Moody A-10Cs caught at Nellis April 2010

Updated April 10 and 17, 2010

At Nellis AFB, Nevada, Warthog News contributor Bruce Smith from United States had the opportunity to take the following exclusive shots of Moody A-10Cs, uploaded by him on his new flickr photostream April 8, 2010. He took some rare shots of Hogs, special-marked for the 76th Fighter Squadron, 476th Fighter Group (an Air Force Reserve unit, associated to Moody AFB), and also shots of 75th Fighter Squadron aircraft:



A-10 80-0180, special-marked 476th FG as the 476th Fighter Group commander's jet, on final approach April 6, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10 79-0141, special-marked 76 FS as the 76th Fighter Squadron commander's aircraft, and with red fin-caps April 8, 2010. Note the live bombs and the live AGM-65 Maverick missile. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10 79-0213 from the 75th Fighter Squadron, special-marked 23 FG as the 23rd Fighter Group commander's jet April 7, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10 78-0701 from the 75th Fighter Squadron April 7, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 80-0252 from the 75th Fighter Squadron April 7, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 80-0175 from the 75th Fighter Squadron, marked 75 FS as the squadron commander's jet, April 8, 2010. Sniper XR targeting pod on station 2. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 79-0159 from the 75th Fighter Squadron April 7, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 80-0259 from the 75th Fighter Squadron April 8, 2010. Note the live bombs and the live AGM-65 Maverick missile. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size


Update April 10, 2010:

Yesterday, April 9, 2010, Bruce uploaded the following additional shots on his new flickr photostream:



A-10C 80-0180, special-marked 476 FG as the 476th Fighter Group commander's aircraft, April 9, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 79-0141 from the 76th Fighter Squadron, special-marked 76 FS as the 76th Fighter Squadron commander's aircraft, April 9, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 79-0213, special marked 23 FG as the 23rd Fighter Group commander's jet, April 9, 2010. Sniper XR targeting pod on station 2. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size



A-10C 78-0679 from the 75th Fighter Squadron April 9, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

Update April 17, 2010: On April 16, 2010, Bruce uploaded the following additional shot:



A-10C 79-0157 from the 75th Fighter Squadron April 15, 2010. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

A-10's "business end" pictured on latest Sandy Hog Gazette cover

Extracted from the "Sandy Hog Gazette", official newspaper of the 111th Fighter Wing (Pennsylvania Air National Guard), Willow Grove ARS (April 2010 public online PDF issue):



Front view of the seven-barrelled 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger cannon in the nose section of an A-10's forward fuselage. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Gordon Beecroft)

Original caption:
On the cover: Pictured is a barrel of the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 30mm Gatling gun barrel located on the forward nose section of the aircraft's fuselage.

Hmmm...

Source

Take me out to the ball game

Extracted from the "Sandy Hog Gazette", official newspaper of the 111th Fighter Wing (Pennsylvania Air National Guard), Willow Grove ARS (April 2010 public online PDF issue):



Several A-10 pilots from the 103rd Fighter Squadron pose with New York Yankees Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra, center, before the Philadelphia Phillies face the New York Yankees in a spring training baseball game Mar. 4 at Brighthouse Field, in Clearwater, Fla. The members will be performing a three-ship A-10 flyover during the opening games. Shown left to right: Lt. Col. Scott "Spartacus" Hreso, Capt. John "Monkey" Howley, Lt. Col. William "Griff" Griffin and Col. Howard "Chip" Eissler.

Source

A-10C phase doc inspections at Moody

Released today by 23rd Wing Public Affairs:



MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Two A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft sit inside the phase doc hangar for inspection here March 24, 2010. After an A-10C reaches 500 flight hours it is required to receive an in-depth inspection to ensure there are no outer or structural damage to the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green) Hi-res



MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Staff Sgt. Joseph Williams, 23rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II inspector, screws back a panel after inspecting inside the A-10C here March 24, 2010. When the panels are removed, they are required to search for debris, foreign objects, and damage to the outside and inside of the panels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green) Hi-res



MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Staff Sgt. Erin Carrier, 23rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II crew chief, inspects wire from the cockpit of an A-10C during a phase doc inspection here March 24, 2010. The phase doc process is a 10 day in-depth inspection of the A-10C and is used as a time saving measure in which all areas of the aircraft is inspected. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green) Hi-res



MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Staff Sgt. Greg Blackburn, 23rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron, aircraft structure maintenance craftsman, replaces old hydraulic lines during an inspection on an A-10C Thunderbolt II here March 24. The hydraulic lines control a substantial amount of the aircraft’s movements and must be replaced after a leak is found in one of them. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green) Hi-res



MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Airman 1st Class Patrick Peloquin, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, uses an electric screw driver to remove screws on an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft during an inspection here March 24, 2010. These aircraft undergo this 10-day inspection process after reaching 500 flight hours to stay up-to-date and minimize possible problems that can occur during flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green) Hi-res



MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Staff Sgt. Benjamin McIntosh, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion craftsman, inspects a verbal guide vein actuator during an inspection of an A-10C Thunderbolt II here March 24, 2010. The verbal guide vein actuator controls how much air goes into the engine and operates in different power settings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green) Hi-res

A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for March 2010

by Joachim Jacob


From the "Airpower Summaries", released as U.S. Air Forces Central press releases on USAFCENT's official public website, for March 2010 I extracted and edited all available info related to A-10 Thunderbolt II combat missions in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom). The mostly daily airpower summaries for OEF and OIF are provided by Combined Air and Space Operations Center (CAOC) officials at Al Udeid AB, Qatar.

In March 2010, the 104th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (104th EFS), deployed from the 175th Wing (Maryland ANG), Martin State Airport, was replaced by elements from the 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG), Fort Smith, and probaly currently deployed as 184th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (184th EFS).

Mar 1:

Sar Banader, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided several shows of force, releasing multiple flares, in support of friendly forces who had received enemy small-arms fire. The shows of were declared successful.

Mar 2:

Chahar Bagh, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Once on station, pilots conducted shows of presence and shows of force, with flares launched, to deter enemy action. Ground control declared the actions successful when no enemy action was noted.

Mar 3:

Balocan, Regional Command-East
A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided armed overwatch and conducted shows of force in support of a friendly-forces convoy when suspicious personnel were observed gathering along the route of the convoy. The shows of force were declared successful and the aircrew resumed armed overwatch until the friendly convoy left the area.

A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots arrived on-station and conducted a show of force, with flares launched, that was declared successful by ground control.

Mar 4:

Balocan, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch and surveillance for friendly ground forces. Pilots observed enemy personnel shooting at friendly forces and conducted a show of force, with flares launched. The show of force was deemed successful when pilots met the ground commander's intent.

Mar 5:

No A-10 info

Mar 6:

Tarin Kowt, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Pilots released a precision-guided munition on confirmed coordinates of an enemy position. The engagement met the ground commander's intent.

Sangin, Regional Command-South
A-10 pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Aircrews conducted a show of force to deter enemy action in the area. The show of force, with flares launched, was successful as no enemy action was noted.

Mar 7:

Chahar Bagh, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Pilots conducted shows of force, with flares launched, when friendly forces reported taking sporadic enemy fire. Ground control intentions were met when enemy fire ceased.

Gereshk, Regional Command-South
A-10 pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Pilots conducted shows of force, with flares launched, over an enemy compound to stop enemy fire. Ground control deemed the airpower actions successful when enemy fire stopped.

Tarin Kowt, Regional Command-South
A-10 pilots provided close air support to friendly ground forces. Aircrews conducted shows of force, to deter enemy action from a possible enemy bunker position. The shows of force were declared successful when no enemy action was noted.

Mar 8:

No A-10 info:

Mar 9:

Musa Qala, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Pilots conducted a show of force to deter enemy forces from firing rocket-propelled grenades. The show of force was deemed successful when enemy fire ceased.

Farah, Regional Command-West
A-10 pilots provided close air support to friendly forces following the detonation of an improvised-explosive device. Pilots conducted a show of force, with flares launched, to deter anti-Afghan forces activity in the vicinity of the blast. The show of force was declared successful when no enemy action was noted.

Mar 10:

No A-10 info

Mar 11:

No A-10 info

Mar 12:

No A-10 info

Mar 13:

Kandahar, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted a show of force, releasing numerous flares above friendly forces who had received fire from enemy forces. The show of force was declared successful when enemy action ceased.

Surkhabad, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted multiple shows of force above personnel in a suspected enemy firing position. Ground forces monitored the location and declared the shows of force successful.

