303rd. He's been an A-10 pilot since 1998, having flown missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"On any given day, anyone in this field can go out and win it. The key to any one of these competitions is to not make a mistake," McConnell said.
But this gathering is more than networking and honing expertise. It's a convention-like atmosphere through Saturday at the airport, the Kansas Regional Training Institute, and a golf course that wasn't named.
On Wednesday, the Salina Airport Authority's new hangar was like a reunion hall, but roughly the size of a football stadium. In fact, some airmen were tossing the pigskin.
For Hawgsmoke, the 442nd has outfitted the hangar with a gift shop. Snacks and meals are available, along with meeting rooms, a lounge with a television, a medical clinic and areas for the news media.
Only a small part of what goes on today through Saturday at the airport is open to the public -- only at certain times and in only in one, designated area. None of today's competition at the weapons range is open.
"Whenever you have low-flying aircraft firing live ordnance, that's an obvious hazard," said Maj. David Kurle, chief of public affairs with the 442nd Wing.
It serves the country
Hawgsmoke is another training mission where skills are honed for battle, McConnell said.
"Everyone loves what they do. It's something bigger than themselves. It serves the country," he said.
But there are elements built into Hawgsmoke for relaxation, networking and camaraderie among those with a common bond.
"Professionals have got to take breaks, too ... pass along information and get together with our friends," he said.
It's a balance of fun and games, and the serious military side.
"The skills we use here are the same ones we use every day," Kurle said.
The goal is to protect freedoms, he said, including those being expressed several hundred yards to the north, where the Salina People for Peace were demonstrating. Their posters and actions caught the attention of military personnel Wednesday while they were escorting media on the tarmac.
"We like it when people use their First Amendment rights as long as nobody gets hurt," Kurle said. "That's all I care about."
Original caption: A 1988 limousine, a mascot of the 303rd Fighter Squadron, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, is used to greet A10 pilots arriving Wednesday for Hawgsmoke, a bombing and strafing competition at Salina Municipal Airport and the Smoky Hill Weapons Range. The 442nd Fighter Wing, which includes the 303rd, is hosting the event that is staged every two years at a different site. (Photo by Tim Unruh / Salina Journal)
Source
Note: Sorry that I overlooked this interesting news story in the last couple of days.
Hay Bale Salute to A-10 Pilots
"I have a huge respect for these guys." - Henry Diehl
KSAL News
Wed 05:00 PM 10/22/2008
by Jeff Garretson
Add a new line on Henry Diehl's resume ...Hay Bale Artist!
KSAL's Storm Chaser - Henry Diehl, who is a member of Fire District No.3 also farms and ranches in the Northeast corner of Ellsworth County, recently made a big splash in his field by arranging round hay bales to salute the A-10 Thunderbolt pilots. "I've had three fly overs since I put the sign up, which is cool," he said. Diehl's sign caught the attention of some of the visiting A-10 crews that were in Salina last week for the Hawgsmoke 2008 competition.
Diehl is no stranger to having A-10's buzz by his farmstead. According to Henry, he made his first hay bale salute to the Thunderbolts back in 1985 when the pilots were training nearby for a "Gunsmoke" now (Hawgsmoke) competition. Diehl tells KSAL News, "They'd come down pretty low and make a buzz or rock their wings as they went by. It was great fun back then."
While Diehl was on standby with his fire truck at this years Hawgsmoke competition held at the Smoky Hills Bombing Range, he got a chance to meet one of the old pilots who flew over his farm. "Turns out the 'Top Gun' that year (1985) was Lt. Colonel Roger Disrude, who saw my sign and won," he said. Diehl and the retired Lt. Colonel had a chance to relive the story of those training days and competition while current day pilots listened in at Hawgsmoke 2008.
Original caption: Diehl's sign caught the attention of some of the visiting A-10 crews that were in Salina last week for the Hawgsmoke 2008 Competition (Photo courtesy of Henry Diehl)
Source
KSAL News
Wed 05:00 PM 10/22/2008
by Jeff Garretson
Add a new line on Henry Diehl's resume ...Hay Bale Artist!
KSAL's Storm Chaser - Henry Diehl, who is a member of Fire District No.3 also farms and ranches in the Northeast corner of Ellsworth County, recently made a big splash in his field by arranging round hay bales to salute the A-10 Thunderbolt pilots. "I've had three fly overs since I put the sign up, which is cool," he said. Diehl's sign caught the attention of some of the visiting A-10 crews that were in Salina last week for the Hawgsmoke 2008 competition.
Diehl is no stranger to having A-10's buzz by his farmstead. According to Henry, he made his first hay bale salute to the Thunderbolts back in 1985 when the pilots were training nearby for a "Gunsmoke" now (Hawgsmoke) competition. Diehl tells KSAL News, "They'd come down pretty low and make a buzz or rock their wings as they went by. It was great fun back then."
While Diehl was on standby with his fire truck at this years Hawgsmoke competition held at the Smoky Hills Bombing Range, he got a chance to meet one of the old pilots who flew over his farm. "Turns out the 'Top Gun' that year (1985) was Lt. Colonel Roger Disrude, who saw my sign and won," he said. Diehl and the retired Lt. Colonel had a chance to relive the story of those training days and competition while current day pilots listened in at Hawgsmoke 2008.
Original caption: Diehl's sign caught the attention of some of the visiting A-10 crews that were in Salina last week for the Hawgsmoke 2008 Competition (Photo courtesy of Henry Diehl)
Source
Idaho 'Warthog' pilots take top honors at jet fest
The Associated Press
Edition Date: 10/22/08
BOISE, Idaho — A competition between A-10 pilots from around the world is over and a team from Idaho came out on top.
Four pilots from the Idaho Air National Guard's 190th Fighter Squadron placed first out of 14 rival air crews at the Hawgsmoke competition in Salinas, Kan., held once every two years.
They scored highest in competitions meant to determine the best performance for ground attack and target destruction.
"This win validates the training we do here in Idaho," said Maj. Gen. Larry Lafrenz, commanding general of the Idaho National Guard.
The A-10 is officially known as the "Thunderbolt II," though it's ungainly appearance has earned it the nickname "Warthog" among those who fly it.
Since it was designed more than 30 years ago, it's been a military mainstay for missions to destroy enemy ground vehicles including tanks.
Source
Edition Date: 10/22/08
BOISE, Idaho — A competition between A-10 pilots from around the world is over and a team from Idaho came out on top.
Four pilots from the Idaho Air National Guard's 190th Fighter Squadron placed first out of 14 rival air crews at the Hawgsmoke competition in Salinas, Kan., held once every two years.
They scored highest in competitions meant to determine the best performance for ground attack and target destruction.
"This win validates the training we do here in Idaho," said Maj. Gen. Larry Lafrenz, commanding general of the Idaho National Guard.
The A-10 is officially known as the "Thunderbolt II," though it's ungainly appearance has earned it the nickname "Warthog" among those who fly it.
Since it was designed more than 30 years ago, it's been a military mainstay for missions to destroy enemy ground vehicles including tanks.
Source
Idaho Air Guard pilots smoke the field in an A-10 "Hawgsmoke" competition
Katy Moeller - Idaho Statesman
Edition Date: 10/22/08
A team of four pilots from the Idaho Air National Guard's 190th Fighter Squadron took top honors last week in the biennial "Hawgsmoke" competition, earning bragging rights as the best ground attack and target destruction.
The team placed first out of 14 four-pilot air crews from U.S. Air Force installations over the world. All of the teams fly the A-10 ground-attack aircraft, also known as the "Warthog."
The competition was held last week in Salinas, Kan. As winners of this year´s competition, the Idaho Air National Guard will host the next event in 2010.
The 190th Fighter Squadron returned in August from a deployment to Afghanistan. They faced some challenges leading up to the competition, according to Lt. Col. Tim Marsano, a spokesman for the Idaho National Guard.
The team of four pilots planned to practice eight sorties, but two of the pilots who were selected had to drop out and then 10 of the 12 A-10s were grounded for maintenance only two weeks before the competition.
The squadron selected two of the most recently trained A-10 pilots to fill the vacated team positions and worked out a deal to share jets with another unit, according to Marsano. They practiced only one sortie as a team before heading to Salina.
Maj. Gen. Larry Lafrenz, commanding general of the Idaho National Guard, congratulated the citizen airmen.
"This win validates the training we do here in Idaho, the great men and women in our ranks and some of the world´s best aircraft," he said in a press release. "It all came together for this competition."
