Friday, December 30, 2011

Barksdale Reservists do their part

Released by 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs



12/29/2011 - Col. John Breazeale at right, commander of the 917th Fighter Group, converses with two 47th Fighter Squadron pilots at Hoban Hall on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 28, 2011. The pilots assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, are a part of approximately 124 Airmen who deployed from the 917th FG to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 917th FG is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Source (including four more photos)

Related info:
Reservists head to Afghanistan

Note: And so, according to all of these official sources, at least approximately 254 reservists are currently deployed to take over the A-10C OEF combat missions at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, from the Air National Guard. Maybe later next year they will be replaced by personnel from the 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, for the third and final leg of this "Total Force" A-10C team combat deployment.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Reservists head to Afghanistan



Approximately 130 reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing deployed to Afghanistan, Dec. 28, 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The deployed reservists are scheduled to return in spring 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nick Wilson) Hi-res

by Staff Sgt. Danielle Wolf
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/28/2011 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Approximately 130 Citizen Airmen from the 442nd Maintenance and Operations groups here deployed to Afghanistan today in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The units maintain and operate the A-10 Thunderbolt II, which provides close air support to ground troops and is most notable for its 30-millimeter gatling gun.

"The purpose of A-10 combat power is to keep others safe," said Col. Eric S. Overturf, 442nd FW commander to the deploying Airmen at their final out brief. "Because you're going over there to employ this aircraft and its munitions, you are ensuring that a soldier, sailor, Airman or Marine can return home safely to his family."

Members from throughout the community, to include the Whiteman Base Community Council and local retirees had to opportunity, Dec. 28, to wish the reservists well on their deployment. The Whiteman BCC made hundreds of cookies that each reservist got to take with him to make the flight more comfortable.

"The support from the local community is outstanding," Overturf said. "They not only support our Airmen, but they support the families the Airmen have to leave behind, which makes it much easier for them to accomplish the mission in theater."

Despite the 3 a.m. takeoff, the reservists had dozens of people sending them off.
The wing has a rich history in deployments - four deployments since 9/11 - where it has sent a package of maintainers, operators and aircraft to the area of responsibility.

Hundreds of reservists from other parts of the wing have also deployed in previous years, but most recently the 442nd Security Forces Squadron, and currently, the 442nd Civil Engineers Squadron.

The reservists are scheduled to return in the spring.

For more photos, see the 442nd Fighter Wing slideshow.

Source

See also:

Whiteman reservists deploy over holidays


by Staff Sgt. Danielle Wolf
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/27/2011 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Approximately 230 reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing here and from its geographically separated unit, the 917th Fighter Group, Barksdale AFB, La., will deploy at the end of December in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The reservists, most of whom maintain civilian employment in the local area, are assigned to the 442nd Maintenance and Operations groups.

The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

The reservists are expected to return in April.

Source

Note: Seems like this deployment marks the second leg to operate and maintain a "Total Force" A-10C team which is currently combat-deployed to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The reservists will replace guardsmen from the 127th Wing (Michigan Air National Guard), Selfridge ANGB, which deployed for the first leg in late September 2011. As a result of this replacement, maybe the designation of the deployed A-10C aircraft package will be changed from 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to another designation. But I'm not sure.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

23rd Wing weapons manager retires

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs



Being Recognized: U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Lilly [right], 23rd Wing weapons manager, is presented with a plaque of recognition from Master Sgt. Steven Glick, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit section chief, during his retirement ceremony held at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Dec. 19, 2011. Throughout his 30 year career, Lilly has worked with several different units and with various weapons systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Dominique) Hi-res

Note: According to the caption of another related photo, Lilly is scheduled to retire March 1st from active duty.

Overturf nominated for brigadier general

by Staff Sgt. Danielle Wolf
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



12/20/2011 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Col. Eric S. Overturf, commander of the 442nd Fighter Wing here, has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general, as announced Friday.

Overturf is responsible for approximately 2,000 reservists here and at three other geographically separated units: the 917th Fighter Group, Barksdale AFB, La.; the 476th Fighter Group, Moody AFB, Ga.; and the 924th Fighter Group, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.

Overturf was born in Greeley, Colo. He is a 1984 honors graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He served 14 years in the regular Air Force in a wide variety of F-16 assignments in U.S. Air Forces Europe, Pacific Air Forces, and Air Combat Command and as an instructor at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School. He joined the Air Force Reserve in 1998 as a traditional reservist and is currently serving in full-time status. Colonel Overturf is a command pilot with more than 4,300 hours of fighter time in the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-22A Raptor and the F-16 Fighting Falcon including missions in support of Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Northern Watch, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Enduring Freedom. He took command of the 442nd Fighter Wing in December 2010.

The promotion ceremony is pending Senate confirmation.

Source

See also:
Official USAF biography of Col. Eric S. Overturf

442nd Fighter Wing members deploy for Afghanistan

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Approximately 30 reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing departed Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., and headed for Afghanistan, Dec. 19. Made up of mostly maintainers and pilots, the group is scheduled to return around April 2012. The 442nd FW is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Wolf) Hi-res

Note: This combat deployment to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom is part of the currently deployed "Total Force" A-10C team. For some more related pictures please check the 442nd FW public website's photo section.