Mar 14:

No A-10 info

Mar 15:

Musa Qala, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted shows of force above friendly forces taking enemy small-arms fire. Following the shows of force, pilots conducted a strafing run requested by a joint terminal attack controller, which met the ground commander's intent.

A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch to friendly forces. Upon request from ground forces, pilots conducted shows of force to deter enemy action. The shows of force were declared successful.

Chahar Bagh, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted shows of force above friendly forces in contact with enemy personnel attacking friendly positions with small-arms fire. A JTAC declared the shows of force successful.

Mar 16:

No A-10 info

Mar 17:

No A-10 info

Mar 18:

Musa Qala Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for Coalition forces. Pilots conducted a show of force requested by a joint terminal attack controller above a possible enemy fighting position, releasing numerous flares. The JTAC declared the show of force successful.

Mar 19:

Shurakian, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted a show of force, releasing multiple flares, to deter enemy action. Ground forces, who were receiving small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire, declared the show of force successful when enemy activity ceased.

Musa Qala, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted shows of force above a friendly-forces convoy stopped for an improvised explosive device. Friendly ground forces declared the shows of force successful.

Lashkar Gah, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted a shows of force in support of a friendly-forces convoy. The shows of force were declared successful.

Mar 20:

Gereshk, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted shows of force, releasing numerous flares, to support friendly forces receiving small-arms fire from enemy forces. The shows of force were declared successful.

Mar 21:

Balocan, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. A joint terminal attack controller requested a show of force to deter enemy action. The aircrews conducted a show of force, releasing multiple flares. The JTAC declared the show of force successful.

Mar 22:

Chahar Bagh, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces and conducted a show of force above possible enemy locations. Ground forces declared the show of force successful.

A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces and released multiple flares while conducting a show of force requested by a joint terminal attack controller. The show of force was declared successful and the aircrews were then tasked to provide armed overwatch to friendly forces executing a medical evacuation.

Balocan, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for Coalition forces. Pilots received several requests to conduct shows of force during the mission and identified possible enemy personnel. Ground forces declared all shows of force successful.

Mar 23:

Chahar Bagh, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted shows of force in support of friendly forces advancing on enemy positions. The shows of force were declared successful by ground commanders.

Mar 24:

No A-10 info

Mar 25:

Musa Qaleh, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots supported friendly forces under attack by enemy personnel firing from a tree line. The pilots conducted a show of force, releasing multiple flares at the request of ground forces to deter enemy action. Ground forces then requested a strafing run. The pilots conducted strafing runs against the enemy position, successfully defending friendly forces.

Mar 26:

No A-10 info

Mar 27:

Morghab, Regional Command-West
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots responded to friendly ground forces under attack by enemy forces. A joint terminal attack controller requested pilots conduct a show of force above enemy positions. The pilots conducted shows of force, releasing numerous flares. Friendly ground forces declared the shows of force successful.

Surkhabad, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted shows of force above an enemy fighting position to deter enemy action. Ground commanders declared the shows of force successful.

Mar 28:

No A-10 info

Mar 29:

Shurakian, Regional Command-South
A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted a show of force to support friendly forces under attack by enemy personnel with small-arms fire. Ground forces reported the show of force was successful.

Mar 30:

Farah, Regional Command-West
Coalition pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly ground forces defending a school under attack by enemy personnel. A joint terminal attack controller requested a show of force to deter enemy action. The joint terminal attack controller declared the show of force successful.

A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots, replacing Coalition pilots, continued armed overwatch for friendly forces defending the school and conducted shows of force to deter enemy action. A joint terminal attack controller declared the shows of force successful.

Mar 31:

Gereshk, Regional Command-South
U.S. Navy F/A-18F aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews conducted a show of force, with flares launched, to deter enemy activity against friendly forces. The show of force was declared successful.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch of friendly forces, replacing the U.S. Navy aircraft. When enemy firing positions were confirmed, A-10 pilots made strafing runs and the enemy fire ceased. The engagement was declared successful.

Surkhabad, Regional Command-SouthA-10 pilots provided armed overwatch of friendly forces. The pilots released precision-guided munitions against insurgent bunkers where enemy forces were firing against friendly ground forces. The munitions were followed by strafing runs to ensure enemy fire ceased. No further enemy action was noted.

