Wing announces Sijan nominees

by Senior Master Sgt. Stuart Camp
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

7/25/2011 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Four Airmen were announced July 19 as the 51st Fighter Wing's nominees to the 2011 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Awards.

They are Maj. Stephen Graham, 51st Operations Group; Maj. Richard Swengros, 25th Fighter Squadron; Senior Master Sgt. Chris Marinos, 51st Maintenance Group; and Technical Sgt. Ruben Rivas, 51st Munitions Squadron.

[...] Swengros, an A-10 flight examiner and stan/eval chief for the 25th FS, has responsibility for flight evaluations on the wing's A-10 pilots. Considered a top planner and manager by his commander, Swengros is also credited with being the 25th FS's "top gun." He also crafted seven exercises, which drove USFK close-air support tactics, and these efforts resulted in the PACAF Inspector General's rating of outstanding. [...]

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The "Hog" at RIAT 2011

There was a great A-10C demo at The Royal International Air Tattoo, excluding the mishap due to mechanical problems on Saturday. Here's some more related video stuff, already posted on YouTube:

RIAT 2011 - USAF A10 Demo Rehearsal


RIAT 2011 A-10 WestCoast DemoTeam Rehearsal USAF


Spangdahelm A-10 Goes Lame During Display. RIAT 2011 Saturday.


USAF A10 display RIAT 2011

A10 West Demo Team Warthog at RIAT 2011

Tanker Training at Selfridge

Master Sgt. George Hall operates the boom controls as an A-10 Thunderbolt II maneuvers in to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker during an aerial refueling mission, July 21, 2011. Both aircraft are assigned to the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard and are based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. (U.S. Air Force photo by John S. Swanson) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 81-0994 from the 107th Fighter Squadron.

127th Wing Public Affairs

7/22/2011 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. -- Air crews from the 171st Air Refueling Squadron fly the KC-135 Stratotanker, an aerial refueler which is in high demand for a wide variety of missions.

The crew - generally two pilots and a boom operator - are able to carry more than 30,000 gallons of fuel onboard their aircraft. The aircraft can also be configured to carry personnel and cargo and for use as an aeromedical evacuation platform.

Aircrews from the 171st are part of the Michigan Air National Guard and their giant, gray-colored aircraft are based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

On a recent training mission, an aircrew from the 171st was tasked with providing in-flight refueling to a group of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, which are also flown by the Michigan Air National Guard at Selfridge.



An A-10 Thunderbolt II receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker during an aerial refueling mission, July 21, 2011. Both aircraft are assigned to the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard and are based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. (U.S. Air Force photo by John S. Swanson) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 81-0994 from the 107th Fighter Squadron.



An A-10 Thunderbolt II flies alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker while the A-10’s wingman receives fuel from the tanker, July 21, 2011. All of the aircraft are assigned to the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard and are based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. (U.S. Air Force photo by John S. Swanson) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 80-0255 from the 107th Fighter Squadron.

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A-10C phase inspection at Kandahar Airfield

Released by 451st AEW Public Affairs



Staff Sergeant Stephen Bailey installs a roll crank during a phase inspection on an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The A-10 support troops on the ground in combat in Afghanistan. Sergeant Bailey is assigned to the 451st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron at Kandahar Airfield. (U.S. Air Force photo) Hi-res

"Hog" in trouble at the Royal International Air Tattoo?

On July 19, 2011, Warthog News reader Jaak Stinkens from Belgium told me via e-mail: Hi Joachim, very shortly after the beginning of it's demo at RIAT FAIRFORD on saturday... it seems like white smoke (oil???) left the righthand engine of the hog, a couple of minutes later the jet landed safely at Fairford, and the show was over... What happened???



A-10C 82-0649 from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, during it's demo on July 16, 2011. Note the white smoke. (Photo by Jaak Stinkens) Full size



(Photo by Jaak Stinkens) Full size



(Photo by Jaak Stinkens) Full size

Question: Anyone who can/will tell us what really happened?

RAF Fairford hosts Royal International Air Tattoo

A-10C 82-0649 from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Note the wrong original caption: An A-10 from the West Coast Demonstration Team performs at the Royal International Air Tattoo here July 15. Hi-res

by 1st Lt. Brian Maguire
501 CSW Public Affairs

7/19/2011 - RAF FAIRFORD, United Kingdom -- Celebrating the 40th anniversary of what is billed as the world's largest military air show, RAF Fairford turned over the airfield to the Royal International Air Tattoo July 16-17.

Held at RAF Fairford 21 times since 1985, the Royal International Air Tattoo hosted more than 200 aircraft from 30 countries on static and aerial display, including 18 aircraft from the different branches of the U.S. military.

"In addition to the air displays that we have, we're also honored to host a number of international Air Chiefs who are here representing their nations and displaying the world's best in military aviation," said Col. Brian Kelly, 501st Combat Support Wing commander. "While this is our airfield on a day-to-day basis, we are happy and honored to turn it over to the RAF Charitable Trust for this two-week period to allow them to conduct the Air Tattoo."

This year's themes for the Air Tattoo included the 40th anniversary of RIAT, as well as the 50th anniversary of NATO's Tiger Association, but an enduring theme is the promotion of aviation.

"The crowds are great, there are wonderful displays, and there are a number of interactive venues that help promote military aviation, which is what this is really all about," Col Kelly said. "The venues providing education and interactive experiences to young folks truly help build a genuine interest and enthusiasm about aviation."

The Air Tattoo provides several opportunities for participating nations, from highlighting various weapons systems and capabilities, to interaction with foreign aircrews and senior military leaders.

"It's the public interaction, showing our friendship and connections with the rest of NATO and other nations of the world," said Maj. Shaun Bellamy, 480th Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base. "It's not just an air show - it's national support."

Participating in his first Royal International Air Tattoo, Capt. Michael Stepan, an electronic warfare officer on the B-52 Stratofortress stationed at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., was happy for the opportunity to interact with the public and speak to foreign air crews.

"It's great for the Air Force, and for the bomber community, to be able to interact with other aircraft and crewmembers and talk about the capabilities of the aircraft," Stepan said.

The aerial displays included the national demonstration teams from the United Kingdom, Italy and, visiting RIAT for the first time, Saudi Arabia, as well as solo demonstrations that included an Air Force A-10 from the West Coast Demonstration Team.

"The A-10 was a spectacular show," Kelly said. "Even the rehearsal flying brought big crowds - they got to see exactly what the capabilities are of our aircraft, and picture the attack role and close-air support we provide with the A-10."

The aerial displays weren't the only exciting aspect of the Air Tattoo. The static aircraft drew a lot of attention from the crowds as well.

Being able to talk about the aircraft and their capabilities is great, said Bellamy, because "you get to interact with the public and see some starry-eyed children looking toward the future."



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School Age Program inspires tomorrow's Airmen

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Participants of the Youth and Teen Center's Aerospace Training Camp are given a tour of an A-10 Thunderbolt during a visit to the 81st Fighter Squadron here July 13. During the visit, children were also briefed on possible careers in aerospace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nick Wilson) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 82-0649.

by Senior Airman Nick Wilson
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

7/20/2011 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- To provide better quality of life for Spangdahlem Air Base's elementary and middle school students, the 52nd Force Support Squadron's School Age Program is hosting weekly summer camps for 9 to 13 year olds.

The camps began early June and are scheduled to end Aug. 19.

Each week's camp focuses on a different theme to give the children an opportunity to learn about different careers. A few of the camps featured are adventure camp, science crime scene camp, art camp and fitness camp.

"We like to give youth an opportunity to experience different careers," said Sarah Williams, 52nd Force Support Squadron Youth and Teen Center programmer. "Not all youth may be interested in the theme, but they may get excited and learn so much about it. We like to give the youth fun experiences they may not have in school."

From Aug. 11-15, preteens participated in Aerospace Training Camp, which focused on possible officer and enlisted careers in aerospace.

"Most of the students in this week's camps were interested in Civil Air Patrol or becoming a pilot," Williams said.

The week's activities included a trip to the 81st Fighter Squadron here to interview an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot. The students also learned about aerodynamics and built paper helicopters and rockets made of candy.

"We want to provide fun and interesting activities for the youth while continuing to inspire them to learn during the summer," said Courtney Frantz, Kansas State University student intern and 52nd FSS Youth and Teen Center acting assistant supervisor.

Frantz said each week's camp not only focuses on different themes, but they also teaches the children communication, team building, how to work in a group, how to conduct interviews and creativity.

"It's important for youth to learn how to effectively communicate so they can express themselves in their ideas and be creative so they can analyze situations from a variety of viewpoints," Frantz said.

Frantz also mentioned children had the most fun when they had the opportunity to express their creativity or get outside of their classroom environment to learn and experience something new.

"I enjoy working with the kids," Frantz said. "It is extremely rewarding to know that I had something to do with them learning something new and having fun."

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23rd Wing welcomes new commander

by Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
23rd Wing Public Affairs

7/19/2011 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- U.S. Air Force Col. Billy Thompson assumed command of the 23rd Wing from Col. Gary Henderson during a change of command ceremony July 19.

The ceremony was a chance to welcome Thompson from his last assignment as commander of the 563rd Rescue Group at Davis- Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

During the change of command ceremony, Maj. Gen. Stephen Hoog, 9th AF commander, presented Henderson with the Legion of Merit decoration for his leadership during the past two years.

"The 23rd WG has executed the mission in a superb fashion and set the bar high," said Hoog. "Due to the 23rd WG's unrelenting focus on the mission, its Airmen were repeatedly recognized downrange with medals for valor and heroism.

"The 23rd WG has the tradition of combat excellence and warrior ethos," he added.

The new commander said he hopes to continue the legacy of the Flying Tigers and is happy to be back at Moody.

"There is not a more vital and deadly team than the one that exists at Moody...and I'm glad to become a part of it," said Thompson.

"One of the best things about being at Moody is the opportunity to live in South Georgia," he added. "The hospitality of the people and genuine caring for our Airmen make this a special place."

Among the many civilian and military guests were distinguished visitors from the community, three former Moody wing commanders and many retired chief master sergeants and officers.

The 23rd WG currently has about 1,200 Airmen deployed and is credited with 3,400 saves under Henderson's command.

"The Flying Tigers are always out front and punching above their weight," said Henderson. "It's the Airmen of the 23rd Wing that make it happen. You are the epitome of combat professionals, and I am proud to have served with you.

"'That others may live,' is not just a slogan but a way of life for Airmen here," he added.

At the end of the ceremony, Henderson's name was removed from the HH-60G Pave Hawk and Thompson's was added to indicate finalization of the change of command.

Henderson will move to Ramstein Air Base, Germany to be deputy commander of 3rd Air Force.

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Returning Airman saddles up as new commander

by Senior Master Sgt. Stuart Camp
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

7/15/2011 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The 51st Fighter Wing welcomed its 62nd commander July 15, 2011, in the phase hangar off the Osan Air Base flightline.

Col. Patrick McKenzie reported to Osan for his second tour, fresh from an assignment at the Pentagon, to take charge from out-going commander Col. Patrick Malackowski.

"The mission does not change," McKenzie said in his remarks during the ceremony. "We will remain deftly focused on the full spectrum of mission and provide the defense of the Republic of Korea."

The new commander is no stranger to Osan and its mission. He was a flight commander and instructor pilot with the 36th Fighter Squadron between May 1994 and July 1996.

"I demand that you remain confident and capable in the conduct of your craft and that you remain fiercely disciplined in the manner in what you execute," McKenzie said. "I am thrilled to be back at Osan and back in the 51st FW."

The commander is responsible for the wing's mission to plan, support and execute military operations - counter air, interdiction, close air support and inter-theater airlift. He oversees operations of F-16 and A-10 fighter squadrons and the support of five tenant units, and more than 45 geographically separated units throughout the Korean peninsula.

Malackowski moves up to vice commander of 13th Air Force, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

McKenzie comes to Osan from a post in the Secretary of the Air Force Legislative Liaison Directorate, Washington, D.C. He was responsible for liaison between the Air Force and Congress for authorization of all Air Force weapons systems programs and associated program budget requests.



Col. Patrick T. McKenzie, 51st Fighter Wing commander, takes the guidon from to Lt. Gen. Jeffery A. Remington, 7th Air Force commander, during a change of command ceremony . Col. McKenzie previously served at the Pentagon as the Secretary of the Air Force Legislative Liaison Directorate, weapons division chief. (U.S. Air Force Photos by Senior Airman Adam Gant)

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Deale takes command

by Tech. Sgt. Emily F. Alley
451 AEW Public Affairs

7/15/2011 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Deale took command of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing from Brig. Gen. Paul Johnson during a change of command ceremony July 14 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

Maj. Gen. Tod D. Wolters, commander of the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force, officiated the ceremony.

Distinguished guests included MAJ GEN James L. Terry, USA, Commander of Regional Command-South and Brig. Gen. Jeffrey B. Kendall, USAF, NATO commander of Kandahar Airfield, along with other welcomed guests and officials. A formation of 120 wing members watched with a gathering of onlookers as Deale became the third commander to lead the wing. He began his opening comments reflecting on his combat experiences from Operation DESERT STORM when he served together with Gen. Johnson flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

Brig. Gen. Deale also vowed to continue the wing's success in combat. "We will continue with the highest standards of professionalism and combat effectiveness set by those who have gone before us, and we will ensure that we maintain the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing's legacy for those who will join is in the months and years to come," he said.

Brig. Gen. Deale came to the 451 AEW from the Air Staff in Washington D.C. He is a graduate of the Air Force Academy, a combat experienced aviator, and previously commanded the 51st Fighter Wing in Korea.

He will command the wing as it continues its mission to provide persistent and powerful airpower presence in Afghanistan through tactical airlift, close air support, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, combat search and rescue, and casualty and aeromedical evacuation among other missions.

"I am humbled by the opportunity and proud to be here," said Deale. "There is no higher calling, no higher privilege for an Airman than to command in combat."
In closing Gen. Deale challenged the wing to always remember why they are at Kandahar: "to support our coalition and NATO ground forces in combat operations...their success is our success."



(Left) Maj. Gen. Tod Wolters, Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Vallely, Brig. Gen. Thomas Deale and Brig. Gen. Paul Johnson stand at attention near the conclusion of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing change of command ceremony at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, July 14, 2011. Maj. Gen. Wolters is the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force commander, Chief Master Sgt. Vallely is the 451st AEW command chief master sergeant, Brig. Gen. Thomas Deale is the incoming 451st AEW commander and Brig. Gen. Paul Johnson is the outgoing 451st AEW commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Hook)

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