There are 1,300 citizen airmen in the Idaho Air National Guard. Most are traditional members who serve one weekend a month and two weeks a year.
Source
Edition Date: 10/22/08
A team of four pilots from the Idaho Air National Guard's 190th Fighter Squadron took top honors last week in the biennial "Hawgsmoke" competition, earning bragging rights as the best ground attack and target destruction.
The team placed first out of 14 four-pilot air crews from U.S. Air Force installations over the world. All of the teams fly the A-10 ground-attack aircraft, also known as the "Warthog."
The competition was held last week in Salinas, Kan. As winners of this year´s competition, the Idaho Air National Guard will host the next event in 2010.
The 190th Fighter Squadron returned in August from a deployment to Afghanistan. They faced some challenges leading up to the competition, according to Lt. Col. Tim Marsano, a spokesman for the Idaho National Guard.
The team of four pilots planned to practice eight sorties, but two of the pilots who were selected had to drop out and then 10 of the 12 A-10s were grounded for maintenance only two weeks before the competition.
The squadron selected two of the most recently trained A-10 pilots to fill the vacated team positions and worked out a deal to share jets with another unit, according to Marsano. They practiced only one sortie as a team before heading to Salina.
Maj. Gen. Larry Lafrenz, commanding general of the Idaho National Guard, congratulated the citizen airmen.
"This win validates the training we do here in Idaho, the great men and women in our ranks and some of the world´s best aircraft," he said in a press release. "It all came together for this competition."
There are 1,300 citizen airmen in the Idaho Air National Guard. Most are traditional members who serve one weekend a month and two weeks a year.
Source
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
First official USAF Hawgsmoke 2008 video clip
by Joachim Jacob
Today, USAF released a short Hawgsmoke 2008 video clip. Check the Latest Videos section on Air Force Link or in related sections on other USAF public websites (Screenshot picture).
Today, USAF released a short Hawgsmoke 2008 video clip. Check the Latest Videos section on Air Force Link or in related sections on other USAF public websites (Screenshot picture).
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
National Guard Bureau released Hawgsmoke 2008 photos
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Hawgsmoke A-10s dazzle local visitors
by Staff Sgt. Kent Kagarise
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/17/2008 - SALINA, Kan. (AFNS) -- The Hawgsmoke 2008 bombing and gunnery portion of the competition took place Oct.16 as A-10 Thunderbolt IIs attacked targets on the nearby Smoky Hill Range, dazzling the spectators who gathered to observe.
It was Day 3 of the event and members of the press, community leaders and other distinguished visitors were able view the weapons portion of the competition from a hilltop vantage point at the Kansas Air National Guard's 34,000-acre range facility. The range is operated by the 184th Intelligence Wing.
"I've lived in Salina a couple of years, but I'm overwhelmed with the amount of support we've received from the city," said Lt. Col. Jeff Maddex, the 184th IW's range commander. "This was all coordinated across two states, Missouri and Kansas, and required a lot of communication. It's really great to see it all come together."
For many of those invited to attend, it was their first experience with the A-10. For others, like Aaron White, a Marine veteran of Desert Storm and Somalia and a member of the Salina Chamber of Commerce, it was a glimpse into the past.
"This brings back memories for me [when] I got to call in air support on some armaments during training once," Mr. White said. "I expected Marine air support, and to my surprise they sent an A-10. I was very impressed. I remember thinking this should be a Marine plane. It's mean and ugly, just like us."
As the A-10s closed in on their appointed gunnery targets, smoke surrounded the plane, warning the viewers of the deep, belligerent roar soon to follow as the Warthog unleashed its super- sonic wrath on the goal beneath.
"The noise intrigues me more than anything. I can't imagine being on the receiving end of it," said Rob Exline, a visitor from the UMB Bank board of directors. "I didn't know what to expect from today but it has absolutely lived up to my expectations. This is all very exciting for Salina."
Hawgsmoke 2008 is all about the A-10 and its pilots, but today the Air Force made an impression on a small group of citizens.
After viewing these aircraft and pilots in action the visitors departed the damp grassy hilltop in central Kansas thankful they were not on a rocky hilltop in Afghanistan, dreading an on-coming storm front moving in from a U.S. Air Force-dominated sky. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)
Source
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/17/2008 - SALINA, Kan. (AFNS) -- The Hawgsmoke 2008 bombing and gunnery portion of the competition took place Oct.16 as A-10 Thunderbolt IIs attacked targets on the nearby Smoky Hill Range, dazzling the spectators who gathered to observe.
It was Day 3 of the event and members of the press, community leaders and other distinguished visitors were able view the weapons portion of the competition from a hilltop vantage point at the Kansas Air National Guard's 34,000-acre range facility. The range is operated by the 184th Intelligence Wing.
"I've lived in Salina a couple of years, but I'm overwhelmed with the amount of support we've received from the city," said Lt. Col. Jeff Maddex, the 184th IW's range commander. "This was all coordinated across two states, Missouri and Kansas, and required a lot of communication. It's really great to see it all come together."
For many of those invited to attend, it was their first experience with the A-10. For others, like Aaron White, a Marine veteran of Desert Storm and Somalia and a member of the Salina Chamber of Commerce, it was a glimpse into the past.
"This brings back memories for me [when] I got to call in air support on some armaments during training once," Mr. White said. "I expected Marine air support, and to my surprise they sent an A-10. I was very impressed. I remember thinking this should be a Marine plane. It's mean and ugly, just like us."
As the A-10s closed in on their appointed gunnery targets, smoke surrounded the plane, warning the viewers of the deep, belligerent roar soon to follow as the Warthog unleashed its super- sonic wrath on the goal beneath.
"The noise intrigues me more than anything. I can't imagine being on the receiving end of it," said Rob Exline, a visitor from the UMB Bank board of directors. "I didn't know what to expect from today but it has absolutely lived up to my expectations. This is all very exciting for Salina."
Hawgsmoke 2008 is all about the A-10 and its pilots, but today the Air Force made an impression on a small group of citizens.
After viewing these aircraft and pilots in action the visitors departed the damp grassy hilltop in central Kansas thankful they were not on a rocky hilltop in Afghanistan, dreading an on-coming storm front moving in from a U.S. Air Force-dominated sky. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)
Source
Idaho Air National Guard team wins Hawgsmoke 2008
by Maj. David Kurle
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/17/2008 - SALINA, Kan. -- The 190th Fighter Squadron from the Idaho Air National Guard was named the Top Team for Hawgsmoke 2008 in Salina, Kan., Oct. 17 at an awards banquet capping off four days of competition among 14 A-10 Thunderbolt II squadrons from across the Air Force.
The 190th, part of the 124th Wing, based at Boise International Airport, Idaho, will be expected to host the next Hawgsmoke competition in 2010.
Hawgsmoke, held every two years, tests the skills A-10 pilots use in every-day training to employ the ground-attack aircraft in its primary role as a close-air-support platform. Aviators are tested on their times over targets; how well they place 30-mm cannon rounds, training bombs and the AGM-65 Maverick missile on simulated targets; the quality of their combat tactics; as well as their formation flying.
After being judged in each event, the scores are tallied and winners in each category are announced at the dinner on the last night of Hawgsmoke.
Approximately 50 pilots competed in Hawgsmoke, assisted by 400 combat support and maintenance Airmen.
Thirty A-10s, all from Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units, started arriving at the Salina Airport, Oct. 14 and flew for three days to get all 14 teams through the events. Pilots were forced to share aircraft from other units because of an Air Force time-compliance technical order that mandated inspections on approximately 130 of the Air Force's 360 A-10 aircraft. The order was issued approximately two weeks before the competition's start date.
This year's Hawgsmoke was hosted by the 442nd Fighter Wing's 303rd Fighter Squadron, which won the event at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., in 2006. The 442nd, an Air Force Reserve unit based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., selected the Salina Airport as the 2008 location because of its ample flight line and its proximity to the Smoky Hill Range, where the bombing and gunnery events were held.
"The City of Salina and the people here have been absolutely outstanding in their support of Hawgsmoke," said Lt. Col. Brian Borgen who served as the event organizer. "We couldn't have asked for a better location. We really owe Salina and our sponsors a huge 'thank you' for helping us plan and execute Hawgsmoke 2008."
Journalists and visitors from around the world traveled to central Kansas to cover and witness the competition, which concludes Oct. 18 when 28 A-10 pilots are scheduled take off and fly back to their home units.
The Hawgsmoke 2008 winners in each category were:
Top Maverick Missile Team: 303rd FS from Whiteman AFB, Mo.