Bobby Bell tours 442nd Fighter Wing

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Bobby Bell, NFL hall-of-famer and retired Kansas City Chiefs football player, tours the 442nd Fighter Wing with his family, Dec. 16. Bell, an ambassador for the KC Chiefs and supporter of the Air Force Reserve, presented the wing with an autographed football during the tour. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman AFB, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Padden) Source

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0114 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron. Please take a look on the air intake cover with the new unit logo, honoring the Kansas City Chiefs. More pictures will be uploaded soon.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Home on the range: Joint Terminal Attack Controllers train with 188th Warthogs

Updated 22 December 2011:



An A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthog" with the 188th Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard fires its 30mm Gatling gun at the 188th's Detachment 1 Razorback Range during a Close-Air Support (CAS) training exercise with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs). (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Heath Allen / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

By 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/20/2011 - FORT CHAFFEE MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER, Ark. -- Several A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" with the 188th Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard conducted a Close-Air Support (CAS) training exercise with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) at the 188th's Detachment 1 Razorback Range located at Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center, Ark., Dec. 12, 2011.

The Warthogs conducted strafing runs, shot targets with their 30mm Gatling gun and dropped sundry munitions while working with JTACs, who plotted coordinates for air strikes during the CAS training. The JTACs are members of the 19th Air Support Operations Squadron based in Fort Campbell, Ky.

Razorback Range is a key asset and currently is the best among all Air National Guard units nationwide in terms of proximity to the wing. Razorback Range's proximity to Ebbing Air National Guard Base allows the 188th's A-10s to be on the range just two minutes after takeoff, which makes the unit the most efficient A-10 wing in the ANG in terms of training costs.

To view additional photos from this training exercise, watch the slideshow.



An A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthog" with the 188th Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard conducts a strafing run at the 188th's Detachment 1 Razorback Range during a Close-Air Support (CAS) training exercise with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs). (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Heath Allen / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs. (Note: This picture is copied from the 188th FW's Facebook page. The hi-res link of this picture on their website doesn't work.)

Source

See also:
Related album on Facebook

Update 22 December 2011:
The following additional hi-res photo has been released:


Updated December 21, 2011

An A-10C drops a 25 pound BDU-33 practice bomb. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class John Hillier / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

188th family members take to skies, range to observe mission

Updated December 22, 2011



The 188th Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard conducted spouse orientation rides on a KC-135R Stratotanker with the 185th Airlift Wing, Iowa Air National Guard Dec. 2-3, 2011, in Fort Smith, Ark. Spouses of 188th members were able to observe the Flying Razorbacks' A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" conduct aerial refueling from the KC-135R's boom operation area during the flight. The flight was part of an open house in which 188th family members were afforded the opportunity to fly an A-10 simulator as well as observe A-10 training exercises at the 188th's Detachment 1 Razorback Range located at Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center, Ark. The objective of the program was to showcase the 188th's mission to family members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Landeros / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 78-0642 (ex 131st FS, 104th FW, Massachusetts ANG) from the 184th Fighter Squadron.

by Airman 1st Class John Hillier
188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/19/2011 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- It was a family affair at the 188th Fighter Wing during the December Unit Training Assembly.

Spouses took to the skies over Fort Smith for an up-close look at flight operations during a "Spouse Lift" orientation flight here Dec. 3.

Unit family members also took advantage of the opportunity to observe the 188th's A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" drop munitions, conduct strafing runs and fire their 30mm Gatling guns at Detachment 1 Razorback Range, which is located at Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center, Ark.

Family members were also afforded the chance to operate an A-10 flight simulator during the two-day program.

"I thought it would be a good idea to do something for the families, to show them a small part of what we do here," said Capt. Josh Parnell, a 188th pilot who also functioned as the project officer for the spouse orientation flights. "I wanted them to see what their spouse as a unit member does to contribute that as a civilian you wouldn't normally get to see."

In all, 97 spouses had the opportunity to fly aboard a KC-135R Stratotanker from the Iowa Air National Guard's 185th Air Refueling Wing as it conducted mid-air refueling exercises with the 188th's A-10s.

After a safety briefing from Tech Sgt. Mike Dunlop, a boom operator with the 185th, spouses were given a tour around the KC-135R, and learned about the refueling mission of the aircraft.

Spouses then boarded the KC-135R and strapped in for takeoff. Once the aircraft reached 16,000 feet, spouses were able to explore the aircraft and talk with the crew and visit the cockpit.

While the spouses took photos of the Stratotanker and watched out the windows for the arrival of the A-10s, Dunlop talked about the KC-135R's mission, and entertained them with stories from his career.

Each spouse had the opportunity to observe a contact drill between the KC-135R and an A-10, in which the boom operator connects the refueling hose to the other aircraft in preparation for mid-air refueling.

Parnell, who flew with the 185th for three years before coming to the 188th had flown spouse flights with KC-135Rs before, he said. He was able to use that relationship to benefit both the 185th and 188th.

"I've flown with both the pilots and boom operators many times," Parnell said. "I know them really well. That helped with organization of the flights, and would have been much more difficult without that personal relationship."

Parnell said it can be challenging to keep current with training requirements, especially for part-time flyers. Parnell said they don't get to refuel A-10s very often, so it's a change of pace for them.

"The 185th gets get to fly sorties out of a different location and refuel an aircraft that they don't normally get to practice with," Parnell said.

Parnell said the 188th pilots got to not only exhibit the aerial refueling process to unit member spouses but it was also a chance to prepare for the 188th's upcoming Air Expeditionary Forces deployment to Afghanistan this summer.

"We've got a lot on our plate next year, and air refueling is a big part of letting us execute our mission." Parnell said. "It's also something that family members were able to go see. Knowing that we're going to be deployed next summer, it's a way to say 'thank you' to the families for supporting us when we have to go away and do our jobs."

The flight was certainly appreciated. It was the first flight ever for Shelley Staggs.

"It was really neat; I enjoyed it," she said. "We went up in the cockpit and got down in the [boom area]. I'd definitely do it again."



A-10C 78-0586 (ex 118th FS, 103rd FW, Connecticut ANG) from the 184th Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class John Hillier / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res



A-10C 78-0646 (ex 118th FS, 103rd FW, Connecticut ANG) from the 184th Fighter Squadron. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Landeros / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

Source

Update December 20, 2011: Today, 184th FW Public Affairs released some more related pictures on the wing's website and posted a huge album 188th family members observe unit's mission with 77 photos on the wing's fan page on Facebook, ncluding a lot of additional air-to-air shots.

Update December 22, 2011
The following two additional hi-res photos has been released:



A-10C 78-0642 approaches the tanker. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Landeros / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Hi-res



A brilliant shot of A-10C 78-0586. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class John Hillier / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

Monday, December 19, 2011

Impressive A-10 albums by Ken Middleton on Flickr

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Some years ago, aviation photographer and Warthog News contributor Ken Middleton from the United States created his two websites about the 103rd Fighter Wing and the 104th Fighter Wing, both linked in the section "Other A-10 Sites" on my blog's left navigation sidebar.

Already in 2009, but unfortunally overlooked by me, Ken launched his own photostream on Flickr. Meanwhile, his collections include five different sets of A-10 photos, also related to the 111th Fighter Wing and the 175th Wing. Please enjoy!

Here are two of Ken's latest added shots, uploaded on December 17, 2011:



A-10 80-0230 from the 103rd Fighter Squadron, 111th Fighter Wing (Pennsylvania ANG), Willow Grove, taken on June 27, 2009. (Photo by Ken Middleton) Full size



A-10 78-0659 from the 131st Fighter Squadron, 104th Fighter Wing (Massachusetts ANG), taken on June 25, 2006, at Barnes 2006 Airshow. (Photo by Ken Middleton) Full size

Please also visit Ken on Facebook.

Nice A-10 slide show by photographer Tom Hildreth

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

This night, photographer Tom Hildreth from the United States hooked me up via Facebook to his very nice A-10 slide show on photo.net. At first, let me share this sample picture which deals with the current winter season (Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!):



A-10A 79-0104 from the 131st Fighter Squadron "Death Vipers", 104th Fighter Wing (Massachusetts ANG), Barnes ANGB, Massachusetts (Tailcode MA); photo taken on December 8, 1996. The nose in the foreground belongs to A-10A 78-0644 from the same unit. (Photo by Tom Hildreth) Full size

Source

See also all of Tom's online pictures

By the way: In the next couple of days I will ask Tom for posting some more (if not all) of his historic A-10 shots on Warthog News.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

354th Fighter Squadron Change of Command

Released by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs



U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Samuel Milam, 355th Operations Group commander, passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Daniel Luce [on the right] as he assumes command of the 354th Fighter Squadron on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Dec. 16, 2011. Before assuming command of the 354th FS, Luce was the 355th Operations Support Squadron director of operations here on D-M. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Timothy D. Moore) Hi-res

Note: The "Hog" with 354th FS "Bulldogs" insignia in the background should be A-10C 78-0706, formerly assigned to the 357th Fighter Squadron and marked as 357th FS boss bird. Anybody who can identify the cartoon art on the ALQ-131 ECM pod? It looks to me like a raven. It is usual to apply such art on ECM pods at D-M?

Friday, December 16, 2011

Some historic Fairchild Republic Company's A-10 stuff preserved now by Warthog News

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Thanks to a German aviation friend of mine who wants to remain anonymous, today I was able to preserve a small but very informative collection of original Farchild Republic Company's news releases and some of their black-and-white press photos from the seventies. Now, I have to scan and digitalize all of this, allongside with some clipped newspaper stuff and additional personal A-10 photos.

Just an appetizer:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

354th TACTICAL FIGHTER WING COMPLETES FIRST FULL YEAR OF A-10 OPERATIONS

FARMINGDALE, L.I., N.Y., September 3, 1978 -- The 354th Tactical Fighter Wing at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina, is the first operational U.S. Air Force wing to complete a full year of operations equipped with the USAF/Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II close air support aircraft.

The wing commander of the 354th, Colonel Robert H. Reed, reported that his organization, which started in July 1977 with 14 new A-10 aircraft and 11 pilots, had grown to 55 A-10s and 68 mission-ready pilots in June 1978. In the previous 12 months, according to Colonel Reed, those pilots flew 7,165 sorties for a total of 12,184 hours.

Three tactical fighter squadrons comprise the 354th. They include the 353rd (Black Panthers) Tactical Fighter Squadron, the 355th (Fighting Falcons) Tactical Fighter Squadron and the 356th (Green Demons) Tactical Fighter Squadron.

When A-10 operations got underway last year, a total of 138 sorties representing 294 hours were flown in the initial month. Last June, Myrtle Beach Air Force Base operations handled 1,016 A-10 sorties totaling 1,651 hours.

Production aircraft are also in service with the U.S. Air Force's Tactical Air Command at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, and Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. With nearly 140 A-10 aircraft presently in the Air Force's inventory, plans are to ultimately procure 733 aircraft to equip tactical fighter wings in Europe and components of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve in the United States.

Chaffee Panel Plots 188th Fight



A squadron of 188th Fighter Wing A-10 Thunderbolts sit on the flightline Wednesday, July 20, 2011, after a recent inspection at Ebbing Air National Guard Base. (Photo by Corey S. Krasko, Times Record) Full size

Note: Pictured in the foreground is A-10C 78-0626 from the 184th Fighter Squadron.

By Wanda Freeman
Times Record
Posted: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 8:40 am

As the Defense Department grapples with $450 billion in possible budget cuts nationally, the case for keeping the 188th Fighter Wing and its current mission intact will center on cost-effectiveness, said community and military leaders Monday.

During a news conference of the 188th Fighter Wing/Fort Chaffee Community Council, Col. Tom Anderson, 188th commander, said the reason the wing can perform its training mission so economically is its location. The close proximity to Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center allows for short commutes and time for two training missions a day instead of one.

"When you count all the missions over a year, it adds up pretty quickly," he said.

Gen. Dwight Balch, commander of the Arkansas Air National Guard, said the best value for the country is to keep the A-10 Thunderbolt II in the military and specifically with the 188th in Fort Smith.

"The cost per flying hour for the A-10 is one of the cheapest," Balch said.

Although the Air Force continues to develop plans for the F-35 and F-22, Balch said those planes are more expensive to operate than the A-10, an older plane that is not in the Air Force's long-term vision.

"We would like to see the F-35 on that ramp," Balch said, gesturing toward a ramp just outside of the 188th headquarters building.

After the news conference, he said the F-35 is in the long-term plan for the 188th, and could certainly replace the A-10 if the A-10 mission were to end. Compared to the A-10, which performs air-to-ground support, he said, the F-35 does both air-to-ground and air-to-air work.

Col. Keith Klemmer, chief of staff for Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford, Arkansas Guard adjutant general, said Wofford was in Washington meeting with leaders on behalf of the 188th, the Arkansas National Guard and the entire reserve component of the military.

Dr. Jerry Stewart, president of the Community Council, said the current arena for discussion is within the military, but the more political arena will come into play when President Barack Obama presents the budget in February.

The Community Council steering committee recently formed to defend the 188th against budget cuts will meet with political leaders on Dec. 20. During that briefing, the committee will speak in detail with state legislators and elected leaders from municipal and county governments.

The 188th was home to a wing of F-16 fighters, known as the Fighting Falcons, until 2005, when the Base Closure and Realignment Commission approved moving the F-16s to the 144th Fighter Wing in California. In 2008, partly as a result of community support, the 188th transitioned to the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

Source (Please check this source for more related news stories)

See also:
PRESS RELEASE: Rumors addressed with Fort Smith's 188th Fighter Wing; A-10 units among discussion of Department of Defense budget cuts

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011!

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Dear visitors, contributors and other friends of Warthog News. I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for 2012! Special greetings to the entire USAF A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthog" community and their families, especially to the airmen of the 107th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron which is currently combat-deployed to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

To make you smile, from my archives I selected the following historic USAF photo, taken at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, December 24, 2003:



Original photo caption: A visit from Santa. Staff Sgt. John Hamilton, 455th Expeditionary Operations Group resident "Santa," deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., spreads holiday cheer Dec. 24 to the troops along the flightline at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Brian Davidson) Larger version

Please note: This funny official USAF picture was taken during the deployment of the 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Wing (ACC), Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, commanded by Lt. Col. Tim Saffold, to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). This deployment was part of the Air Expeditionary Forces's AEF 5/6 (Cycle 4) rotation (December 2003 – February 2004).

Related OEF background info:
A-10 Units of Operation Enduring Freedom

For Christmas 2011 see also:
A Warthog Christmas by Joe

BTW:
If anybody needs a hi-res copy (2100 x 1500) please drop me a line via e-mail.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Airmen showcase fighter-wing mission to SACEUR, EUCOM commander

by Staff Sgt. Daryl Knee
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Navy Adm. Jim Stavridis, U.S. European Command commander and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, visited with Airmen in Hangar 1 here Dec. 14 as part of a familiarization tour. He thanked the Airmen for their hard work to secure enduring stability in Europe and Eurasia. During the visit, Stavridis saw the unique capabilities the 52nd Fighter Wing provides to the European theater of operations and learned about some of the wing’s accomplishments this year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks) Hi-res

12/15/2011 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The commander of U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe visited with Airmen here Dec. 14 as part of a familiarization tour.

U.S. Navy Adm. Jim Stavridis saw the unique capabilities the 52nd Fighter Wing provides to the European theater of operations and learned about some of the wing's accomplishments this year.

"Here at Spangdahlem, we have a wonderful example that we can show to the 51 different countries in U.S. European Command - the vast majority of which have air forces," he said about the base earning the 2011 Air Force Installation Excellence Award. "They can come to a place like Spangdahlem and have an opportunity to see the very best in installation management, and I'm just so proud of what's been accomplished here."

During the visit, pilots and maintainers of the F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft briefed the admiral about Spangdahlem's weapon systems and how those systems allow Saber Airmen to provide combat power to the current fight.

The wing supported Operation Odyssey Dawn, NATO's operations in Libya earlier this year. Stavridis said Spangdahlem's F-16, A-10 and mobility operations all combined to form a part of the global air capability the United States is known for delivering.

"In terms of Libya, this is where the first flights were launched, we saw the suppression of enemy air defense and above all, these great Airmen forward deployed into Italy to continue that mission," Stavridis said. "They did terrific work."

While EUCOM's overall mission involves conducting military operations and partnering with international military and interagency departments to defend the United States forward, Stavridis said there is more he wants Airmen to think about during their day-to-day operations.

"One thing I really admire about how we do business here is we deliver combat capability, we support partnership building with all of our European allies and we also deliver a wonderful environment for our families," he said. "So, we do combat, we prepare to partner in the international world, and we take care of our families.

"That's our mission," he continued.

More than 100,000 military and Department of Defense civilian employees work for the command, and Stavridis thanked them all for their hard work in the effort to secure enduring stability in Europe and Eurasia.

"To all of our great Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and outstanding DoD civilians - have a wonderful holiday," he said. "I give thanks every single day that I get to work in Europe with great members of the Department of Defense, and I'm very proud today to be in Spangdahlem, Germany, with my Airmen."

Source

A Warthog Christmas by Joe

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

Please enjoy A Warthog Christmas, edited by Joe "Dice-man" Hodges from the United States.



As a long-time Hog maintainer, Joe is the owner and webmaster of The Warthog Pen, already founded in 1998 and still one of the few A-10 online sources. Meanwhile, Joe's website is the world's top source for A-10 ladder door art. Please visit his unique Ladder Door Art Pages. Joe is also one of the moderators of Warthog Territory Forums - the only A-10 forum on the web.












I really enjoy the pretty childlike voice of Joe's daughter Melissa, performing the unique song "Warthog, The Ugly Airplane". Don't miss it! This song should be a "must have" for all Warthog enthusiasts.



Joe, would you be so kind to share a picture of Melissa?

Enlistment Oath

Released by 175th Wing Public Affairs



New enlistee Zachary A. Zarbos repeats the enlistment oath from Col. Scott L. Kelly, commander of the 175th Wing Maryland Air National Guard, at Warfield Air National Guard Base, Baltimore, MD. Federal law requires everyone who enlists or re-enlists in the Armed Forces of the United States to take the enlistment oath. The oath of enlistment into the United States Armed Forces is administered by any commissioned officer to any person enlisting or re-enlisting for a term of service into any branch of the military. The officer asks the person, or persons, to raise their right hand and repeat the oath after him. The oath is traditionally performed in front of the United States Flag and other flags, such as the state flag, military branch flag, and unit guidon may be present. John enlisted into the Maryland Air Guard for six years as a Munition Specialist. Col Kelly had referred Zachary and John Weinhold to the guard under the referral program. Air National Guard Referral Rewards Program is a voluntary recruitment referral program where members who successfully help recruit a new member are rewarded with incentives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ed Bard) Hi-res

Note: Please check the 175th Wing website's photo section for two more related pictures.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

KC Chiefs interview Airmen, fans for webisode

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



12/12/2011 - The 442nd Fighter Wing has adopted the arrowhead logo to represent the wing. The logo combines that of the Kansas City Chiefs and the A-10 Thunderbolt II. The KC Chiefs is a National Football League team that is making a web episode about the 442nd Fighter Wing for their internet-based show, Chiefs Kingdom. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Wolf) Hi-res

Source

Please also visit the official website of the Kansas City Chiefs.

47th Fighter Squadron commander selected for colonel

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

According to 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs, four lieutenant colonels from the 442nd Fighter Wing were announced as O-6 selectees, Dec. 12, 2011. Among the officers who will be promoted to colonel is Lt. Col. Jim Travis, 47th Fighter Squadron commander.

The 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, and their 47th Fighter Squadron are subordinated units of the 442nd Fighter Wing (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri.

Source

Moody prepares for ORI

Relased by 23rd Wing Public Affairs



12/12/2011 - A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II taxis to an aircraft ramp after a mission during a phase II operational readiness exercise at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Dec. 7, 2011. The A-10 can maneuver at low air speeds and altitude, and has a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 0180 with 76th Fighter Squadron markings.



12/12/2011 - U.S. Air Force crew chiefs with the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft for refueling during a phase II operational readiness exercise at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Dec. 7, 2011. The A-10 received maintenance, a weapons load and fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Note the crew inscriptions: PLT: LT COL MITCHELL HANSON, DCC: TSGT JACOB FLINK, ACC: SRA STEVE GRENAT



12/12/2011 - U.S. Air Force weapons armament systems specialists with the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron secure munitions onto an A-10C Thunderbolt II during a phase II operational readiness exercise at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Dec. 8, 2011. Following proper procedures and safely working with a sense of urgency increases efficiency in loading munitions onto the aircraft, which is vital to the A-10 mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C ..60.

Source

81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught on TDY in the UK - Photos by Stevie Beats

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

On Saturday, aviation photographer Stevie Beats from the United Kingdom provided me the following 1024-pix-width pictures of his great shots of A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, taken during their recent exercise in the U.K.

These pictures were already released by Stevie on his website. See: USAF A10 "Warthogs" Low Level. See also: A10 "Warthogs"

Stevie wrote: August 15th 2011 - The rare sight of two Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" flying low level through the Welsh Valleys was memorable. Also known to many as "Tankbusters" these welcome visitors were from the 81st Fighter Squadron, part of the 52d Fighter Wing based at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany. The A-10's were in the UK for a few weeks in August and were based at RAF Lakenheath in support of a UK led exercise. Many days were spent hunting these aircraft when at last after much speculation they appeared. Their agility and flying skills were superb and fantastic to watch. All photos taken with Nikon D3s and Nikon 300mm F2.8.



A-10C ... This very impressive top view should be a nice reference for weathering of scale models. (Photo by Stevie Beats) Full size



A-10C ... (Photo by Stevie Beats) Full size



A-10C 81-0992. (Photo by Stevie Beats) Full size



A-10C 81-0992. (Photo by Stevie Beats) Full size



A-10C 81-0992 with vapor. (Photo by Stevie Beats) Full size



A-10C ... (Photo by Stevie Beats) Full size



A-10C ... (Photo by Stevie Beats) Full size

Please note: Special thanks to Stevie for sharing this larger pictures on Warthog News! But it seems like Stevie caught THREE different "Hogs". I will try to identify the two others.

See also:
81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught on TDY in the UK - Photos by Rick Ingham
Photo links: 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught on TDY in the UK

Monday, December 12, 2011

STARBASE students get a hands-on lesson of the A-10 Thunderbolt II

Released by 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs



12/12/2011 - STARBASE students get a tour of an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 9, 2011. The students interact with military personnel to explore careers and observe science, technology, engineering and math applications in the "real world". (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Hi-res



12/12/2011 - U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Peter Olson, 47th Fighter Squadron pilot, talks about the A-10 Thunderbolt II to STARBASE students at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 9, 2011. The STARBASE program provides students with 20-25 hours of stimulating experiences at National Guard, Navy, Marine, Air Force Reserve and Air Force bases across the nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Hi-res

Source (including two more picures)

Note: Pictured is a preserved A-10.

917th FG recognizes quarterly award winners

Released by 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



12/8/2011 - U.S. Air Force Col. John Breazeale, 917th Fighter Group commander, recognizes U.S. Air Force Maj. Grant McCall during a commander's call ceremony, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Nov, 4, 2011. McCall, an A-10 pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, was recognized as the Field Grade Office of the Quarter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Greg Steele) Full size



The other award winners:

U.S. Air Force Capt. Brian Plauche, 917th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance officer, was recognized as the Company Grade Office of the Quarter, September 2011.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Arthur Cowan, who is assigned to the 917th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, received the 917th FG Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter award for the 3nd quarter, September 2011.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Lance Duay, who is assigned to the 917th Maintenance Squadron, received the 917th FG Airman of the Quarter award for the 3rd quarter, September, 2011.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Thomas Hire, who is assigned to the 917th Maintenance Operations Flight, received the 917th FG Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter award for the 2nd quarter, June 2011.

Source (including four more pictures)

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Ladder door art of A-10C 79-0123

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor



Yesterday, Joe "Dice-man" Hodges from the United States e-mailed me this very nice ladder door art close-up shot of A-10C 79-0123 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri. I asked him for such a picture after posting Kansas City Chiefs visit 442nd Fighter Wing.

Joe is the owner and webmaster of The Warthog Pen, already founded in 1998 and still one of the few A-10 online sources. Meanwhile, Joe's website is the world's top source for A-10 ladder door art. Please visit his unique Ladder Door Art Pages. Joe is also one of the moderators of Warthog Territory Forums - the only A-10 forum on the web.

66th Weapons Squadron A-10C mishap at Boise

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

A-10C 80-0200 from the 66th Weapons Squadron, 57th Wing (ACC), Nellis AFB, Nevada, got a "broken leg" while taxiing at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, November 11, 2011, "Air Forces Monthly" reported in their January 2012 issue (see Accident Report, page 35).

The aircraft's starbord undercarriage collapsed while taxiing for take-off at around noon at Boise-Gowen Airport, Iaho, where it was visiting from its base at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Damage appeared to be minimal and the pilot was unhurt, but one of the airport's runways had to be closed while the aircraft was removed, the magazine reported.

An associated Idaho Air National Guard photo shows the aircraft awaiting recovery after its undercarriage collapsed.

Background info:
Together with five other A-10Cs from the 66th WPS, the aircraft was participating in a two-week combat flying training, hosted by the 124th Fighter Wing (Idaho ANG). See: USAF Weapons School chooses 190th Fighter Squadron as A-10C advanced tactics test-bed

Anybody who can provide related photos and further information? I would be very grateful for your support.

Some questions about gear-up landing of A-10C 79-0118 at Whiteman

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

According to 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs, A-10C 79-0118 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron landed at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, with its gear up sometime in June 2011. See: A-10 lands 'code 1' in October after gear-up landing in June

Anybody from the A-10 community who can/will share the date of this mishap and related recovery pictures? I would be very grateful for any support.

Last known archived official USAF info about a similar mishap which happened before Warthog News has been launched in late October 2008:

A-10 makes wheels-up landing at Edwards


by 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

3/27/2008 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II made an emergency landing here without its landing gear at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The aircraft was participating in a Green Flag sortie out of Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The plane, which had one person aboard, was assigned to the 75th Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

The pilot safely exited the aircraft unharmed and was evaluated by flight surgeons here before being released.

"Edwards is uniquely suited to handle these kinds of in-flight emergencies," said base officials. "Not only do we have first responders who are well-prepared and equipped to work these incidents, Edwards has the benefit of an enormous lakebed, which can provide a soft landing for any aircraft in distress."

Although a lakebed landing was an option, the A-10 performed a landing on the base's primary landing strip, Runway 22, officials said.

A board of officers will investigate the incident.



EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFMCNS) — An A-10 sits on Runway 22 after making an emergency landing here March 25. The A-10 touched down with its landing gear in the up position after declaring an in-flight emergency. The pilot was not harmed. The aircraft, assigned to the 75th Fighter Squadron at Moody AFB, Ga., was participating in a Green Flag sortie out of Nellis AFB, Nev. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brad White) Hi-res



EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFMCNS) — The tail section of an A-10 makes direct contact with Runway 22 after making an emergency landing here March 25. The A-10 touched down with its landing gear in the up position after declaring an in-flight emergency. The pilot was not harmed. The aircraft, assigned to the 75th Fighter Squadron at Moody AFB, Ga., was participating in a Green Flag sortie out of Nellis AFB, Nev. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brad White) Hi-res

Source

Note: Involved in this mishap was A-10 78-0600 from the 75th Fighter Squadron.

Friday, December 9, 2011

66th Weapons Squadron A-10Cs caught at Nellis December 7, 2011

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

(Updated December 11, 2011)

At Nellis AFB, Nevada, Warthog News contributor Bruce Smith from the United States had the opportunity to take the following shot, uploaded yesterday to his Photostream on Flickr:



A-10C 80-0185 from the 66th Weapons Squadron. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

Update December 11, 2011:

On December 9, 2011, Bruce added the following related picture on Flickr:



A-10C 80-0200 from the 66th Weapons Squadron. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Kansas City Chiefs visit 442nd Fighter Wing

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor



Pictured is A-10C 79-0123 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron. Note the "LET'S ROLL" logo (co-related to 9-11 and Operation Enduring Freedom), the "JOKER" ladder door art, and the following crew inscriptions: PILOT: CAPT LANCE ORR, CREW CHIEF: TSGT CHRIS BARTON, ASST CREW CHIEF: SRA SABRINA BERTZ. (Photo by Senior Airman Laura Goodgame, 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs) Full size

The picture above is extracted from the December 2011 online PDF issue of "Mohawk", official newspaper of the 442nd Fighter Wing. The PDF suggests: Check out more photos of when the Kansas City Chiefs visited the 442nd Fighter Wing on our website! But sorry, at least currently I can't find any related info.

Other sources:
KC Chiefs Visit Whiteman AFB (I wasn't able to watch the full video)

I will try to further update this post...

A-10 lands 'code 1' in October after gear-up landing in June

by Tech. Sgt. Kent Kagarise
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



A-10C 79-0118 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron taxis to the runway, Oct. 24, for its first takeoff since June when it landed with its gear up. The 442nd Maintenance Group is responsible for the quick repair of the aircraft making it safe for flight in less than four months. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an Air Force Reserve unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. James Kirksey)

12/8/2011 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Oct. 24, Aircraft 79-118 performed its first functional flight check after landing gear-up June 30.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, assigned to the 442nd Fighter Wing here, returned from its approximate one-hour flight with zero discrepancies - a testament of hard work and dedication to the many maintainers who worked diligently for four months to repair the jet.

After taking a hard landing that day, the aircraft was lifted on a 40-foot flatbed trailer and hauled off the flightline into 5-bay A-10 hangar.

The aircraft was parked in the hangar for approximately three weeks while a safety investigation was conducted.

Maintainers in the inspection phase section; the repair and reclamation shop; and the aircraft's dedicated crew chief were responsible for unusually quick repair of the A-10.

"We basically had to start from scratch and go through every part of the aircraft with a fine-tooth comb," said Tech. Sgt. Mike Schuler, 442nd Maintenance Squadron phase-dock crew chief.

During the inspection and repair process, the maintainers were tasked with finding replacement parts, ordering and painting the components to meet Air Force regulations.

"The A-10 is unique in that each plane has its own finger print, which can make it difficult when you're taking parts from one aircraft fit another," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Yates, 442nd MXS phase-dock crew chief.

Cannibalizing aircraft components from a non-functional A-10 to one that is in need of repair allows the Air Force to save money on fully-functional components - but sometimes those parts need minor maintenance. Most of the parts that arrived for AC 79-118 had been painted green.

"Some of these components may have been sitting dormant for 25 years because the A-10 was painted gray in the mid-'80s," said Master Sgt. Tyler Bane, 442nd MXS Repair and Reclamation shop chief. "But they are all fully-functional components."

Each component, as well as the aircraft, undergoes rigerous inspection throughout the repair and reclamation process.

"It's pretty incredible when you think about it," Yates said. "It's not like a car that undergoes a 100-point inspection - it's more like a 10,000 point inspection."

There is a great sense of accomplishment and pride within the team that it took a little more than three months to get the plane flying again - and the dedicated crew chief of aircraft 79-118, Staff Sgt. Robert Bagby, is one person maintenance recognized as playing a vital role in the successful turnover of the aircraft.

"He oversaw all the maintenance performed on the aircraft to get it back to a safe, flyable condition," said Capt. Rob Mehan, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. "His attention to detail was crucial during the repair process."

When the aircraft first landed gear up, maintenance supervision asked Bagby and Schuler how long it would take to get the aircraft back in the air -- they projected October.

"We were really proud to be able to do what we said we could," Schuler said.

Major malfunctions are rare on the Warthog, but when they happen, the 442nd Fighter Wing maintainers are there to get these A-10s back in to the combat-readiness status.



A-10C 79-0118 taxis to the runway, Oct. 24, for its first takeoff since June when it landed with its gear up. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. James Kirksey)

Source

Note: Hi-res photos are currently not available.



"Hot" screenshot of the news article, already published some days ago in the December 2011 online PDF issue of "Mohawk", the 442nd Fighter Wing's official newspaper. (Sreenhot by Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor) Full size

Original photo caption of the large background picture:

THUNDERBOLT REPAIRS / Photo by Staff Sgt. Tracy Brown. After landing with its gear up in June, Aircraft tail number 79-9118 performed a functional flight check, Oct. 24, and landed code one with zero discrepancies. While many shops contributed to its quick repair, the 442nd Maintenance Squadron Reclamation Shop worked on its removal from the flightline in June and headed up the inspection and repair process. Here, the aircraft is photographed a few months before it's gear-up landing.

Note: A-10C 79-0118 is also "called" as 79-9118 (maybe just a typo) in the caption headlines of the photos above. According to the PDF version, they are courtesy of Master Sgt. James Kirksey, 442nd Maintenance Group Quality Assurance.

Source

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

47th FS makes historical Pearl-Harbor flight



The cover of the December 2011 online PDF issue of "Mohawk Online" with the headline "70 years since 47th FS makes history"

by Senior Airman Wesley Wright
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/4/2011 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The skies were partly cloudy on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The temperature was about 70 degrees with a light breeze out of the northeast. The calmness and tranquility of the morning would later prove a stark contrast to the aftermath of Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

The Airmen of the 47th Pursuit Squadron (today the 47th Fighter Squadron, now part of the 917th Fighter Group, Barksdale AFB, La.), deployed to Haleiwa Landing Field, Oahu, Hawaii were there that day and took to the skies in P-40s to help America fight back.

Decades later, Maj. Gen. James W. Graves carried on the fight as commander of the 47th FS from July 1996 to October 1997. Graves already had ties to the events of Dec. 7, 1941: His father, grandfather and uncles had served with the Army Air Corp and his mother lived in Hawaii. Upon entering the Air Force, Graves began researching the history of the unit he would later lead.

According to Graves, two pilots of the 47th PS were instrumental in the response to the Japanese attack: Lieutenants George Welch and Kenneth Taylor. They, and a few others, were able to get to their aircraft and get airborne, where Welch and Taylor downed a combined seven Japanese planes (fighters and a carrier-based dive-bomber) after launching their P-40 Tomahawks from Haleiwa Landing Field.

"While Dec. 7, 1941 was a disastrous day for America, I feel that the symbolic losses inflicted on Japan by Welch and Taylor that day were the first steps on the long climb back toward winning World War II," Graves said.

Welch and Taylor were later awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for their actions that day.

Graves was later approached by retired Lt. Col. Gerald Wenner, who had been a first sergeant in the 47th PS at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack. The colonel was terminally ill and wanted to donate several foot-lockers full of 47th PS memorabilia including maps, mission reports, photos and a banner that now hangs in the heritage room of the 47th FS at Barksdale.

These photographs came into play later when Graves was tasked with the reunification of flightline maintenance and operations at the 47th FS. Because this was how units were structured during the World War II era, Graves used the photos of the 47th PS to drive the change while linking the unit's past to its present.

Graves said he is committed to maintaining that connection to the past.

"It is incumbent on us who have devoted our lives to defending freedom to take time,
Veteran's and Memorial Day, to talk to people about the strength and sacrifice of the greatest generation," he said.

In order to pass on the experiences and memories of past Airmen, Graves hosted a reunion banquet for the 47th PS in September 1997. A number of men who had gotten airborne, along with Welch and Taylor, spoke and passed on their experiences to the current generation of Airmen. Welch himself had perished in the 1950s in a test-pilot accident, while Taylor, who had retired from the Alaska Air National Guard as a brigadier general, was not well enough to attend.

While later serving at Pacific Air Force Headquarters and continuing to research the history of the 47th FS, Graves collaborated with an officer who would later lead the 47th Fighter Squadron as commander of the 442nd Fighter Wing, Col. Eric S. Overturf.

"Colonel Overturf and I worked closely on a number of initiatives concerning this chapter of Air Force history," Graves said.

The 47th FS has had notable first and last contributions during the WWII period, he added.

"We were among the first to attack Japan, which was the first step to victory in World War II, and the 47th was also part of the last major air action of war," Graves said. "That action was a raid on renegade Japanese elements who were continuing to fight after the emperor had entered into talks on terms of surrender."

At the behest of Gen. Paul Hester, Graves began preserving and supplementing the memorabilia and lore concerning the unit's history in 2006 at the 65th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks. Graves met and talked with other Pearl Harbor survivors, including retired Lt. Col. Kermit Tyler.

Tyler, at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack, was the air officer on duty at the command post at Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

"Tyler received a telephonic report about blips coming in from the north on the radar, but he was expecting B-17s coming in from the mainland," Graves said, "so he said 'Turn off the radar and get breakfast.'"

While Graves retired a few years ago, he still continues to speak at events and pass on the accumulated history of the 47th FS and what happened on Dec. 7, 1941 so future generations can learn lessons from the sacrifices made in the past.

"We have to remember when huge numbers of people set aside civilian jobs and volunteer to put on the uniform."

Physical reminders of Pearl Harbor persist to this day, both beneath the waters with the departed and above the shoreline where battle damage to what would later become the Pacific Air Forces Headquarters was deliberately kept intact as a constant reminder.

"There is a plaque that says, and I'll paraphrase, that the battle damage was purposely left as a reminder for constant vigilance in the defense of freedom," Graves said.

Source
Mohawk Online, December 2011 issue

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Col. Mike Nolan's fini flight as outgoing 124th OG commander

Released by 124th Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Out with a splash — 124th Operations Group Commander, Colonel Mike Nolan accepts a traditional dousing from fellow fighter pilots at his finis-flight reception last month on the aircraft parking ramp at Gowen Field. Colonel Nolan moves on to become director of staff—Idaho National Guard. (U.S. Air Force Photo by MSgt. Tom Gloeckle)

Note: Published as photo news in the December 2011 PDF issue of "The Beacon" — official newsletter of the 124th Fighter Wing.
Source
Archived source

124th Operations Group Change of Command

Released by 124th Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Lt. Col. Paul Kingsley (left) assumes command of the 124th Operations Group from Col. J.R. Compton, Commander 124th Fighter Wing, at Gowen Field, Boise, on December 4. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Barney)

Source

Note: The picture is presented here as a screen shot because the source is restricted for military members only.