Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Three 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at Lajes on their final way back to CONUS

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

As already reported, after exercise REAL THAW 2013 at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, three of the six participated A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron "Panthers", 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, left Monte Real for stopover at Lajes Field, Azores, en route to Continental United States (CONUS) due to the squadron's upcoming deactivation. At Lajes, Warthog News contributor João Toste from Portugal had the opportunity to take some related shots. So far, João posted two of them on airliners.net. His first picture, added March 11, 2013, already posted and highlighted on my associated Warthog News Facebook page, shows A-10C 82-0650:


A-10C 82-0650 from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, during stopover at Lajes Field, Azores, March 2, 2013, en route to Continental United States (CONUS) after participating in exercise REAL THAW 2013 at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal. (Photo by João Toste)

Just after a personal request, João posted the following additional shot on airliners.net (added March 12, 2013):


The other two A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, during stopover at Lajes Field, Azores, March 3, 2013, en route to Continental United States (CONUS) after participating in exercise REAL THAW 2013 at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal. A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the 81st Fighter Squadron commander's aircraft vacating the runway 33 via Charlie. Pictured in the background at left is A-10C 81-0962. (Photo by João Toste)

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Photos: Pilot for a Day

Released by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/6/2013 - Addison Rerecich, a 13-year-old Tucsonan recovering from a double lung transplant, flies the A-10 Thunderbolt II simulator with help from U.S. Air Force Maj. Michael McKee, 358th Fighter Squadron pilot, during her tour of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Feb. 21, 2013, as the Pilot for a Day participant. The D-M Pilot for a Day program invites children with serious or chronic conditions, to be a guest of the 355th Fighter Wing and one of the flying squadrons for an entire day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Dowdle) Hi-res

3/6/2013 - U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jennifer Short, 358th Fighter Squadron commander, swears in Addison Rerecich, a 13-year-old Tucsonan recovering from a double lung transplant, as part of the Pilot for a Day program at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Feb. 21, 2013. The Pilot for a Day program begins with a brief "swearing in" ceremony at the host flying squadron, after which the child becomes an "honorary United States Air Force pilot". (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Dowdle) Hi-res

Source (including 8 photos)

Note: Very nice to see one more female "Hog" squadron commander!!!

Monday, March 11, 2013

Det. 303, 495th FG stands up at Whiteman AFB

by Senior Airman Wesley Wright
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/4/2013 - WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. -- The 442nd Fighter Wing's active-duty associate unit, Detachment 2, 23rd Fighter Group, is scheduled to reorganize and stand up as Det. 303, 495th Fighter Group, March 8.

Lt. Col. Joshua B. Ruddell, 23rd FG, Det. 2 commander, is leading the reorganization on the ground here.

"One of the efforts the Air Force is going toward in Total Force Integration is combining organizations," he said. "They are moving us out from under Moody AFB, Ga., and putting us under this new group at Shaw AFB, S.C."

Ruddell said the new organization will deliver the same outstanding air power with a new, leaner structure.

"The benefit is a streamlining of efforts, whether it's policy or procedures, for how active-associates conduct business," he said. "As far as us doing our daily job here, there will be no change."

Being on an active-duty base will make the transition much easier, Ruddell said. "The detachment will be able to go to the 509th Bomb Wing for base operating support while relying on the new chain of command through Shaw AFB for administrative support.

Ruddell said the reorganization could potentially save the government money.

"Streamlining means efficiency, which I think will save taxpayers' dollars," he said. "That's the goal. Additionally, we are going to be leveraging technology - using virtual briefs and meetings, sharing information that way. By cutting down on physical trips, this also saves money."

To for the transition, Ruddell said he and his team are busy getting all the pieces in place.

"We're making sure our roster is up to speed, making sure command and control will be in place from day one and we are working on our budget and spending plans now," he said. "We have wonderful resources here to work with here in the 509th BW and the 442nd FW."

The choice of 495th FG for the detachment is not coincidental. According to the Air Force Historical Research Agency, the 495th FG was originally established as the 495th Fighter Training Group, Oct. 9, 1943 and disbanded April 15, 1945. The 495th was picked over another FG, the 496th, due to its longer length of service.

With this rich history behind them, and the active-association reorganization ahead, the Airmen of Det. 303, 495th FG will continue to deliver outstanding airpower and Total Force Integration strength to the 442 FW.

Source (No photos included)

Related background info:

Shaw gains new fighter group

by 9th Air Force Public Affairs

3/7/2013 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 495th Fighter Group will stand up during an activation ceremony here March 8 at 9:45 a.m. at the Carolina Skies Club and Conference Center.

The 495th Fighter Group's activation is part of the Air Force's ongoing initiative to integrate traditional, active-duty Airmen with Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units to streamline training and resource use. Such integrated units are called active associate units. The 495th Fighter Group staff will be headquartered here. The group will guide 10, 9th Air Force-affiliated, active associate fighter detachments co-located with host Guard and Reserve units across the country.

Five years ago, Air Force leaders recognized a changing force structure and budget constraints demanded creative ways to generate experienced fighter pilots. Their solution was to leverage the Guard's and Reserve's experience, continuity and assets through an initiative called Total Force Integration.

Media members who wish to cover the activation ceremony must RSVP to 9th Air Force Public Affairs office via e-mail, 9afpa.orgbox@afcent.af.mil, or by phone, 895-4322, by 3 p.m. March 7. Attending media must arrive at the Shaw Air Force Base Visitors' Center at the base's Main Gate by 8:15 a.m. March 8. Late arrivals and media members who don't RSVP may be unable to gain access to the base.

Reporters with video camera equipment should bring wireless microphones to best facilitate audio coverage of this event.

Lt. Col. Juris Jansons will officially assume command of the group during the ceremony. Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, 9th Air Force commander, 9th Air Force Headquarters, Shaw Air Force Base, will preside over the event. The 9th Air Force comprises eight active-duty wings and two direct reporting units in the Southeastern U.S. with more than 480 aircraft and 28,000 active-duty and civilian personnel.

The 9th Air Force is also responsible for the operational readiness of 13 Air Reserve Component wings.
Source (No photos included)

Shaw stands up new fighter group

by Staff Sgt. Amanda Currier
9th Air Force Public Affairs

3/8/2013 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 495th Fighter Group stood up during an activation ceremony here March 8.

The group's activation is part of the Air Force's ongoing initiative to integrate traditional, active-duty Airmen with Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units to streamline training and resource use. Such integrated units are called active associate units.

The 495th Fighter Group, headquartered here, is responsible for guiding 10 active associate, 9th Air Force-affiliated fighter detachments located at host Guard and Reserve units across the country. These units pair traditional active-duty fighter pilots and aircraft maintainers with their Guard and Reserve counterparts to generate efficiency and cost savings by sharing resources and reducing duplication of efforts.

"My job is to make sure the active-duty Airmen and their families assigned to these locations are taken care of" said Lt. Col. Juris Jansons, who took command of the 495th Fighter Group during the activation ceremony.

Prior to the activation ceremony, five of 495th Fighter Group's 10 detachments were already established. Four units flying F-16s in South Carolina, Vermont, Florida and Texas, reported to the 20th Operations Group here. The fifth detachment, flying A-10s in Missouri, reported to the 23rd Operations Group at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

"The significance of today's event is that it marks, for the first time, the transfer of administrative control for these active associate detachments to one commander - Colonel Jansons," said 9th Air Force Commander Maj. Gen Lawrence Wells, who presided over the ceremony. "In the near future, we will double the number of detachments in his command to 10, when we are joined by detachments located in Colorado, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Alabama."

Five years ago, Air Force leaders recognized a changing force structure and budget constraints demanded creative ways to generate experienced fighter pilots. Their solution was to leverage the Guard's and Reserve's experience, continuity and assets through an initiative called Total Force Integration.

"The Air Force created the TFI initiative that assigned active-duty service members to Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units; we did this to make use of the vast experience already resident in those units - for both operational flying missions and maintenance training. History will show that this will prove to be a mutually beneficial relationship."

The 495th Fighter Group's legacy dates back to Work War II to the 495th Fighter Training Group, established in England on Oct. 9, 1943. Then, the group flew and maintained the P-47 Thunderbolt. After World War II, the 495th Fighter Training Group was disbanded April 15, 1945, due to the end of fighting in the European theater.

"Just like a Phoenix rising from its ashes, today the 495th Fighter Group rises again, proudly displaying its World War II heritage and taking on a mission our Air Force so desperately needs," General Wells said.

"We are focusing on that next generation of warrior leaders who are going to champion this TFI endeavor. That will be the legacy of this group," said Colonel Jansons, a command pilot with more than 2,000 flying hours in the F-16.

Currently established 495th Fighter Group detachments
· Detachment 93, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla.
· Detachment 134, Burlington International Airport, Vt.
· Detachment 157, McEntire Joint National Guard Base , S.C.
· Detachment 303, Whiteman Air Force Base, Miss.
· Detachment 457, Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas

495th Fighter Group detachments in the process of being created
· Detachment 100, Dannelly Field, Ala.
· Detachment 120, Buckley Air Force Base, Colo.
· Detachment 175, Joe Foss Field, S.D.
· Detachment 176, Dane County Regional Airport, Wis.

Source (including 3 photos)

'Hogs' receive gas before 'Falcons'

Released by 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs


3/8/2013 - An A-10 Warthog from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, flies off the wing-tip of a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, during a refueling mission Mar. 7, 2013, over Germany. Refueling sorties of this type keep pilots and boom operators proficient in refueling techniques used to support combat operations in other areas of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard) Hi-res

3/8/2013 - An A-10 Warthog from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base Germany, approaches the boom on a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, during a refueling mission March 7, 2013, over Germany. The 100th ARW provides refueling support for training missions, like this one, and combat missions in the European and African areas of operation. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard) Hi-res

Source (including 5 photos - but all three others are F-16 related)

Note: Pictured in both photos is A-10C 82-0656 which was among the three 81st Fighter Squadron "Hogs" which recently returned home to Spang from Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, after exercise REAL THAW 2013. The two others were A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654.
In contrast, A-10Cs 81-0962, 81-0981 (marked 81 FS as the 81st Fighter Squadron commander's aircraft) and 82-0650 left Monte Real for stopover at Lajes Field, Azores, enroute Continental United States (CONUS) due to the squadron's upcoming deactivation.

Just for the A-10 history books: Maybe these nice official USAF shots will become some of the very last air-to-air pictures of 81st Fighter Squadron "Hogs" flying over Germany.

Monday, March 4, 2013

From the archives: 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at Monte Real in January 2007

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

During the last couple of weeks aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal did a great job to document the participation of A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron "Panthers", 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, during the recent exercise REAL THAW 2013, held at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal. Related to that, Marco did a search of his old files for 81st FS A-10s which were sent to Monte Real as a detachment in January 2007. And as he told me, at that time he caught the following "Hogs" by serial numbers: ? 281 [must be 80-0281], 82-0650, 82-0649, 82-0654, 82-0656, 81-0945, 81-0954, 81-0951, 81-0956, 81-0962, 81-0963, 81-0966, 81-0988.


A-10 81-0988. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10 81-0988. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10 80-0281. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10 81-0954, marked 81 FS as the 81st Fighter Squadron commander's aircraft. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10 81-0962. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10 81-0945. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10s 81-0945 and 82-0654. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10 82-0650. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10 82-0654. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size

Please note: I will further improve the photo captions.

Question: Anybody who remember that and will share his memories?

Mildenhall Stratotankers refueled 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs during exercise REAL THAW 2013

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

As already reported on Warthog News's official Facebook page, KC-135 Stratotankers from the 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, 100th Air Refueling Wing (USAFE), RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, refueled A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, during exercise REAL THAW 2013 at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal. The 351st EARS is currently deployed to southwest Europe in support of French operations in Mali. KC-135 aircrews from the 100th ARW have been flying aerial refueling sorties from the deployed location since January 2013. In a photo news titled "RAF Mildenhall Airmen support REAL THAW", 100th ARW Public Affairs released three related official pictures.


2/22/2013 - An A-10 Thunderbolt II refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker during exercise REAL THAW, Feb. 19, 2013. The Stratotanker is operated by the 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron operating from southwest Europe. The 351st EARS is comprised of Airmen from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, who deployed Jan. 26, 2013. The 351st EARS offered to participate in REAL THAW from their deployed location. Picking up the exercise refueling mission gave the 351st EARS aircrew additional training and was an efficient way to use a pre-located refueling capability. REAL THAW, the Portuguese military's premiere annual exercise, integrates the Portuguese Army, Navy and Air Force for joint operations and scenarios. The exercise also includes forces from partner nations. The 81st Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, is one of the U.S. representatives in Portugal. Their airframe, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, is the only close air support aircraft participating this year, and the Portuguese military is taking full advantage of its capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. LeeAnn Sunn) Hi-res

Note: Looks like both aircraft have just passed the coast line.


2/22/2013 - An A-10 Thunderbolt II refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker during exercise REAL THAW, Feb. 19, 2013. The Stratotanker is operated by the 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron operating from southwest Europe. [...] (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. LeeAnn Sunn) Hi-res

Source (including 3 photos)

BTW: For the A-10 history books I would like to knew the Stratotanker's still "undisclosed" deployed location. Feel free to drop me a line. And be sure, you will remain 100 percent anonymous.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Official USAF group shots of 81st Fighter Squadron and 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit Airmen who participated in exercise REAL THAW 2013

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

As already reported on my associated Warthog News Facebook page, Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) released some excellent group shots of 81st FS and 81st AMU airmen taken during exercise REAL THAW 2013 at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, which has been not published so far on 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs sources.


U.S. Airmen with the 81st Fighter Squadron and the 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit pose for a photo during exercise Real Thaw 13 in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 15, 2013. It was the last exercise in which the units participated before being inactivated in 2013. Real Thaw is an annual exercise hosted by Portugal to develop interoperability for contingency operations between Portugal, European partner nations and the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Full size


U.S. Airmen with the 81st Fighter Squadron pose for a photo during Exercise Real Thaw 13 in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 15, 2013. It was the last exercise in which the unit participated before its inactivation in 2013. Real Thaw is an annual exercise hosted by Portugal to develop interoperability for contingency operations between Portugal, European partner nations and the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon). Full size

Note: It seems like pictured here are all of the A-10C pilots who participated in this recent exercise.


U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Clint Eichelberger, front, the 81st Fighter Squadron (FS) commander, speaks to Airmen with the 81st FS and the 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit during exercise Real Thaw 13 in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 15, 2013. Real Thaw is an annual exercise hosted by Portugal to develop interoperability for contingency operations between Portugal, European partner nations and the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Full size

Please note: In all three pictures the airmen pose in front of A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the 81st Fighter Squadron commander's aircraft. After the exercise, this "Hog" (together with two others) left Monte Real for Lajes Field, Azores, enroute Continental United States (CONUS) due to the squadron's upcoming deactivation. If you are interested in the original hi-res versions in print quality you have to register for DVIDS and then just search this site for REAL THAW 2013.

Friday, March 1, 2013

23rd Wing begins ORE

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs


An A-10C Thunderbolt II makes its way to a hardened aircraft shelter after a flying mission during a phase II operational readiness exercise Feb. 28, 2013, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. OREs test and evaluate the 23d Wing's ability to meet wartime tasks within a deployed location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jamal D. Sutter) Hi-res

Please note: For more related A-10C shots check 23rd Wing's Facebook album Operational Readiness Exercise. Just two samples:


Note: Pictured in this photo and in the photo above is A-10C 80-0259 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. Full size


Maybe the same aircraft. Full size

BTW: The designation "hardened aircraft shelter" (HAS) used in the original photo caption above is wrong. If I'm right, in the Continental United Staates (CONUS) there are only modern sun shades (or so) and hangars. Only at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, and Osan AB, Republic of Korea, A-10Cs are using real hardened aircraft shelters made of reinforced concrete.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Video: Exercise Real Thaw - 81st Fighter Squadron's Last Exercise

Released by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs on You Tube:

Released February 25, 2013. Reporter: A1C Rebecca Stout

Comment by Warthog News: We love you, "Phanters"!

Finishing Strong: 81st maintainers rock final exercise

by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs


MONTE REAL, Portugal – A weapons Airman cleans the GAU-8 30mm Gatling gun of an A-10 Thunderbolt II after a REAL THAW 13 mission in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 15, 2013. This exercise seeks to provide a realistic operating environment that accurately reflects current theaters of operation, provide adequate training to multinational participants while coordinating joint operations assets on land, air and sea, and improve interoperability between allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Hi-res

2/26/2013 - MONTE REAL, Portugal -- A radio squawk sounds across the maintenance hangar. The call sets Airmen of the 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit into motion like clockwork. Some grab tool boxes and laptops, others reach for their hearing protection.

It's an orchestrated effort that every single Airman in that room knows by heart.

As they step out of the hangar, a cool Atlantic breeze fills the area with a light sandy, oceanic fragrance.

Soon, they hear engines drone out of sight; the sound slowly increases in volume as the aircraft land and taxi back to their resting places.

The fragrance of ocean quickly dissipates and the stifling odor of exhaust takes its place.

The sandy environment isn't the typical landscape the Airmen stationed in Germany are used to, but they are able to work in any environment, much like the A-10 Thunderbolt II planes that they maintain. They are in Monte Real, Portugal, for REAL THAW 13. It's the last exercise the 81st will be a part of before their inactivation later this year.

REAL THAW helps keep pilots combat-ready for any sort of contingency mission. They trained with the Portuguese military on scenarios like combat search and rescue, close air support, convoy escort and forward air control. It also gives the 81st Fighter Squadron an opportunity to build partnership with the Portuguese military and other NATO allies.

Being part of an exercise of this size and importance also gives the maintainers--who have kept these jets in the air through a myriad of exercises, deployments and contingency operations--a chance to reminisce on their time as part of the 81st.

Each maintainer has something different to say about why they love the A-10. For some, it's the aircraft's capabilities. For others, it is the ease of maintenance involved with it.

"It's like working on an old car," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kyle Ring, an 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief from Modesto, Calif. "There are no computers or anything that make it complicated. It's just hands-on maintenance--getting in there and doing it."

Most of its parts are interchangeable, and the maintainers don't need lavish facilities to service the jets.

The A-10 is based on 1960s technology and has been in the Air Force aircraft inventory since 1975, when the first plane was delivered to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Designed for low air speeds and altitude, the A-10 has been a lifesaver for troops on the front lines for close to 40 years now.

It's earned several nicknames throughout the years, but it is commonly referred to as the "Warthog." The maintainers who dedicate long days to keep the A-10 in the air refer to it simply as "the Hog."

Everyone brings a special skill to the aircraft. Jet engine mechanics, avionics technicians, crew chiefs and weapons members all work together to deliver firepower to where it's most needed.

When the A-10s fired their last rounds on the range in Portugal, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Sisneros seemed conflicted. His face beamed with satisfaction as he walked around the GAU-8 Avenger 30mm Gatling gun, but pensive sadness intensified in his eyes. "The Hog" fired 1,050 30mm rounds on the range, and the smoke-covered casings still sat in the cage.

It's been six years since Sisneros first started working on the A-10 as a weapons load team member. He's now the team chief and oversees his Airmen as they inspect the gun that he's grown to love.

"This gun is my baby," said Sisneros. As the team chief, he is responsible for loading bombs as well, but has a special admiration for the gun, which can unleash 3,900 rounds a minute and punch holes in tanks and armored vehicles like a can opener puncturing a can of tuna.

Some A-10s still in the Air Force inventory sport the "jaws" look, with shark teeth snarling on the nose, and a GAU-8 Avenger distinctively on the front. The 81st isn't one to show off, and modestly wears a flat gray coat of paint and a tail flash with bold yellow tips on the twin vertical tails.

Although there have been a few upgrades throughout the years, the most recent "C" upgrade in 2009 brought about a plethora of new technology, including GPS-guided munitions, multi-function color displays, and Situational Awareness Data Link capability, which allows aircraft to transfer information electronically between each other and with joint terminal air controllers on the ground.

"I love this plane. It's amazing. It's the only plane that can do air-to-ground combat like it does," said Ring, who has spent four years working on "the Hog" in all types of weather, from the blistering heat in Arizona to below-freezing ice storms in Germany.

Wherever the 81st goes in Europe, whether it is the Czech Republic, Romania or Portugal, the A-10 always seems to draw attention.

"You get a real appreciation for your job when people come out and want to learn about your aircraft, because there really is nothing like it anywhere else in the world," said Sisneros.

The decision to inactivate the 81st came with the Department of Defense's resolution to cut almost $500 billion from the defense budget over the next 10 years. Five A-10 squadrons across the Air Force, including Air National Guard and reserve units, were told to close up shop. The 81st is the final A-10 squadron in Europe, and with its inactivation, all that will be left of the Panthers legacy is the Airmen who were a part of it.

Many of these maintenance professionals will work together in the future, since the number of places they can go is now narrowed to a few bases.

"It's a really small community, and the best part of the job is working with great people," said U.S. Airman 1st Class Fernando Sorto, 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief from Plano, Texas.

The Air Force isn't getting rid of "the Hogs." The remaining planes are expected to join existing squadrons in Davis-Monthan AFB and Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

The 81st has supported a number of contingencies overseas since they adopted the A-10 more than 19 years ago. The 81st was the first U.S. Air Forces in Europe squadron to deploy for Operation Southern Watch, and enforced the United Nations no-fly zone over the skies of Iraq.

Other European contingencies like Operation Deny Flight in 1994 and Operation Allied Force in 1999 benefited greatly from the A-10s being already staged in Europe, since they were geographically close to the conflicts and quickly supported NATO's directives.

The 81st deployed to Afghanistan many times in the past decade, where they have provided close air support to coalition ground forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Source (including 5 photos)

Comment: Please enjoy the associated photo set, linked to Flickr.

Three more 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs finally left Europe after exercise REAL THAW 2013

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

During the last couple of days I already posted first info about the departure of the six A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron "Panthers", 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, which participated in exercise REAL THAW 2013, held at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal. See: Three more 81st Fighter Sqadron A-10Cs leaving Spangdahlem? 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs departed Monte Real after exercise REAL THAW 2013 (posted February 22, 2013)

But for a while I wasn't 100 percent sure which "Hogs" returned to "Spang" and which went to Lajes Field, Azores, for stopover enroute Continental United States (CONUS) due to the upcoming deactivation of the 81st Fighter Squadron. Because zero serial number verification showed up neither on the Dutch Scramble Messageboard nor on the German Flugzeugforum, over the last weekend I asked some of my personal contacts for additional photo proofs and related background info.

A look back:
On Friday, February 22, 2013, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal (who reported exclusively on Warthog News during the exercise) told me via e-mail [edited by Warthog News]: Three-ship slot 1 (A-10Cs 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0650) took off 09H26 but returned to base and landed again 11H52. Three-ship slot 2 (A-10Cs 82-0654, 81-0966, 82-0656) took off 10H55. Three-ship slot 1 (A-10Cs 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0650) took off again 16H00 for final departure. On the same day, 17:07, RAMA_77 (user name) posted on the Dutch Scramble Messageboard: Today one flt A10s Retro 01; 02; 03 as Op Coronet East 050 dep from LPMR to LPLA, supp one tanker KC135 Blue51; and one flt A10s Retro 04; 05; 06 dep from LPMR to ETAD (home), supp one tanker KC135 Quid 79 Related to that I was nearly sure which of the six "Hogs" left "Spang" forever. But there was still no photo proof. And I'm a big fan of photo proofs because there were much mistakes in the past again and again due to ("last-minute") changes of original flight plans And so, I was very surprised by a picture taken by aviation journalist Neil Dunridge from the U.K., originally posted on his own Facebook timeline and later shared on Warthog Territory's Facebook page and also on my Facebook page. This rare close-up shot (already posted on Warthog News's Facebook page) pictures A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the 81st Fighter Squadron commander's aircraft, during exercise REAL THAW 2013 at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, carrying TWO (!) Sniper XR targeting pods.

New insights:
At first, I asked Marco for any more departure pictures. In a prompt response, he e-mailed me the following two additional pictures and told me [edited by Warthog News]: On the day of the departures the slot 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0650, took off always clean without targeting pods. The group 82-0654, 81-0966, 82-0656 took off loaded with two targeting pods, as you can see in the photos.


A-10Cs 82-0654 and 81-0966, carrying two Sniper XR targeting pods, taxiing to the end of runway just before departure. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0656, carrying two Sniper XR targeting pods, taxiing to the end of runway just before departure. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size

This was the proof I wanted! And now it's clear: A-10Cs 82-0654, 81-0966 and 82-0656 returned home to "Spang", bringing back to base all six Sniper XR targeting pods, used by the six "Hogs" which participated in the exercise. In a Facebook message Neil told me: 650, 962 and 981 were ready to go Thursday but the winds stopped them departing. No idea when they RTB on Friday as I was home by then, on Thursday 650 and 962 didn't have any pods.

Please note: Much more related exclusive info will be posted later today. I will also post additional official A-10C REAL THAW 2013 USAF photos, meanwhile released online by RAF Mildenhall Public Affairs and DVIDS - Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Combat Aircraft Monthly features WARTHOG AT 40

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

In their current issue (March 2013 - Volume 14 Number 3) Combat Aircraft Monthly - The World's Top Military Aviation Magazine - features WARTHOG AT 40.

Publisher's info: WARTHOG AT 40 - Originally designed for the Cold War mission in Europe, the A-10 Thunderbolt II proved adaptable enough to take on combat roles in very different theatres of operations. Forty years after its first flight, Ken Neubeck looks back at a sometimes controversial programme.

Note: This is part one of the article. Part two will be published in the April issue. Ten pages, including 15 photos and a slightly updated cutaway by legendary Mike Bedrocke. The author, Ken Neubeck from the United States, is a friend of mine and already a Warthog News contributor. For years, Ken is doing a great job as an author for Squadron Signal Publications, Carrollton, Texas, USA. His first A-10 book showed up in 1995, titled "A-10 Warthog - Mini in action" as number 4 in Squadron Signal's Mini series, followed 1999 by his outstanding book "Walk Around A-10 Warthog" as number 17 in Squadron Signal's Walk Around series.

BTW: I'm very happy to read my name in the acknowledgements at the end of this article.

Please note: This post will be further updated later.

A-10s Complete Snowbird Mission

by TSgt. Dan Heaton
127th Wing Public Affairs

The logo of the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is seen on an engine cover of an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. The logo features an open-jawed skeleton head over crossbones with the motto "We Fix Nightmares." The 127th AMXS is part of the 127th Maintenance Group, which maintains the fleet of A-10s at Selfridge. The engine cover is removed prior to engine start-up and the flight of the aircraft. (Air National Guard photo by Brittani Baisden) Hi-res

2/23/2013 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. -- Pilots from the 107th Fighter Squadron recorded more than 400 hours of total flight time and deployed more than a dozen different types of munitions during a recent two week training exercise at an Air Force base in Arizona.

Taking advantage of ideal weather conditions during Snowbird 13, nearly 180 Airmen from the 107th Fighter Squadron and the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Unit deployed for two weeks to Davis-Monthan AFB near Tucson, Ariz. The A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots from Selfridge Air National Guard Base performed a number of upgrade sorties and utilized five different tactical weapons ranges to hone their combat skills, while maintenance, ammunition and weapons ground crews successfully prepared and loaded the aircraft at rates and quantities normally seen in combat conditions.

"This level of combat-like activity requires our Airmen to perform at the top of their game," said Lt. Col. Mike Saridakis, commander of the 107th Fighter Squadron and an A-10 pilot. "It simulates war-time sortie generation rates , keeping us sharp for the next time the commander in chief calls on Michigan to provide A-10s to the fight."

The 107th typically deploys for two weeks in the winter to Davis-Monthan for the high volume skills training, but did not participate in a Snowbird in 2012, as the unit was just returning from a deployment to Afghanistan.

Following the recent ribbon cutting ceremony of the 127th Operations Group's new $6.6 million facility, the A-10 squadron and maintenance group Airmen will turn their attention to a major exercise planned in April, also at Davis-Monthan. Angel Thunder is the nation's largest interagency exercise for personnel rescue and recovery, featuring participation from across many units of local, state and federal government, as well as international participation. The exercise is organized by the Air Force's Air Combat Command.

For the 2013 exercise, the 107th will provide the lead A-10 squadron. The A-10, with its ability to loiter for long periods of time in the area of a specified target and its high degree of survivability, is an excellent platform to serve in the "Sandy" mission, providing combat support during search and rescue operations. "Sandy" qualified A-10 pilots will lead large-force assault packages consisting of dozens of airborne assets and over 100 aircrew for the sole purpose of safely extracting downed airmen in a high-threat environment.

Comprised of approximately 1,600 personnel and flying both the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the KC-135 Stratotanker, the 127th Wing supports Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operations Command by providing highly-skilled Airmen to missions domestically and overseas. The 127th Wing is the host unit at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which is also home to units of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection.

Source (including 3 archived photos, not related to the recent Snowbird mission)

Operations Group moves to new facility

by 127th Wing Public Affairs

(from left to right) Colonel Michael T. Thomas, 127th Wing commander, Senator Carl Levin, and Colonel Douglas Champagne, 127th Operations Group commander, cut the ribbon to the entrance of the new Operations Group facility at a ceremony held on February 22 at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. The new $6.6 million building hosts the Operations Group command staff, the 107th Fighter Squadron and the 127th Operations Support Flight. (photo by John S. Swanson) Hi-res

2/22/2013 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, MICH. -- The A-10 Thunderbolt II, or "Warthog", operators have a new home in which to hang their helmets at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

The 127th Operations Group, which provides pilots, intelligence, flight equipment, and other support personnel to the fighter aircraft mission associated with the 127th Wing, has moved into a new facility on the base and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 22.

The new "Ops" