Colonel Tom Anderson logs A-10 'fini flight'

By 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Senior Airman Brad Allen, a crew chief with the 188th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, helps strap Col. Tom Anderson into an A-10C Thunderbolt II prior to ignition in preparation for Anderson's "fini flight" April 12, 2012. (National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Brambl / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

Note: Col. Tom Anderson logged his "final flight" in A-10C 78-0586 from the 184th Fighter Squadron. He could'nt take A-10C 80-0188, marked 188 FW as the Fighter Wing's boss bird, because this "Hog" is currently combat-deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

4/16/2012 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Col. Tom Anderson logged his A-10C Thunderbolt II "fini flight" at the 188th Fighter Wing April 12, 2012. Anderson's final flight in the A-10 preceded a change-of-command ceremony in which he relinquished command of the 188th April 14.

Anderson served as the 188th Fighter Wing commander from 2008-2012. During his career, Anderson accumulated more than 2,500 flying hours in the A-10, F-16 Fighting Falcon, T-38 and T-37 aircraft. He served 25 years in the 188th Fighter Wing.



Together with five other A-10C pilots from the 188th Fighter Wing, Col. Tom Anderson walks to the flight line to logg his A-10C Thunderbolt II "fini flight". (National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Brambl / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res



Conducting a preflight inspection prior to his "fini flight", Col. Tom Anderson touches the "business end" of A-10C 78-0586. Visible at right is A-10C 78-0659. (National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Brambl / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res



Just after landing, Col. Tom Anderson's "Hog" is sprayed by fire trucks. (National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Brambl / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res



A-10C 78-0586 just after landing. Visible at right is an A-10C from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG). (National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Brambl / 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs) Hi-res

Source (including 11 hi-res photos)

For additional pictures check the album Col. Tom Anderson logs A-10 'fini flight' (22 photos) on 188th Fighter Wing's Facebook page.

Please note: More related pictures will be uploaded soon.