Flying Tigers break records, employ precision engagement

Two Warthogs from the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron sit on the tarmac awaiting clearance to launch on a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 74th EFS, deployed from Moody AFB, Georgia, recently surpassed 12,200 combat flight hours - a record. From left: A-10C 78-0674 from the 74th Fighter Squadron (marked 74 FS as squadron bird) and A-10C 78-0596 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Jung) Hi-res

Posted 7/25/2009 Updated 7/25/2009

by Tech. Sgt. John Jung
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

7/25/2009 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- In the past five months, the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., set a record number of combat flying hours in the A-10 Thunderbolt II - 12,200 to date - breaking a former record held by their sister squadron, whom they replaced in March.

During that span of time the 74th EFS 'Flying Tigers,' who trace their roots back to the American Volunteer Group of WWII, have employed hundreds of 500-pound bombs, 2.75-inch rockets and more than 54,000 30-mm high explosive shells, according to Lt. Col. Philip Weilhouwer, 74th EFS commander.

"What the team of the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit have accomplished is fly more than 2,800 missions in support of troops on the ground. Whether we drop [bombs] or shoot doesn't really matter, it's whether we've supported the guys on the ground, and if they are protected and they get the mission accomplished is what counts," said Col. Philip Weilhouwer.

The partnership between the operations and maintenance groups is one to be envied as the Flying Tigers have not gone a single day where there were not A-10s airborne conducting operations in the skies over Afghanistan.

The A-10 'Warthog,' as it is affectionately nicknamed, excels in its role of precision engagement, close air support and airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for American and Coalition ground forces throughout Afghanistan.

Among the Warthog's large array of weapons is the GAU-8 Gatling gun mounted on internal pylons in the aircraft that makes the enemy 'fear the Hog" most when it comes to precision engagement and close air support. The GAU-8 is capable of firing upwards of 4,000 rounds of high explosive 30-mm shells per minute in a very compact footprint.

"The 30-mm is the preferred weapon of the ground commander," said Maj. Kevin Eilers, a veteran A-10 pilot. "It's a distinct advantage in a close-in fight, because I can confidently target a bad guy with almost surgical precision. There's just a lower risk of unintentional casualties."



Lt. Col. Philip Weilhouwer, 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, readies his Warthog for a mission in the skies of Afghanistan. His A-10 squadron has a lineage prior to WWII and were known as the Flying Tigers and recently they've completed over 12,000 combat hours – a feat for any fighting unit. The native of East Windsor, Connecticut, is currently deployed from Moody AFB, Georgia. Note: Ladder door art "Claw One" and 20 mission markings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Jung) Hi-res



The Airmen who fly, maintain and support the 'Warthog' strive to uphold the proud heritage of the unit, which traces its roots to the American Volunteer Group, better known as the 'Flying Tigers' of WWII. The Warthog, like P-40 Warhawk of WWII, still sports the iconic gaping smile of a shark's mouth. Within that smile rests the GAU-8, 30-mm Gatling gun, capable of unleashing a torrent of high explosive rounds. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Jung) Hi-res



Captain Kyle Lanto, an A-10 pilot with the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing's 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, checks munitions on his 'Warthog,' during his preflight inspection here. Capt. Lanto is deployed from Moody AFB, Georgia, and is a native of Rantoul, Illinois. Capt. Lanto is a graduate of Eastern Carolina University is currently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Capt. Lanto's A-10 squadron has a lineage prior to WWII and were known as the Flying Tigers and recently they've completed over 12,000 combat hours – a feat for any fighting unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Jung) Hi-res

Source

Stand-alone A-10 Afghanistan shot on DefenseLINK

A-10 79-0135 from the 74th Fighter Squadron flies a combat mission over Afghanistan June 14, 2009. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Robertson, U.S. Air Force) Hi-res

Team Osan: Ready to fight-tonight!

A-10 80-0192 from the 25th Fighter Squadron takes off the runway at Osan AB, Republic of Korea, during exercise Beverly Bulldog 09-03 July 22, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephenie Wade) Hi-res

23rd FG welcomes new commander

Posted 7/21/2009 Updated 7/22/2009

by Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
23rd Wing Public Affairs

7/21/2009 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- History takes place once again as a group with a rich and illustrious heritage receives a new leader during a change of command ceremony here.

Col. Ellwood Hinman IV took reigns of the 23rd Fighter Group from Col. Michael O'Dowd, who will be moving to the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing.

"To the Flying Tigers of the 23rd Fighter Group, I am very proud to join you as a fellow member of this premier organization," said the new commander. "The opportunity to lead Airmen, to command the 23rd FG, to join the proud heritage and storied legacy of the Flying Tigers, to fly the A-10 again, to live in Valdosta and to become part of the special relationship between the base and the community is almost too good to be true."

Before Colonel O'Dowd officially handed over command of the 23rd FG, he thanked his Airmen for their hard work over the past two years.

"I declare with great admiration and pride toward each of you--mission accomplished and exceptionally well done," he said. "You are at home within the sound of the guns and it was in the call to battle these past two years that your greatest moments availed."

During Colonel Hinman's previous assignment, he served as a policy advisor to the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. From 2006 to 2007, he attended the Marine Corps War College in Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., and was a distinguished graduate. He is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours in the A-10, T-37, F-117A and T-38.

"Colonel Hinman's consistent outstanding performance and varied background make him uniquely qualified to lead this group," said Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander. "His experiences flying several different aircraft and working with our joint and coalition partners are notable."

During Colonel Hinman's speech, he revealed his vision for the 23rd FG.

"As your commander, building 'people first' leaders, 'safety first' operations and 'integrity first' Airmen will be my top priority," said Colonel Hinman. "It is through our collective commitment to these principles and to those from our past that will allow us to succeed."

The 23rd FG directs the flying operations for the largest combat-coded A-10 fighter organization in the Air Force, consisting of two 24-aircraft, combat-ready A-10C Thunderbolt II squadrons and an operations support squadron.

The group ensures overall combat readiness of more than 80 pilots and 135 operations support personnel and plans and executes worldwide contingency taskings in coordination with 23rd Wing rescue assets.

In addition, the group is responsible for all Moody airfield operations, encompassing more than 5,500 square miles of airspace and more than 75,000 operations, as well as Grand Bay Aerial Gunnery Range operations.

"It's absolutely essential that we remain fully combat-ready," said Colonel Hinman. "It's also paramount that we put safety first and foremost as we train and prepare for future deployments."

Colonel Hinman has master's degrees in arts, political science and public administration from Midwestern State University, Texas, in addition to a bachelor's degree in science from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.

The colonel and his wife, Jennifer, have three sons, Parker, Hunter and Chase.

"Jennifer and I are honored and stand ready to serve the fine men and women of this outstanding organization," said Colonel Hinman. "I look forward to leading you and working in partnership with the 476th Fighter Group and with fellow group commanders in the 23rd Wing."



Airmen salute as the Moody Air Force Honor Guard presents the colors during a change of command ceremony here July 20, 2009. Col. Michael O'Dowd relinquished command of the 23rd Fighter Group to Col. Ellwood Hinman IV. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)



Colonel Michael O'Dowd, 23rd Fighter Group outgoing commander, hands over the guidon to Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander, at the 23rd FG change of command ceremony here July 20, 2009. Colonel O'Dowd has been the 23rd FG commander for two years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)



Colonel Ellwood Hinman IV, 23rd Fighter Group incoming commander, receives the guidon from Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander, during the 23rd FG change of command ceremony here July 20, 2009. The 23rd FG directs the flying operations of the largest A-10 fighter organization in the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)



Colonel Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander, and Col. Michael O'Dowd, 23rd Fighter Group outgoing commander, applaud after Col. Ellwood Hinman IV took reigns of the 23rd FG change of command ceremony here July 20, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)



Colonel Ellwood Hinman IV, 23rd Fighter Group incoming commander, gives his remarks after accepting command from Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander, at the 23rd FG change of command ceremony here July 20, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)

Source

D-M A-10Cs caught at Lajes Field enroute Afghanistan

Updated 23 July 2009



A-10C 80-0246 still without new unit markings. (Photo by André Inácio)



A-10C 80-0150. (Photo by André Inácio)



A-10C 78-0709 still without new unit markings. (Photo by André Inácio)



A-10C 80-0179. (Photo by André Inácio)



A-10C 79-0202. (Photo by André Inácio)





Special thanks to Portuguese photographer and Warthog News contributor André Inácio for his permission to post his exclusive shots for first time on my blog!

Additional picture from Portuguese photographer and Warthog News contributor Paulo Santos, first-published on airliners.net:



Close-up shot of A-10C 79-0202. (Photo by Paulo Santos) Hi-res

Related info:
D-M A-10Cs logged at Lajes Field enroute Afghanistan

Historic Flying Tigers Excel at Close Air Support Mission in Afghanistan

A-10 80-0228 from the 74th Fighter Squadron and currently deployed with the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron represents the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit, during a Change of Command Ceremony at Bagram AB, Afghanistan, July 20, 2009. The Warthog's mission is to provide close air support and precision engagement missions throughout Afghanistan on a daily basis in support of Coalition ground forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke) Hi-res

by Tech. Sgt. John Jung
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

7/21/2009 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- They trace their heritage back to the famous Flying Tigers of WWII's war-torn China. In homage to the storied Airmen of the past, the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron still has the iconic sharks face painted on the front of their A-10 Thunderbolt II's, lovingly nicknamed the "Warthog."

The Warthog's mission is to provide close air support and precision engagement missions throughout Afghanistan on a daily basis in support of Coalition ground forces.

But before the pilots ever get in the Warthog, it's the 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit that gets the aircraft airborne. There has not been a single day in the deployment of the 74th EFS that squadron didn't have at least two aircraft airborne providing support to their warrior counterparts on the ground.

"Just like the Airmen that defended China in World War II, the 74th AMU is often short on resources, maintain aging aircraft and must make do with what they can," said Capt. James Schieser, 74th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit, Officer-in-Charge. "The strong leadership, dedication and perseverance of our non-commissioned officers, senior non-commissioned officers and officer corps, are what ensure every aircraft is fully mission-capable. The maintainers of the 74th AMU understand, with the Flying Tiger legacy they inherited, failure is not an option."

To date the Flying Tigers have broken records by flying upwards of 12,000 mission hours, expending more than 100 tons of ordinance in the CAS mission since arriving in February 2009. However, many times all it took was a show of force to end an engagement.

"We seek to avoid civilian casualties in all our operations - period," said Senior Master Sgt. Victor Castillo, 74th AMU Weapons Section Superintendent. "We have a variety of methods we use including loading of precision guided munitions, monthly updates of aircraft digital maps, and daily maintenance of our targeting systems to ensure the safety of innocent civilians on the ground."

But when enemy combatants don't flee after a show of force, the Warthog can deliver a precise strike to protect Coalition ground forces.

Army Specialist Jason Dorsey, "C" Company, 178th Infantry, saw firsthand the precision and power of the Warthog.

"The A-10s were a valuable asset to us on ground missions here in Afghanistan. Their speed and precise targeting provided great support for us and kept the bad guys' heads down during firefights," Spc. Dorsey said.

"We have so many soldiers coming in from the field to thank us - it's their stories of desperately needing 'air' and seeing an A-10 flying overhead providing cover for them that kept us energized and motivated," said Senior Master Sgt. Thomas E. Moore, 74th AMU Lead Production Superintendent. "It kept us working hard even when it seemed all we were doing was launching and recovering jets 24/7."



Senior Airman Gabriel Ramirez, from the 455th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, installs an environmental control panel on the A-10 Thunderbolt, here July 20, 2009. Airman Ramirez is deployed from the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Moody AFB, Georgia, and hails from Altus, Oklahoma. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke)



Staff Sgt. James Irvin, from the 455th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, performs an air cycle machine inspection to ensure the A-10 Thunderbolt functions properly, here July 20, 2009. Sergeant Irvin is deployed from the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Moody AFB, Georgia, and hails from Kerrville, Texas. They support Coalition forces on a daily basis in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke) Hi-res



Senior Airman Jacob McDonald, from the 455th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, talks to the pilot of an A-10 Thunderbolt during a "Red ball," which is when the pilot talks to the ground crew before take off if they feel anything is wrong with the aircraft so that it can get repaired, here July 20, 2009. Airman McDonald is deployed from the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Moody AFB, Georgia, and hails from Canon City, Colorado. They support Coalition forces on a daily basis in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke) Hi-res



Aircraft art is just one way for Airmen to represent what base they are from; this A-10 Thunderbolt is from the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Moody AFB, Georgia. The A-10 has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and are highly accurate weapons-delivery platforms. They support Coalition forces on a daily basis in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke) Hi-res



The tail of A-10 79-0172 from the 74th Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke) Hi-res

Load crew competition tests maintainers

Members of the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 23rd and 81st Fighter Squadrons at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, compete as inspectors look on and judge during the load crew competition July 17, 2009. Members from the fighter squadrons put together three-man teams and competed against each other to load weapons onto the F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Warthog in the fastest time, as well as a jammer driver contest that tested various members from each squadron on how fast and accurately they could maneuver the MJ1, which is used to load weapons on the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jenifer H. Calhoun) Hi-res



Left: The weapons load crew competition trophy sits as members of the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 81st Fighter Squadron weapons load crew team, compete in the Weapons Load Crew Competition July 17, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jenifer H. Calhoun)



Right: Airman 1st Class Troy Roberts, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 81st Fighter Squadron weapons load crew team member, prepares a weapon to be loaded onto an A-10 Thunderbolt II July 17, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jenifer H. Calhoun) Hi-res

Source

Serbian air force members visit base

Capt. Jeffery Dennis, 81st Fighter Squadron, sits in the pilot's seat of an A-10 Warthog and explains its features to distinguished visitors from the Serbian air force July 16, 2009. Four members of the Serbian air force came to Spangdahlem to learn how a fighter squadron runs as part of their visit to the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center located at Ramstein AB, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson) Hi-res



Capt. Jeffery Dennis, 81st Fighter Squadron, describes the elements of an A-10 Thunderbolt II to Sasa Jovanovic, B-2 Spirit desk officer for the 204th Air Base of the Serbian air force, and Col. Zlatko Sobot, chief of Serbian Air Force and Air Defense Operation Center, during their visit to Spangdahlem AB July 16, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson) Hi-res



Capt. Jeffery Dennis, 81st Fighter Squadron, explains the components of an A-10 Thunderbolt II simulator to Lt. Col. Roberto Delakroce, B-2 Spirit chief for the 204th Air Base of the Serbian air force, during his visit to Spangdahlem AB July 16, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson) Hi-res



Lt. Col. Roberto Delakroce, B-2 Spirit chief for the 204th Air Base of the Serbian air force, flies an A-10 Thunderbolt II during his visit to Spangdahlem AB, July, 16, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson) Hi-res



Capt. Jeffery Dennis, 81st Fighter Squadron, explains the proper technique for executing air-to-air tactics to Maj. Darko Glisic, A-2 desk officer for the Serbian Air Force and Air Defense Command, as Col. Zlatko Sobot, chief of Serbian Air Force and Air Defense Operation Center, observes during their visit to Spangdahlem AB July 16, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson Hi-res



Capt. Jeffery Dennis, 81st Fighter Squadron, instructs Maj. Darko Glisic, A-2 desk officer for the Serbian Air Force and Air Defense Command, as he flies in a simulated "dog fight" during his visit to Spangdahlem AB July 16, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson) Hi-res

Source

Osan AB Kicks of Beverly Bulldog 09-03

Staff Sgt. Joshua Johnson and Senior Airman Ray Meza build an A-10 nose tire assembly July 20, 2009, during Osan's Operational Readiness Exercise Beverly Bulldog 09-03. Both are aero repairmen from the 51st Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephenie Wade) Hi-res

Bad paint job - A-10C 82-0654 still with wrong serial number markings

A-10C 82-0654 from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany, on static display at RIAT Fairford, United Kingdom, July 18-19, 2009. Probably since his A-10C upgrade the jet is marked as Fiscal Year 1981 (FY 81) aircraft by mistake. (Photo by Steve Huckvale) Hi-res

A-10C 82-0654 also participated as static display at Volkel Airshow 2009 (officially called Luchtmachtdagen 2009 by Netherland's Koninklijke Luchtmacht) on June 19-20, 2009. The wrong serial number is also painted in front of the aircraft's windshield. See: 81st Fighter Squadron A-10s caught during Volkel Airshow 2009

Special thanks to Warthog News contributor Steve Huckvale from U.K. for providing this very interesting close-up shot!