See also:
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for February 2010
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for January 2010
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for December 2009
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for November 2009
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for October 2009
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for September 2009
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for August 2009
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for July 2009
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for June 2009
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for May 2009
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for April 2009
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for March 2009
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for February 2009
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for January 2009
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for December 2008
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for November 2008
A-10 Afghanistan Combat Summary for October 2008

A-10s will participate in exercise Angel Thunder 2010

A-10s, probably from the 355th Fighter Wing, will participate in Air Combat Command's annual personnel recovery exercise. Angel Thunder 2010 is scheduled to take place April 12 through 23 at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.

For further info please check: ACC to host multinational personnel recovery exercise, released by Air Combat Command Public Affairs April 2, 2010.

188th Fighter Wing supporting missions in Afghanistan, sees combat action in first AEF deployment with A-10s

A-10C Thunderbolt II pilots Lt. Col. Mark Anderson, left, and Lt. Col. Charlie Holden, both members of the 188th Fighter Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard, step to their aircraft in preparation for a mission to provide close-air support to troops in contact on the ground near Kandahar on March 21, 2010. The pilots are among more than 250 members of the 188th currently deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan as part of an Air Expeditionary Force rotation. The unit is scheduled to return home in May. (Photo by Lt. Col. Keith Moore/ Arkansas Air National Guard Public Affairs Hi-res

by Lt. Col. Keith Moore
Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Officer

4/2/2010 - KANDAHAR AIR BASE, Afghanistan -- More than 200 members of the Arkansas National Guard's 188th Fighter Wing from Fort Smith deployed here in early March to begin their portion of an Air Expeditionary Force rotation as a component of the 451st Fighter Group. The Arkansas unit is fulfilling the second two months of a four-month rotation that was begun by a sister A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog" unit, the175th Fighter Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard. The 188th's current rotation will last through May.

This is the first deployed AEF rotation overseas for the "Flying Razorbacks" since the unit made its conversion from the F-16 to the A-10 aircraft in April 2007. But from all indications the unit members, aircraft and crews were ready.

"We had a good train up before coming here, both at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona and at the Green Flag-West exercise in Nevada, so we were ready to be doing exactly what we are doing here in southern Afghanistan," said Lt. Col. Mark Anderson, one of the 188th's A-10 pilots.

The A-10 mission in southern Afghanistan is to fly close-air support in response to ground troops who may be in contact with the enemy, or to escort convoys in particularly hostile areas. When not supporting ground troops, the aircraft will patrol designated sectors and provide aerial reconnaissance on locations of interest to ground commanders.

"We fly 12 to 16 sorties a day, around the clock," Anderson said. "But in the two weeks we've been flying we haven't yet had to expend any ordinance. The flying is great, but not getting to drop [weapons] when we go out is a bit frustrating. Sometimes we get to do some low -evel shows of force. And they always result in the enemy breaking contact with forces on the ground."

Anderson's comments were made just days before the 188th's opportunity came knocking with a call for low-level support to a U.S. Marine unit pinned down on the outskirts of a village near Marjaf. Two of the 188th's pilots fired approximately 250 rounds each with their Warthog's 30 mm Gatling guns. After completing two passes over the battle, the Airmen received the 'all clear' from the Marines on the ground.

Typically, flight missions range from two to five hours. Pilots will either be tasked to support specific ground units and operations, or they will be on patrol checking sectors with one to 10 points of interest for reconnaissance. At any time during a patrol a weapons system controller may divert them to assist ground forces as necessary.

From a maintenance perspective things also seem to be going well for the 188th as Master Sgt. Justin Likens, an aircraft crew chief , points out.

"The aircraft have done very well since we got here despite the dusty conditions," he said. "You see the minor, normal stuff, but no major system or equipment failures."

Fellow crew chief, Master Sgt. Jay Greer, echoed the upbeat sentiment of the deployment.

"Most of the guys I have talked to are glad to be here," Greer said. "[It] makes us feel like we are contributing to the fight to make sure those planes are ready to go for each and every mission. If our guys on the ground need the air cover, it's our job to make sure they are ready to fly."

Lt. Col. James Krimmell, a member of the 188th serving as deputy commander for the 451st Air Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Group during the AEF rotation, tempered the frustration of the pilots in not employing weapons.