Top Tactical Team: 303rd FS.
Top Strafe Team: 103rd FS, Pennsylvania Air National Guard from Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, Pa.
Top Bombing Team: 47th FS, Air Force Reserve Command, from Barksdale AFB, La.
Top Arrival Team: 81st FS from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
Top Pilot Award: Capt. Jerry Cook, 45th FS, Air Force Reserve Command, from Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.
Top High-Altitude Dive Bomb Award: Capt. Jerry Cook, 45th FS.
Top 30-Degree Dive Bomb Award: Maj. Bill Zutell, 103rd FS.
Top Low-Angle, High-Delivery Pop Award: Lt. Col. Bob Pugh from the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Test Center in Tucson, Ariz.
Top Strafe Award: 1st Lt. Nick Decker, 303rd FS.
All the awards were presented by Col. Mark Clemons, commander of the 442nd FW.
Source
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/17/2008 - SALINA, Kan. -- The 190th Fighter Squadron from the Idaho Air National Guard was named the Top Team for Hawgsmoke 2008 in Salina, Kan., Oct. 17 at an awards banquet capping off four days of competition among 14 A-10 Thunderbolt II squadrons from across the Air Force.
The 190th, part of the 124th Wing, based at Boise International Airport, Idaho, will be expected to host the next Hawgsmoke competition in 2010.
Hawgsmoke, held every two years, tests the skills A-10 pilots use in every-day training to employ the ground-attack aircraft in its primary role as a close-air-support platform. Aviators are tested on their times over targets; how well they place 30-mm cannon rounds, training bombs and the AGM-65 Maverick missile on simulated targets; the quality of their combat tactics; as well as their formation flying.
After being judged in each event, the scores are tallied and winners in each category are announced at the dinner on the last night of Hawgsmoke.
Approximately 50 pilots competed in Hawgsmoke, assisted by 400 combat support and maintenance Airmen.
Thirty A-10s, all from Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units, started arriving at the Salina Airport, Oct. 14 and flew for three days to get all 14 teams through the events. Pilots were forced to share aircraft from other units because of an Air Force time-compliance technical order that mandated inspections on approximately 130 of the Air Force's 360 A-10 aircraft. The order was issued approximately two weeks before the competition's start date.
This year's Hawgsmoke was hosted by the 442nd Fighter Wing's 303rd Fighter Squadron, which won the event at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., in 2006. The 442nd, an Air Force Reserve unit based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., selected the Salina Airport as the 2008 location because of its ample flight line and its proximity to the Smoky Hill Range, where the bombing and gunnery events were held.
"The City of Salina and the people here have been absolutely outstanding in their support of Hawgsmoke," said Lt. Col. Brian Borgen who served as the event organizer. "We couldn't have asked for a better location. We really owe Salina and our sponsors a huge 'thank you' for helping us plan and execute Hawgsmoke 2008."
Journalists and visitors from around the world traveled to central Kansas to cover and witness the competition, which concludes Oct. 18 when 28 A-10 pilots are scheduled take off and fly back to their home units.
The Hawgsmoke 2008 winners in each category were:
Top Maverick Missile Team: 303rd FS from Whiteman AFB, Mo.
Top Tactical Team: 303rd FS.
Top Strafe Team: 103rd FS, Pennsylvania Air National Guard from Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, Pa.
Top Bombing Team: 47th FS, Air Force Reserve Command, from Barksdale AFB, La.
Top Arrival Team: 81st FS from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
Top Pilot Award: Capt. Jerry Cook, 45th FS, Air Force Reserve Command, from Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.
Top High-Altitude Dive Bomb Award: Capt. Jerry Cook, 45th FS.
Top 30-Degree Dive Bomb Award: Maj. Bill Zutell, 103rd FS.
Top Low-Angle, High-Delivery Pop Award: Lt. Col. Bob Pugh from the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Test Center in Tucson, Ariz.
Top Strafe Award: 1st Lt. Nick Decker, 303rd FS.
All the awards were presented by Col. Mark Clemons, commander of the 442nd FW.
Source
Maintainers put the 'Hawgs' in Hawgsmoke 2008
by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/17/2008 - SALINA, Kan. -- Even though there was no flying on the third, and final, day of Hawgsmoke 2008, the United States Air Force's biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II bombing and tactical gunnery competition, the flight line at Salina Airport was still the scene of activity as maintainers serviced aircraft in preparation for their return home.
While the pilots waited for the results of the competition, A-10 maintainers turned to the tasks of any needed repair, aircraft return configuration and, in the hangar, packing equipment and cleaning up. Fortunately, because of daily maintenance and extensive pre-planning, repair needs were minimal.
There is a sometimes-heard adage on the flight line that the pilot's name may be on the jet but it really belongs to the crew chief. It is the maintainers that keep the jets in operating shape and, for many of them; it's a labor of love.
"I've loved it [here]," said Senior Airman Gentry Cline, a 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "I've been really busy here and that's the way I like to do business."
Hawgsmoke 2008 also marked the first time that all three models of the A-10 occupied a flight line together. Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command A-10A, A-10A+ and A-10C qualified maintainers from Barksdale Air Force Base, La.; Willow Grove Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Pa.; Whiteman AFB, Mo.; Boise, Idaho; Ft. Smith, Ark.; and Battle Creek, Mich.; joined forces to keep the jets flying.
"This is the first time I've gotten to see this many jets [from different units] all lined up," Airman Cline said. "I got to work with the other units and see how they did things. It was a little bit different but at the same time it was effective.
For the maintainers, the road to Hawgsmoke 2008 was fraught with obstacles. For all the units, the Air Force's announcement of a time-compliance technical order (TCTO) that required immediate inspection and repair of wing cracks on approximately 130 A-10s throughout the fleet. For the Whiteman Airmen, in addition to the TCTO announcement, those obstacles ranged from an Afghanistan Operation Enduring Freedom deployment from May to July of this year to a home station phase-one Operation Readiness Exercise in early October.
According to Chief Master Sgt. Rick Harter, Hawgsmoke 2008 maintenance NCOIC and the 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production superintendent, since a phase-one ORE tests a units ability to deploy troops and equipment, they decided to use the opportunity to their advantage in getting their equipment to Salina.
"We decided that with the exercise, we'd coordinate that what we were taking to Salina would be used for the cargo processing for the ORE," Chief Harter said.
Instead of cargo palettes being marshaled on the Whiteman flight line in a row on the ramp simulating a cargo aircraft, the cargo was loaded on to a C-5A Galaxy aircraft and flown to Salina. Two requirements were met as a result.
In summarizing Hawgsmoke 2008 Chief Harter had nothing but praise for all of the maintainers in helping make the event a success. He said he was especially grateful for the level of support provided by the Salina Airport. From facilities to fuel trucks he said they more than exceeded his expectations at every level.
Even though Hawgsmoke 2008 is officially behind them, the A-10 maintainers look ahead to other challenges and opportunities. When asked if he'd want to come back in two years to support the next competition, slated to be hosted by the Hawgsmoke 2008 winners, the Idaho Air National Guard's 190th Fighter Squadron at Boise, Idaho, Airman Cline didn't hesitate to answer.
"Yes," he said. "Absolutely!"
Master Sgt. John Ezell, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, left, assists Maj. Preston McConnell, a 303rd Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot after Major McConnell's arrival at the Salina, Kan., airport for Hawgsmoke 2008, the Air Force's biennial A-10 bombing and gunnery competition. Both Airmen are Air Force reservists bsed at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (US Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington) Hi-res
Source
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/17/2008 - SALINA, Kan. -- Even though there was no flying on the third, and final, day of Hawgsmoke 2008, the United States Air Force's biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II bombing and tactical gunnery competition, the flight line at Salina Airport was still the scene of activity as maintainers serviced aircraft in preparation for their return home.
While the pilots waited for the results of the competition, A-10 maintainers turned to the tasks of any needed repair, aircraft return configuration and, in the hangar, packing equipment and cleaning up. Fortunately, because of daily maintenance and extensive pre-planning, repair needs were minimal.
There is a sometimes-heard adage on the flight line that the pilot's name may be on the jet but it really belongs to the crew chief. It is the maintainers that keep the jets in operating shape and, for many of them; it's a labor of love.
"I've loved it [here]," said Senior Airman Gentry Cline, a 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "I've been really busy here and that's the way I like to do business."
Hawgsmoke 2008 also marked the first time that all three models of the A-10 occupied a flight line together. Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command A-10A, A-10A+ and A-10C qualified maintainers from Barksdale Air Force Base, La.; Willow Grove Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Pa.; Whiteman AFB, Mo.; Boise, Idaho; Ft. Smith, Ark.; and Battle Creek, Mich.; joined forces to keep the jets flying.
"This is the first time I've gotten to see this many jets [from different units] all lined up," Airman Cline said. "I got to work with the other units and see how they did things. It was a little bit different but at the same time it was effective.
For the maintainers, the road to Hawgsmoke 2008 was fraught with obstacles. For all the units, the Air Force's announcement of a time-compliance technical order (TCTO) that required immediate inspection and repair of wing cracks on approximately 130 A-10s throughout the fleet. For the Whiteman Airmen, in addition to the TCTO announcement, those obstacles ranged from an Afghanistan Operation Enduring Freedom deployment from May to July of this year to a home station phase-one Operation Readiness Exercise in early October.
According to Chief Master Sgt. Rick Harter, Hawgsmoke 2008 maintenance NCOIC and the 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production superintendent, since a phase-one ORE tests a units ability to deploy troops and equipment, they decided to use the opportunity to their advantage in getting their equipment to Salina.
"We decided that with the exercise, we'd coordinate that what we were taking to Salina would be used for the cargo processing for the ORE," Chief Harter said.
Instead of cargo palettes being marshaled on the Whiteman flight line in a row on the ramp simulating a cargo aircraft, the cargo was loaded on to a C-5A Galaxy aircraft and flown to Salina. Two requirements were met as a result.
In summarizing Hawgsmoke 2008 Chief Harter had nothing but praise for all of the maintainers in helping make the event a success. He said he was especially grateful for the level of support provided by the Salina Airport. From facilities to fuel trucks he said they more than exceeded his expectations at every level.
Even though Hawgsmoke 2008 is officially behind them, the A-10 maintainers look ahead to other challenges and opportunities. When asked if he'd want to come back in two years to support the next competition, slated to be hosted by the Hawgsmoke 2008 winners, the Idaho Air National Guard's 190th Fighter Squadron at Boise, Idaho, Airman Cline didn't hesitate to answer.
"Yes," he said. "Absolutely!"
Master Sgt. John Ezell, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, left, assists Maj. Preston McConnell, a 303rd Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot after Major McConnell's arrival at the Salina, Kan., airport for Hawgsmoke 2008, the Air Force's biennial A-10 bombing and gunnery competition. Both Airmen are Air Force reservists bsed at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (US Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington) Hi-res
Source
Friday, October 17, 2008
Smoking allowed -- Hawgsmoke A-10s rain fire from the Kansas sky
by Staff Sgt. Kent Kagarise
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/16/2008 - SALINA, Kan. -- Day three of Hawgsmoke 2008 continued Oct. 16 with a viewing of the bombing and gunnery portion of the competition at Smoky Hill Range near Salina, Kan.
More than a year of planning went into Hawgsmoke 2008, the United States Air Force's biennial A-10 bombing and tactical gunnery competition. Part of the planning included orchestrating a way for members of the press, community leaders and other distinguished visitors to view the weapons employment portion of the competition from a hilltop vantage point at the Kansas Air National Guard's 34,000-acre range facility operated by 184th Intelligence Wing.
"I've lived in Salina a couple of years, but I'm overwhelmed with the amount of support we've received from the city," said Lt. Col. Jeff Maddex, the 184th's range commander. "This was all coordinated across two states - Missouri and Kansas - and required a lot of communication. It's really great to see it all come together."
For many of those invited to attend, it was their first experience with the A-10. For others like Aaron White, a Marine veteran of Desert Storm and Somalia and a member of the Salina Chamber of Commerce, it was a glimpse into the past.
"This brings back memories for me [when] I got to call in air-support on some armaments during training once," Mr. White said. "I expected Marine air-support and to my surprise they sent an A-10. I was very impressed. I remember thinking this should be a Marine plane. It's mean and ugly, just like us."
As the A-10's closed in on their appointed gunnery targets, smoke surrounded the plane, warning the viewers of the deep, belligerent roar soon to follow as the warthog unleashed it's super- sonic wrath on the goal beneath.
"The noise intrigues me more than anything. I can't imagine being on the receiving end of it," said Rob Exline, a visitor from the UMB Bank, board of directors. "I didn't know what to expect from today but it has absolutely lived up to my expectations. This is all very exciting for Salina."
Hawgsmoke 2008 is all about the A-10 and its pilots but today, the Air Force made an impression on a small group of citizens.
After viewing these aircraft and pilots in action the visitors departed the damp grassy hill-top in central Kansas thankful they were not on a rocky hill-top in Afghanistan, dreading an on-coming storm-front moving in from a United States Air Force-dominated sky.
An A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot from the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve Command unit based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., fires the plane's 30-mm cannon toward a target at the Smoky Hill Range near Salina, Kan., Oct. 16. Fourteen A-10 units from across the Air Force competed this week in Hawgsmoke 2008, a bienniel A-10 bombing and aerial gunnery competition hosted by the 442nd FW. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington) Hi-res
An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 110th Fighter Wing, a Michigan Air National Guard unit based at Battle Creek, Mich., turns to engage a target at the Smoky Hill Range near Salina, Kan., Oct. 16. Fourteen A-10 units from across the Air Force competed this week in Hawgsmoke 2008, a bienniel A-10 bombing and aerial gunnery competition hosted by the Air Force Reserve's 442nd Fighter Wing, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Kent Kagarise) Hi-res
An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 917th Wing, an Air Force Reserve Command unit at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., turns to engage a target at the Smoky Hill Range near Salina, Kan., Oct. 16. Fourteen A-10 units from across the Air Force competed this week in Hawgsmoke 2008, a bienniel A-10 bombing and aerial gunnery competition hosted by the Air Force Reserve's 442nd Fighter Wing, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Vertreese) Hi-res
An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 917th Wing, an Air Force Reserve Command unit at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., turns to engage a target at the Smoky Hill Range near Salina, Kan., Oct. 16. Fourteen A-10 units from across the Air Force competed this week in Hawgsmoke 2008, a bienniel A-10 bombing and aerial gunnery competition hosted by the Air Force Reserve's 442nd Fighter Wing, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington) Hi-res
Thirty-millimeter bullets fired from an A-10 Thunderbolt II impact a strafe pit at the Smoky Hill Range near Salina, Kan., Oct. 16. Fourteen A-10 squadrons from across the Air Force competed in Hawgsmoke 2008 Oct. 14 to 18. Hawgsmoke is a bienniel A-10 bombing and aerial gunnery competition, which was hosted this year by the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Vertreese) Hi-res
Distinguished visitors and news media watch A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft make strafing and bombing runs at the Smoky Hill Range near Salina, Kan., Oct. 16 as part of Hawgsmoke 2008. The four-day event is a bienniel gathering of A-10 squadrons from across the Air Force to compete in a bombing and aerial gunnery competition. This year's Hawgsmoke was hosted by the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington) Hi-res
Source
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/16/2008 - SALINA, Kan. -- Day three of Hawgsmoke 2008 continued Oct. 16 with a viewing of the bombing and gunnery portion of the competition at Smoky Hill Range near Salina, Kan.
More than a year of planning went into Hawgsmoke 2008, the United States Air Force's biennial A-10 bombing and tactical gunnery competition. Part of the planning included orchestrating a way for members of the press, community leaders and other distinguished visitors to view the weapons employment portion of the competition from a hilltop vantage point at the Kansas Air National Guard's 34,000-acre range facility operated by 184th Intelligence Wing.
"I've lived in Salina a couple of years, but I'm overwhelmed with the amount of support we've received from the city," said Lt. Col. Jeff Maddex, the 184th's range commander. "This was all coordinated across two states - Missouri and Kansas - and required a lot of communication. It's really great to see it all come together."
For many of those invited to attend, it was their first experience with the A-10. For others like Aaron White, a Marine veteran of Desert Storm and Somalia and a member of the Salina Chamber of Commerce, it was a glimpse into the past.
"This brings back memories for me [when] I got to call in air-support on some armaments during training once," Mr. White said. "I expected Marine air-support and to my surprise they sent an A-10. I was very impressed. I remember thinking this should be a Marine plane. It's mean and ugly, just like us."
As the A-10's closed in on their appointed gunnery targets, smoke surrounded the plane, warning the viewers of the deep, belligerent roar soon to follow as the warthog unleashed it's super- sonic wrath on the goal beneath.
"The noise intrigues me more than anything. I can't imagine being on the receiving end of it," said Rob Exline, a visitor from the UMB Bank, board of directors. "I didn't know what to expect from today but it has absolutely lived up to my expectations. This is all very exciting for Salina."
Hawgsmoke 2008 is all about the A-10 and its pilots but today, the Air Force made an impression on a small group of citizens.
After viewing these aircraft and pilots in action the visitors departed the damp grassy hill-top in central Kansas thankful they were not on a rocky hill-top in Afghanistan, dreading an on-coming storm-front moving in from a United States Air Force-dominated sky.
An A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot from the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve Command unit based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., fires the plane's 30-mm cannon toward a target at the Smoky Hill Range near Salina, Kan., Oct. 16. Fourteen A-10 units from across the Air Force competed this week in Hawgsmoke 2008, a bienniel A-10 bombing and aerial gunnery competition hosted by the 442nd FW. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington) Hi-res
An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 110th Fighter Wing, a Michigan Air National Guard unit based at Battle Creek, Mich., turns to engage a target at the Smoky Hill Range near Salina, Kan., Oct. 16. Fourteen A-10 units from across the Air Force competed this week in Hawgsmoke 2008, a bienniel A-10 bombing and aerial gunnery competition hosted by the Air Force Reserve's 442nd Fighter Wing, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Kent Kagarise) Hi-res
An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 917th Wing, an Air Force Reserve Command unit at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., turns to engage a target at the Smoky Hill Range near Salina, Kan., Oct. 16. Fourteen A-10 units from across the Air Force competed this week in Hawgsmoke 2008, a bienniel A-10 bombing and aerial gunnery competition hosted by the Air Force Reserve's 442nd Fighter Wing, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Vertreese) Hi-res
An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 917th Wing, an Air Force Reserve Command unit at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., turns to engage a target at the Smoky Hill Range near Salina, Kan., Oct. 16. Fourteen A-10 units from across the Air Force competed this week in Hawgsmoke 2008, a bienniel A-10 bombing and aerial gunnery competition hosted by the Air Force Reserve's 442nd Fighter Wing, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington) Hi-res
Thirty-millimeter bullets fired from an A-10 Thunderbolt II impact a strafe pit at the Smoky Hill Range near Salina, Kan., Oct. 16. Fourteen A-10 squadrons from across the Air Force competed in Hawgsmoke 2008 Oct. 14 to 18. Hawgsmoke is a bienniel A-10 bombing and aerial gunnery competition, which was hosted this year by the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Vertreese) Hi-res
Distinguished visitors and news media watch A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft make strafing and bombing runs at the Smoky Hill Range near Salina, Kan., Oct. 16 as part of Hawgsmoke 2008. The four-day event is a bienniel gathering of A-10 squadrons from across the Air Force to compete in a bombing and aerial gunnery competition. This year's Hawgsmoke was hosted by the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington) Hi-res
Source
Thursday, October 16, 2008
'Lost Hog' event moved
Salina Journal
October 15, 2008
Tuesday´s rain forced a change in location for tonight´s "Lost Hogs" Memorial Ceremony to honor pilots of the A-10 Thunderbolt II who died in combat or otherwise. Also, the event is no longer open to the public.
It´s part of Hawgsmoke, a gathering and competition of A-10 pilots this week.
The "Lost Hogs" ceremony was moved to the Salina Municipal Airport flight line or a hangar, which will prevent it from being a public event, said Maj. David Kurle of the 442nd Fighter Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, which is hosting the Hawgsmoke event.
Lost Hogs originally was planned for a public area near the Kansas Regional Training Center, but "it´s just a sea of mud out there," Kurle said.
Source
October 15, 2008
Tuesday´s rain forced a change in location for tonight´s "Lost Hogs" Memorial Ceremony to honor pilots of the A-10 Thunderbolt II who died in combat or otherwise. Also, the event is no longer open to the public.
It´s part of Hawgsmoke, a gathering and competition of A-10 pilots this week.
The "Lost Hogs" ceremony was moved to the Salina Municipal Airport flight line or a hangar, which will prevent it from being a public event, said Maj. David Kurle of the 442nd Fighter Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, which is hosting the Hawgsmoke event.
Lost Hogs originally was planned for a public area near the Kansas Regional Training Center, but "it´s just a sea of mud out there," Kurle said.
Source
Skies clear as Hawgsmoke 2008 gets into full swing
by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/15/2008 - SALINA, Kan. -- With the arrival of the last group of A-10 Thunderbolt IIs late in the afternoon, Hawgsmoke 2008 got into full swing Oct. 15 as pilots flew out to the Kansas Air National Guard's Smoky Hill bomb and gunnery range nearby for range familiarization flights.
Clearing skies signaled the end of nearly two days of rain at the central Kansas location, as maintenance crews received the new arrivals while launching and recovering the local flights participating in the United States Air Force's biennial A-10 bombing and tactical gunnery competition.
As soon as the pilots stepped from the jets they were greeted by the supervisor of flying and transported to Hawgsmoke headquarters for an array of in-processing steps designed to make their arrival orderly, convenient and brief.
After storing their flight gear at the Life Support section, the pilots met with representatives from maintenance debriefing, supervisor of flying (SOF), maintenance operations control (MOC), command post, personnel support for contingency operations also known as PERSCO, and lodging.
Maintenance debriefing gleaned the data provided by the incoming pilots regarding maintenance issues and passed problems along to the maintainers who focused on getting the jets ready to fly again. Most aircraft were back in the air after only a brief time on the ground.
"[For Hawgsmoke], debrief has been combined with MOC (maintenance operations center)," said Senior Airman Kimberly Byers, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance debriefing. "We've been getting [the pilot's] information about the incoming jets and now we are working on the sorties for the actual competition."
For having such a large influx of aircraft and crews in a very short time, things went well for Airman Byers. Her only challenge was learning the nuances of how each unit handled the data differently.
Ensuring the mission identifiers were closed out as the aircraft arrived was the first order of business for the command-post controllers at the next stop for each team. There activities were going as planned.
"Things have been pretty much been going by the book today," said Staff Sgt. Adrian Walker, 442nd Fighter Wing command-post controller. "I think we're doing very well."
PERSCO checked in all new arrivals to maintain the personnel accountability of not only the pilots, but also maintenance and support personnel. At the final stop a lodging representative made sure each pilot had comfortable living quarters during the competition.
The whole process was well orchestrated and, as a result, the pilots could focus on getting oriented to the new surroundings.
Pilots from 14 active-duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard squadrons are participating in Hawgsmoke 2008 and will share flight time in 30 A-10s supplied by Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units.
As the first full day of Hawgsmoke 2008 ended, an A-10 "missing- man" formation flew over the "Hog" pilots gathered at the edge of the Salina Airport flight line for a memorial service, which commemorated all A-10 pilots who have perished over the years since the aircraft first flew.
An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 110th Fighter Wing, Michigan Air National Guard, takes off from the Salina, Kan., airport Oct. 15 for an orientation flight over the nearby Smoky Hill bombing and gunnery range. Thirty A-10s from Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units across the country have converged on Salina for Hawgsmoke 2008, which will pit active-duty, Reserve and Guard pilots from 14 squadrons against each other in a bienniel bomb and gunnery competition. The competition will last through Oct. 18. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle) Hi-res
An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 917th Wing, an Air Force Reserve Command unit from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., touches down at the Salina, Kan., airport Oct. 15 for Hawgsmoke 2008. Fourteen A-10 squadrons from active duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units from around the world are competing in a bienniel bombing and gunnery competition, which is being hosted in Salina and at the nearby Smoky Hill Range. The competition will end Oct. 18 after determining a Hawgsmoke champion, which will host the 2010 event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle) Hi-res
An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 917th Wing, an Air Force Reserve Command unit from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., touches down at the Salina, Kan., airport Oct. 15 for Hawgsmoke 2008. Fourteen A-10 squadrons from active duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units from around the world are competing in a bienniel bombing and gunnery competition, which is being hosted in Salina and at the nearby Smoky Hill Range. The competition will end Oct. 18 after determining a Hawgsmoke champion, which will host the 2010 event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle) Hi-res
Capt Jeremy Stoner, an A-10 pilot from the 110th Fighter Wing, Michigan Air National Guard, prepares to shut down engines following his arrival at the Salina, Kan., airport Oct. 15 for Hawgsmoke 2008. Hawgsmoke is a bienniel competition for A-10 pilots from across the Air Force that tests aerial bombing and gunnery skills. This year's Hawgsmoke is hosted by the Air Force Reserve Command's 442nd Fighter Wing, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The competition lasts through Oct. 18 and pilots will use the Smoky Hill Range near Salina to hit targets with 30-mm cannnon rounds and practice munitions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle) Hi-res
Lt. Col. Daryl Newhart, an A-10 pilot with the 103rd Fighter Squadron, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, throws a shot glass into a firepit during a "Lost Hogs" memorial ceremony Oct. 15, part of Hawgsmoke 2008, at the Salina, Kan., airport. Hawgsmoke is a bienniel A-10 aerial gunnery and bombing competition, which is being hosted this year by the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve Command unit based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The Lost Hogs ceremony pays homage to all A-10 pilots who have passed away. In an A-10 tradition, pilots drink a shot as a toast to their fallen comrades then throw the shot glass into a fire pit after the names of all deceased A-10 pilots have been read aloud. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle) Hi-res
Source
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/15/2008 - SALINA, Kan. -- With the arrival of the last group of A-10 Thunderbolt IIs late in the afternoon, Hawgsmoke 2008 got into full swing Oct. 15 as pilots flew out to the Kansas Air National Guard's Smoky Hill bomb and gunnery range nearby for range familiarization flights.
Clearing skies signaled the end of nearly two days of rain at the central Kansas location, as maintenance crews received the new arrivals while launching and recovering the local flights participating in the United States Air Force's biennial A-10 bombing and tactical gunnery competition.
As soon as the pilots stepped from the jets they were greeted by the supervisor of flying and transported to Hawgsmoke headquarters for an array of in-processing steps designed to make their arrival orderly, convenient and brief.
After storing their flight gear at the Life Support section, the pilots met with representatives from maintenance debriefing, supervisor of flying (SOF), maintenance operations control (MOC), command post, personnel support for contingency operations also known as PERSCO, and lodging.
Maintenance debriefing gleaned the data provided by the incoming pilots regarding maintenance issues and passed problems along to the maintainers who focused on getting the jets ready to fly again. Most aircraft were back in the air after only a brief time on the ground.
"[For Hawgsmoke], debrief has been combined with MOC (maintenance operations center)," said Senior Airman Kimberly Byers, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance debriefing. "We've been getting [the pilot's] information about the incoming jets and now we are working on the sorties for the actual competition."
For having such a large influx of aircraft and crews in a very short time, things went well for Airman Byers. Her only challenge was learning the nuances of how each unit handled the data differently.
Ensuring the mission identifiers were closed out as the aircraft arrived was the first order of business for the command-post controllers at the next stop for each team. There activities were going as planned.
"Things have been pretty much been going by the book today," said Staff Sgt. Adrian Walker, 442nd Fighter Wing command-post controller. "I think we're doing very well."
PERSCO checked in all new arrivals to maintain the personnel accountability of not only the pilots, but also maintenance and support personnel. At the final stop a lodging representative made sure each pilot had comfortable living quarters during the competition.
The whole process was well orchestrated and, as a result, the pilots could focus on getting oriented to the new surroundings.
Pilots from 14 active-duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard squadrons are participating in Hawgsmoke 2008 and will share flight time in 30 A-10s supplied by Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units.
As the first full day of Hawgsmoke 2008 ended, an A-10 "missing- man" formation flew over the "Hog" pilots gathered at the edge of the Salina Airport flight line for a memorial service, which commemorated all A-10 pilots who have perished over the years since the aircraft first flew.
An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 110th Fighter Wing, Michigan Air National Guard, takes off from the Salina, Kan., airport Oct. 15 for an orientation flight over the nearby Smoky Hill bombing and gunnery range. Thirty A-10s from Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units across the country have converged on Salina for Hawgsmoke 2008, which will pit active-duty, Reserve and Guard pilots from 14 squadrons against each other in a bienniel bomb and gunnery competition. The competition will last through Oct. 18. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle) Hi-res
An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 917th Wing, an Air Force Reserve Command unit from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., touches down at the Salina, Kan., airport Oct. 15 for Hawgsmoke 2008. Fourteen A-10 squadrons from active duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units from around the world are competing in a bienniel bombing and gunnery competition, which is being hosted in Salina and at the nearby Smoky Hill Range. The competition will end Oct. 18 after determining a Hawgsmoke champion, which will host the 2010 event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle) Hi-res
An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 917th Wing, an Air Force Reserve Command unit from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., touches down at the Salina, Kan., airport Oct. 15 for Hawgsmoke 2008. Fourteen A-10 squadrons from active duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units from around the world are competing in a bienniel bombing and gunnery competition, which is being hosted in Salina and at the nearby Smoky Hill Range. The competition will end Oct. 18 after determining a Hawgsmoke champion, which will host the 2010 event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle) Hi-res
Capt Jeremy Stoner, an A-10 pilot from the 110th Fighter Wing, Michigan Air National Guard, prepares to shut down engines following his arrival at the Salina, Kan., airport Oct. 15 for Hawgsmoke 2008. Hawgsmoke is a bienniel competition for A-10 pilots from across the Air Force that tests aerial bombing and gunnery skills. This year's Hawgsmoke is hosted by the Air Force Reserve Command's 442nd Fighter Wing, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The competition lasts through Oct. 18 and pilots will use the Smoky Hill Range near Salina to hit targets with 30-mm cannnon rounds and practice munitions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle) Hi-res
Lt. Col. Daryl Newhart, an A-10 pilot with the 103rd Fighter Squadron, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, throws a shot glass into a firepit during a "Lost Hogs" memorial ceremony Oct. 15, part of Hawgsmoke 2008, at the Salina, Kan., airport. Hawgsmoke is a bienniel A-10 aerial gunnery and bombing competition, which is being hosted this year by the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve Command unit based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The Lost Hogs ceremony pays homage to all A-10 pilots who have passed away. In an A-10 tradition, pilots drink a shot as a toast to their fallen comrades then throw the shot glass into a fire pit after the names of all deceased A-10 pilots have been read aloud. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle) Hi-res
Source
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Hawgsmoke 2008 begins in Salina, Kan.
by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/14/2008 - SALINA, Kan. -- Two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs broke through the overcast skies of central Kansas today and crossed over the center point of the Salina Airport's north-south runway officially kicking off Hawgsmoke 2008, the United States Air Force's biennial A-10 bombing and tactical gunnery competition.
The moment also marked the end of two years of exhaustive preparation for the 442nd Fighter Wing's 303rd Fighter Squadron, the event's host and an Air Force Reserve Command unit from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.
The 303rd FS earned the right to host the contest by winning Hawgsmoke 2006, held at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., that year, which pitted the 303rd's pilots against pilots from 16 other Air National Guard, Air Force and Air Force Reserve A-10 units from around the world.
Hawgsmoke tests A-10 pilots in flight leadership, target acquisition, weapons delivery and support and the amount of preparation and coordination to host the event is daunting.
"There is a lot more that goes into Hawgsmoke than the general public and most of the participants realize," said Maj. Les Bradfield, 442nd Operations Support Flight. "It's much more than just coordinating between an airport and a range."
Since the event is not being held on an Air Force base many of the organic support elements regularly used by A-10 units at a government-owned facility , and sometimes taken for granted, needed to created or cultivated.
Fortunately for the Hawgsmoke-hosting team, they struck gold with the facility at Salina's airport. The facility's supportive administration, and close proximity to the Kansas Air National Guard's Smoky Hill bomb and gunnery range where most of the competition happens. The airport, formerly Schilling AFB, is just a few miles from Smoky Hill and the airfield has a large amount of available open ramp space, which makes it ideal for parking and servicing the visiting A-10s.
"They are not used to this many aircraft coming in and staying for this long," Major Bradfield said. "We've been greasing the wheels, letting them know that we are coming, what rules we operate by and making sure they can facilitate that."
That preparation, airport and Salina community officials, along with great support from sponsors and the community at large have made the event possible.
One late wrinkle in the preparation was the Air Force's announcement of a time-compliance technical order (TCTO) that required immediate inspection and repair of wing cracks approximately 130 A-10s throughout the Air Force. The 442nd FW was required to inspect 11 of its 27 A-10s.
The order caused units to re-evaluate their ability to participate and caused some to cancel. Other Wing's with available A-10s, including the 442nd, stepped forward to provide aircraft for those that couldn't use their own jets.
Even though there were enough teams and aircraft to compete, the TCTO hampered some units in their ability to bring maintenance personnel to support Hawgsmoke 2008 as they worked at their home stations to inspect and repair A-10s. Still, the maintainers were able to meet the challenge.
"Everybody is [affected]," said Chief Master Sgt. Greg Wetzel, 442nd Maintenance Squadron. "Getting the rest of their fleet up to speed became a higher priority [but] we have enough people here to take care of everything. It's not really an issue."
Having the first two jets cross the airfield's center point is a source of excitement and relief for Whiteman's Citizen Airmen. It means that while the preparation has paid off and the competition is underway, there is still work to do as more aircraft arrive.
"We've only just begun," Major Bradfield said. "Having the 'iron' on the ground means the all of the work of the last two years, not only for the local community but for our own people, is starting to pay off."
Rainy arrival: Maj. Preston McConnell, a 303rd Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, waits for his crew chief to signal chocks-in on the first A-10 to arrive at Salina Airport; Kan., for the Air Force's Hawgsmoke 2008; a biennial A-10 bombing and tactical gunnery competition. The event, hosted by the 442nd FW's 303rd Fighter Squadron, tests A-10 pilots in flight leadership, target acquisition, weapons delivery. The 442nd FW is an Air Force Reserve Command unit based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (US Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington) Hi-res
Marshalling in: A 442nd Fighter Wing crew chief marshals in the first A-10 to arrive at Salina Airport; Kan., for the Air Force's Hawgsmoke 2008; a biennial A-10 bombing and tactical gunnery competition. The event, hosted by the 442nd FW's 303rd Fighter Squadron, tests A-10 pilots in flight leadership, target acquisition, weapons delivery. The 442nd FW is an Air Force Reserve Command unit based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (US Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington) Hi-res
Source
For more related pictures check the photo essay Munitions team readies ordnance for Hawgsmoke 2008
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/14/2008 - SALINA, Kan. -- Two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs broke through the overcast skies of central Kansas today and crossed over the center point of the Salina Airport's north-south runway officially kicking off Hawgsmoke 2008, the United States Air Force's biennial A-10 bombing and tactical gunnery competition.
The moment also marked the end of two years of exhaustive preparation for the 442nd Fighter Wing's 303rd Fighter Squadron, the event's host and an Air Force Reserve Command unit from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.
The 303rd FS earned the right to host the contest by winning Hawgsmoke 2006, held at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., that year, which pitted the 303rd's pilots against pilots from 16 other Air National Guard, Air Force and Air Force Reserve A-10 units from around the world.
Hawgsmoke tests A-10 pilots in flight leadership, target acquisition, weapons delivery and support and the amount of preparation and coordination to host the event is daunting.
"There is a lot more that goes into Hawgsmoke than the general public and most of the participants realize," said Maj. Les Bradfield, 442nd Operations Support Flight. "It's much more than just coordinating between an airport and a range."
Since the event is not being held on an Air Force base many of the organic support elements regularly used by A-10 units at a government-owned facility , and sometimes taken for granted, needed to created or cultivated.
Fortunately for the Hawgsmoke-hosting team, they struck gold with the facility at Salina's airport. The facility's supportive administration, and close proximity to the Kansas Air National Guard's Smoky Hill bomb and gunnery range where most of the competition happens. The airport, formerly Schilling AFB, is just a few miles from Smoky Hill and the airfield has a large amount of available open ramp space, which makes it ideal for parking and servicing the visiting A-10s.
"They are not used to this many aircraft coming in and staying for this long," Major Bradfield said. "We've been greasing the wheels, letting them know that we are coming, what rules we operate by and making sure they can facilitate that."
That preparation, airport and Salina community officials, along with great support from sponsors and the community at large have made the event possible.
One late wrinkle in the preparation was the Air Force's announcement of a time-compliance technical order (TCTO) that required immediate inspection and repair of wing cracks approximately 130 A-10s throughout the Air Force. The 442nd FW was required to inspect 11 of its 27 A-10s.
The order caused units to re-evaluate their ability to participate and caused some to cancel. Other Wing's with available A-10s, including the 442nd, stepped forward to provide aircraft for those that couldn't use their own jets.
Even though there were enough teams and aircraft to compete, the TCTO hampered some units in their ability to bring maintenance personnel to support Hawgsmoke 2008 as they worked at their home stations to inspect and repair A-10s. Still, the maintainers were able to meet the challenge.
"Everybody is [affected]," said Chief Master Sgt. Greg Wetzel, 442nd Maintenance Squadron. "Getting the rest of their fleet up to speed became a higher priority [but] we have enough people here to take care of everything. It's not really an issue."
Having the first two jets cross the airfield's center point is a source of excitement and relief for Whiteman's Citizen Airmen. It means that while the preparation has paid off and the competition is underway, there is still work to do as more aircraft arrive.
"We've only just begun," Major Bradfield said. "Having the 'iron' on the ground means the all of the work of the last two years, not only for the local community but for our own people, is starting to pay off."
Rainy arrival: Maj. Preston McConnell, a 303rd Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, waits for his crew chief to signal chocks-in on the first A-10 to arrive at Salina Airport; Kan., for the Air Force's Hawgsmoke 2008; a biennial A-10 bombing and tactical gunnery competition. The event, hosted by the 442nd FW's 303rd Fighter Squadron, tests A-10 pilots in flight leadership, target acquisition, weapons delivery. The 442nd FW is an Air Force Reserve Command unit based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (US Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington) Hi-res
Marshalling in: A 442nd Fighter Wing crew chief marshals in the first A-10 to arrive at Salina Airport; Kan., for the Air Force's Hawgsmoke 2008; a biennial A-10 bombing and tactical gunnery competition. The event, hosted by the 442nd FW's 303rd Fighter Squadron, tests A-10 pilots in flight leadership, target acquisition, weapons delivery. The 442nd FW is an Air Force Reserve Command unit based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (US Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bill Huntington) Hi-res
Source
For more related pictures check the photo essay Munitions team readies ordnance for Hawgsmoke 2008
Rooms for 500 -- Hawgsmoke Airmen benefit from prior planning
by Staff Sgt. Kent Kagarise
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/14/2008 - SALINA, Kan. -- In January Senior Master Sgt. Travis Stickels began planning to lodge approximately 500 Airmen and distinguished guests here for Hawgsmoke 2008, an A-10 bombing and aerial gunnery competition hosted this year by the 442nd Fighter Wing from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.
Sergeant Stickels' list of considerations seemed endless when planning to house more than 500 participants who would partake in the biennial event. In the end, Airmen from across the Air Force would occupy six hotels and one building at a Kansas National Guard training facility at the Salina Airport.
"In January we met with the Salina Chamber of Commerce, four hotels and the National Training Center here," Sergeant Stickels said.
Sergeant Stickels made sure parking lots had proper lighting, that security was adequate and even checked the condition of rooms in order to ensure the safety, security and comfort of Airmen.
Even when Hawgsmoke 2008 was underway, Sergeant Stickel's job hasn't ceased.
" I'm the point of contact for any changes. If an Airman must be moved for any reason I need to know for accountability," he said.
Since three-fourths of the people participating in Hawgsmoke are maintenance specialists, Sergeant Stickels had to work closely with Chief Master Sgt. Greg Wetzel, chief of the 442nd Armament Flight's. Chief Wetzel contacted all maintenance personnel to begin plans to lodge them together and preserve "team integrity," a necessity for the smooth execution of Hawgsmoke according to Sergeant Stickels.
"I've known Sergeant Stickels a long time and have worked with him in the past. It's no surprise to me that he was able to manage all of this. He does everything within his capability to make everything quick and easy," Sergeant Wetzel said.
Even here at Hawgsmoke, a job that began in January continues as Sergeant Stickels' personal-digital-assistant rings.
"I told you there were 138 people staying in that hotel. It just went up. There are 141 in there now," Sergeant Stickels said.
Without Sergeant Stickels Airmen at Hawgsmoke 2008 would be homeless. Sergeant Stickels holds the keys to a warm bed, at the end of a damp and cold duty day in the heart of Kansas.
Source
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/14/2008 - SALINA, Kan. -- In January Senior Master Sgt. Travis Stickels began planning to lodge approximately 500 Airmen and distinguished guests here for Hawgsmoke 2008, an A-10 bombing and aerial gunnery competition hosted this year by the 442nd Fighter Wing from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.
Sergeant Stickels' list of considerations seemed endless when planning to house more than 500 participants who would partake in the biennial event. In the end, Airmen from across the Air Force would occupy six hotels and one building at a Kansas National Guard training facility at the Salina Airport.
"In January we met with the Salina Chamber of Commerce, four hotels and the National Training Center here," Sergeant Stickels said.
Sergeant Stickels made sure parking lots had proper lighting, that security was adequate and even checked the condition of rooms in order to ensure the safety, security and comfort of Airmen.
Even when Hawgsmoke 2008 was underway, Sergeant Stickel's job hasn't ceased.
" I'm the point of contact for any changes. If an Airman must be moved for any reason I need to know for accountability," he said.
Since three-fourths of the people participating in Hawgsmoke are maintenance specialists, Sergeant Stickels had to work closely with Chief Master Sgt. Greg Wetzel, chief of the 442nd Armament Flight's. Chief Wetzel contacted all maintenance personnel to begin plans to lodge them together and preserve "team integrity," a necessity for the smooth execution of Hawgsmoke according to Sergeant Stickels.
"I've known Sergeant Stickels a long time and have worked with him in the past. It's no surprise to me that he was able to manage all of this. He does everything within his capability to make everything quick and easy," Sergeant Wetzel said.
Even here at Hawgsmoke, a job that began in January continues as Sergeant Stickels' personal-digital-assistant rings.
"I told you there were 138 people staying in that hotel. It just went up. There are 141 in there now," Sergeant Stickels said.
Without Sergeant Stickels Airmen at Hawgsmoke 2008 would be homeless. Sergeant Stickels holds the keys to a warm bed, at the end of a damp and cold duty day in the heart of Kansas.
Source
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Barksdale pilots to join in Hawgsmoke competition
Kansas meeting determines top A-10 pilots, squadrons
Shreveport Times
By John Andrew Prime
October 13, 2008 2:00 am
Pilots from Barksdale Air Force Base's 917th Wing will take part in the biennial Hawgsmoke competition, to take place this week in Kansas.
The competition to determine the best A-10 pilots and squadrons will be Wednesday through Saturday in Salina, Kan., with the 303rd Fighter Squadron, from the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., the host unit.
"We'll be sending four of our pilots, and Detachment 1 will be using our planes, too," said Jessica D'Aurizio, spokeswoman for the 917th Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, whose storied 47th Fighter Squadron is the schoolhouse for A-10 pilots. Det. 1 is the unit's presence at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.
The local pilots who will take part are Lt. Col. Michael Schultz, Lt. Col. Ed Sommers, Maj. Michael Bachtel and Maj. Garret Povar, D'Aurizio said.
The bombing and gunnery competition will take place in spite of wing cracks that have grounded about 130 "thin wing" models of the service's roughly 400 operational A-10s.
That grounding, which won't be lifted until all the airplanes are inspected and repaired, is why the airplanes are being shared by units.
An order to identify and repair the fatigue-related cracks was issued about a week ago, and affects seven of the airplanes with the 917th Wing.
The airplanes are affectionately called the "Warthog" by the men and women who fly the tough little airplane, and the nickname is why the competition is called Hawgsmoke.
The airplane's official name is the Thunderbolt II, in tribute to its role as the successor to the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter of World War II. Ironically, the airplane has more a legacy tie to the German Junkers Ju-87 Stuka than the P-47.
During the first tactical and conventional gunnery competition open to A-10s, Hawgsmoke 2000, the 47th Fighter Squadron took first-place awards as the top Hawgsmoke Tactical Unit, for Top Overall Pilot and Top Overall Tactical Pilot. In 2002, it won honors as the Top A-10 Squadron in the world.
The school graduates about 40 students a year from active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units worldwide.
"After talking to most of the other A-10 wings in the Air Force, we have more than enough teams committed to competing at Hawgsmoke to continue with the event," said Col. Mark Clemons, the 442nd's commander. "Safety is paramount, and this (repair order) will ensure we provide the safest possible aircraft to our A-10 pilots. We have plenty of aircraft to support Hawgsmoke and maintain the 442nd Fighter Wing's combat readiness."
Hawgsmoke pits A-10 pilots and maintainers from across the service to determine a single-unit "Hawgsmoke Champion."
Wing officials originally expected about 70 A-10 aircraft to attend the event, but the inspections have reduced that number to 25 to 30 airplanes, which is why Barksdale's pilots are "hot-rotating" the airplanes. Organizers expect as many as 14 teams of pilots to compete, and it will be official policy to share the aircraft.
"The inspections have forced us to reduce the number of aircraft, but we are still expecting 250 to 300 people," said Lt. Col. Brian Borgen, Hawgsmoke coordinator. "We will basically share the limited number of aircraft among the pilots from all the teams."
Air Force officials say the A-10 wing issue is representative of systemic problems for the aging Air Force fleet. It isn't the first airplane threatened by the inevitable weakening of metal subjected to continual flight stresses. The useful C-141 Starlifter transport suffered fatigue problems that limited the type's service ceiling at first and then finally resulted in the fleet being eliminated from service.
The A-10 is a ground-attack aircraft designed to support ground forces in combat. It can carry 16,000 pounds of ordnance and is equipped with a 30-mm cannon capable of punching through tank armor.
Maj. David Kurle of 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs contributed to this story.
Source
Shreveport Times
By John Andrew Prime
October 13, 2008 2:00 am
Pilots from Barksdale Air Force Base's 917th Wing will take part in the biennial Hawgsmoke competition, to take place this week in Kansas.
The competition to determine the best A-10 pilots and squadrons will be Wednesday through Saturday in Salina, Kan., with the 303rd Fighter Squadron, from the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., the host unit.
"We'll be sending four of our pilots, and Detachment 1 will be using our planes, too," said Jessica D'Aurizio, spokeswoman for the 917th Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, whose storied 47th Fighter Squadron is the schoolhouse for A-10 pilots. Det. 1 is the unit's presence at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.
The local pilots who will take part are Lt. Col. Michael Schultz, Lt. Col. Ed Sommers, Maj. Michael Bachtel and Maj. Garret Povar, D'Aurizio said.
The bombing and gunnery competition will take place in spite of wing cracks that have grounded about 130 "thin wing" models of the service's roughly 400 operational A-10s.
That grounding, which won't be lifted until all the airplanes are inspected and repaired, is why the airplanes are being shared by units.
An order to identify and repair the fatigue-related cracks was issued about a week ago, and affects seven of the airplanes with the 917th Wing.
The airplanes are affectionately called the "Warthog" by the men and women who fly the tough little airplane, and the nickname is why the competition is called Hawgsmoke.
The airplane's official name is the Thunderbolt II, in tribute to its role as the successor to the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter of World War II. Ironically, the airplane has more a legacy tie to the German Junkers Ju-87 Stuka than the P-47.
During the first tactical and conventional gunnery competition open to A-10s, Hawgsmoke 2000, the 47th Fighter Squadron took first-place awards as the top Hawgsmoke Tactical Unit, for Top Overall Pilot and Top Overall Tactical Pilot. In 2002, it won honors as the Top A-10 Squadron in the world.
The school graduates about 40 students a year from active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units worldwide.
"After talking to most of the other A-10 wings in the Air Force, we have more than enough teams committed to competing at Hawgsmoke to continue with the event," said Col. Mark Clemons, the 442nd's commander. "Safety is paramount, and this (repair order) will ensure we provide the safest possible aircraft to our A-10 pilots. We have plenty of aircraft to support Hawgsmoke and maintain the 442nd Fighter Wing's combat readiness."
Hawgsmoke pits A-10 pilots and maintainers from across the service to determine a single-unit "Hawgsmoke Champion."
Wing officials originally expected about 70 A-10 aircraft to attend the event, but the inspections have reduced that number to 25 to 30 airplanes, which is why Barksdale's pilots are "hot-rotating" the airplanes. Organizers expect as many as 14 teams of pilots to compete, and it will be official policy to share the aircraft.
"The inspections have forced us to reduce the number of aircraft, but we are still expecting 250 to 300 people," said Lt. Col. Brian Borgen, Hawgsmoke coordinator. "We will basically share the limited number of aircraft among the pilots from all the teams."
Air Force officials say the A-10 wing issue is representative of systemic problems for the aging Air Force fleet. It isn't the first airplane threatened by the inevitable weakening of metal subjected to continual flight stresses. The useful C-141 Starlifter transport suffered fatigue problems that limited the type's service ceiling at first and then finally resulted in the fleet being eliminated from service.
The A-10 is a ground-attack aircraft designed to support ground forces in combat. It can carry 16,000 pounds of ordnance and is equipped with a 30-mm cannon capable of punching through tank armor.
Maj. David Kurle of 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs contributed to this story.
Source
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