"We'd like to fly every mission and never have to drop anything," Krimmell said.

But he simultaneously complimented the crews for their effectiveness.

"Although they may not drop every time they go out, the skill and professionalism of the crew is reflected in the fact that they are effective without doing so," Krimmell said. "Nevertheless, the reality is ... they are prepared if necessary."

Krimmell also praised the ground support staff for their role in maintaining a high mission capable rate. Krimmell said that the sortie tempo and distance to a maintenance depot makes attention to maintenance much more critical in a deployed environment.

"The motivation level in the back shops is focused on keeping the planes flying," Krimmell said. "For some of the traditional Guardsmen this is an opportunity to realize what they train for continuously. Here they learn how important maintenance is to that 24-hour operational clock."

Col. Robert Hopkins, Jr., commander of the 451st Air Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Group, praised the 188th Guardsmen not only for their aircraft maintenance expertise, but also for their environmental awareness and expertise.

"The Guard guys are great," he said. "When they are not working on the planes, they are fixing something in the shop, or cleaning up, or figuring out a way to make a process run more efficiently."

This early in the deployment the pilots, crews and maintenance personnel are focused on the fight, and doing their part to support coalition operations all across southern Afghanistan. And as the poppy harvest draws near and the troop surge in Afghanistan puts more pressure on the Taliban, the pilots and maintainers of the 188th will get ample opportunity to put their preparation and training for the deployment to the test.

The 188th is currently one of three units from the Arkansas National Guard that is working in southern Afghanistan. In addition there are approximately 200 members of the 1037th Route Clearance Company of the 875th Engineer Battalion from Jonesboro and another 60 Soldiers and Airmen with the Arkansas Agriculture Development Team.



Maj. Brian Ahlert, an A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot from the 188th Fighter Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard, based in Fort Smith, conducts preflight inspections on the weapons mountings before a flight on March 19, 2010, from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Ahlert is among more than 250 members of the 188th deployed as part of an Air Expeditionary Force rotation and is assigned to the 451st Fighter Wing at Kandahar. (Photo by Lt. Col. Keith Moore/Arkansas Air National Guard Public Affairs Hi-res

Source

Note: More related photos will be uploaded tomorrow.

A-10 Pilot Continues Family's Military Heritage, Serves as a Role Model

Capt. Jennie Schoeck, an A-10 pilot and the 354th Fighter Squadron's assistant director of operations, reviews the maintenance records for her A-10C aircraft, prior to her flight April 1, 2010. The first step in the pilot's pre-flight checklist is to review the aircraft's maintenance records. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Alesia Goosic) Hi-res

by Capt. Stacie N. Shafran
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/2/2010 - DAVIS-MONTHAN Air Force Base, Ariz. -- (Editor's Note: This is the third article in a series highlighting women from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in honor of Women's History Month.)

From the cockpit of an A-10, Capt. Jennie "Tuzzi" Schoeck has seen the tops of Afghanistan's breathtaking snow-capped mountains, the rugged coastline of the Korean peninsula and the Southern United States' cracked desert landscape.

Her "view" of the Air Force mission, which has mostly been observed from her cockpit, has certainly been different from the majority of the Airmen she serves with.

While her heritage hails from five generations of military service, including parents who were both pilots and an aunt in the Army who became the first female four-star general in the history of the armed services, Captain Schoeck wasn't sure she wanted to fly until she was faced with the decision as a junior at the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2000.

"My dad graduated from the Air Force Academy in '74 and flew MH-53s and A-10s and my mom was the third woman in the Army to become a helicopter pilot, flying the UH-60s. Even with their history and my experiences growing up I didn't really know I wanted to fly until a few weeks before we had to decide," said Captain Schoeck.

After earning a pilot slot, and graduating from the Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in social sciences in 2001, the captain said her next goal was to become an A-10 pilot.

"I have always been fascinated by the A-10 and its mission," she said. "Growing up around it when my dad flew it, I knew it was an incredible aircraft. When it came time to decide what I wanted to fly, there was no doubt I wanted it to be the A-10."

Since graduating pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas in 2003 and the A-10 training course here in 2004, Captain Schoeck has served at Osan Air Base, South Korea and Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. All of her training and preparation served her well during her first combat deployment in 2006 to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.

"It is extremely rewarding to know I had a direct impact on the ground situation in Afghanistan and that based on the decisions and actions my squadron and I made, we helped save the lives of our friendly forces and Allies," said Captain Schoeck, who amassed 158 combat flight hours during her deployment.

In 2007, Captain Schoeck returned to Davis-Monthan to serve as an A-10 instructor pilot in the 358th Fighter Squadron. She just completed a year-long assignment as the 355th Fighter Wing commander's executive officer and will now serve as the 354th Fighter Squadron's assistant director of operations.

"I had an opportunity hire an officer to run my scheduling and training offices and when I learned that Captain Schoeck was available, I jumped at the opportunity to hire her," said Lt. Col. Clarence Johnson, 354th Fighter Squadron commander. "She is a phenomenal officer, pilot, and mentor and I'm proud to have her in my squadron. I have no doubt that with her on board the finest attack pilots are being produced here at Davis-Monthan."

Over the years, there have been other highlights in Captain Schoeck's career. She served as a safety observer for the A-10 West Demonstration Team, which is based here, and enjoyed educating air show audiences about the jet's capabilities.

In 2008, Captain Schoeck was introduced to Hollywood. She served as a military advisor to the producers of "Terminator Salvation." In the storyline, the movie's lead actress, Moon Bloodgood, played an A-10 pilot. To ensure the producers portrayed Moon's character as realistically as possible, Captain Schoeck spent time on the movie set near Albuquerque, N.M., teaching the crew and the actress about the A-10, life support gear and flying tactics. She also hosted the actress's visit to Davis-Monthan so she could learn more about the Air Force's flying mission.

"It was amazing to be a part of something completely different and hopefully bring a sense of realism to the film," she said.

In her spare time, Captain Schoeck is a soccer coach for a local club team. While at the Air Force Academy she played on the Division 1 Women's Soccer team and she continues to play on two soccer teams in town. She also volunteers at church and is also a mentor for girls through the local affiliate of the nationally recognized Girls Incorporated organization.

In April, the captain will be the featured guest speaker at the organization's "Girls and Women in Sports" event, which is designed to encourage elementary school girls to participate in sports and pursue an active, healthy lifestyle.

"We chose her not only because of her past athletic endeavors and her continued involvement coaching soccer in Tucson, but because of her success in a traditionally male dominated field," said Pat Wallace, board chairman of Girls Incorporated of Southern Arizona. "She also serves as an inspiration to our girls showing them that they can succeed in any endeavor they put their minds to. Captain Schoeck embodies our motto of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold."

According to the Jan. 7 Air Force active-duty demographics, women account for only 19.4 percent of the force and only 4.3 percent are pilots.

Captain Schoeck, who was recently, selected for promotion to major, credits her parents and her aunt for their influence on her life and the opportunities she's had during her career.

"I have been truly blessed to be surrounded by amazing people who constantly demonstrate the values you look for in a role model," she said.

And with this, she's well aware of her own position as a role model.

"I would like for young girls to know that they can do anything they want to do. There is no ceiling, if they are willing to work hard and be committed to their goals, they can achieve anything they put their minds to," she said.



Prior to her flight April 1, 2010, Capt. Jennie Schoeck, an A-10 pilot and the 354th Fighter Squadron's assistant director of operations, looks over her A-10C's rudder to ensure free and correct movement. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Alesia Goosic)Hi-res

Note: The aircraft is A-10C 80-0205, still without new squadron markings.

Source

Ten 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs returned from Nellis to Spang

Updated April 5, 2010

Ten of the twelve A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, which were on TDY for exercise Red Flag 10-03 at Nellis AFB, Nevada, arrived back home at Spang afternoon today. The remaining two are still on stopover at Lajes Field, Azores.

Part of the arrival were A-10Cs 80-0275, 81-0945, 81-0960, 81-0976, 81-0980, 81-0985, 81-0988 and 82-0656.

According to the Dutch Scramble Message Board, the ten Hogs arrived in three different flights with call signs Tabor 74, 75 and 76; Tabor 72, 73 and 71; and Tabor 82, 83, 84 and 81.

For first known public arrival shots (80-0275 and 81-0945 only) please visit German FlugzeugForum, topic Flugbetrieb in Spangdahlem (ETAD) 2010, check page 16, and also Spangdahlem 03.04.2010 - Rückkehr der A-10´s von der Nellis AFB

81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs are returning from Nellis to Spang

Updated April 2 (two times), 3 and 4 (two times), 2010

As mentioned on the Dutch Scramble Message Board, the twelve A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, are on their way back home. Today, they arrived at Lajes Field, Azores, for stopover.

According to Warthog News contributor Fábio Pinheiro from Portugal, they arrived at 18:00 O-clock local time. According to other Scramble spotters, they could depart Lajes for Spang April 2 and 3, 2010.

Update 1:

Good morning! It's 04:59 German local time, and I can't sleep. Just after midnight, in an e-mail Warthog News contributor João Toste from Portugal told me:

Today [April 1, 2010 - edited by me] arrived at Lajes 12 A-10s (SP). The 1st group at 17h50 and the second at 18h15, local time.

Arriving order:

81-0654, 81-0976, 82-0656, 81-0991, 80-0275, 81-0983
Supporting tanker: KC-10A 79-1946 (from Travis)

81-0960, 81-0988, 81-0945, 82-0650, 81-0985, 81-0980
Supporting tankers: KC-10As 84-0185 (from Travis) and 86-0027 (from McGuire)

Special thanks to João for his first-hand spotter info.

Update 2:

Later today (April 2, 2010), João e-mailed me the following pictures, taken at Lajes Field April 1, 2010:



A-10Cs 80-0275 (foreground) and 81-0991 taxiing after arrival. Two others already parking. (Photo by João Toste) Full size



A-10C 81-0945 taxiing after arrival. (Photo by João Toste) Full size



A-10C 81-0980 taxiing after arrival. (Photo by João Toste) Full size

In his e-mail, João told me: They will depart tomorow morning. The whether was dark (as usual)...

Special thanks for your exclusive photo support, João!

Update 3 (April 3, 2010):

Also on April 2, Warthog News contributor André Inácio from Portugal exclusive e-mailed me the following arrival shots (Sorry for the delay, but I had to do with renaming his files:



AC-10 80-0275 taxiing after arrival. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



AC-10 81-0976 taxiing after arrival. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 82-0656 taxiing after arrival. Note the rare Panther head on the left fin-cap. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



AC-10 81-0960 taxiing after arrival. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 81-0988 taxiing after arrival. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



AC-10C 81-0983 taxiing after arrival. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 82-0654 taxiing after arrival. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 81-0980 taxiing after arrival. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 82-0650 taxiing after arrival. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 81-0991 taxiing after arrival. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 81-0985 taxiing after arrival. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size



A-10C 81-0945 taxiing after arrival. (Photo by André Inácio) Full size

Special thanks for your exclusive photo support, André!

Update 4 (April 4, 2010):

Today, João e-mailed me the following exclusive departure shots, taken at Lajes April 3, 2010:



A-10C 81-0960. (Photo by João Toste) Full size



A-10C 81-0960. Note the American flag behind the windshield. (Photo by João Toste) Full size



A-10C 82-0650. (Photo by João Toste) Full size



A-10Cs 82-0650 and 81-0945. (Photo by João Toste) Full size



A-10Cs 82-0650 and 81-0945. (Photo by João Toste) Full size



A-10C 81-0945. (Photo by João Toste) Full size

Thank you again for providing these additional exclusive shots, João.

Update 5 (April 4, 2010):

Later today, João e-mailed me the following exclusive departure shots, taken at Lajes April 3, 2010:



A-10C 81-0985. (Photo by João Toste) Hi-res



A-10C 81-0960. (Photo by João Toste) Hi-res



A-10C 81-0960. (Photo by João Toste) Hi-res

Also, João told me:

They departed on rwy 15. The 1st group of 6 more KC-10 at 0930AM and the 2nd group of 4 more KC-10 at 1000AM (local time) Also departed one more KC-10 at 1200. Since the apron (I think is Echo) to the rwy 15 they used twy Papa (parallel with the runways) and Mike as usual for departures on 15.

The first group, only 4 made the line up on 15 initialy, two side by side ahead and the other two side by side behind. When the 1st took off one of the group behind took her position and one of the 2 A-10 that was awaiting on Mike get to the position of the one that moved on. The same movement after the 2nd takeoff.

The second group of 4 aircraft made the line up 2 ahead side by side and the others 2 behind also side by side.

Behind in some photos appears a C-130, is a KC-130T (U.S. Marines) reg. 165000.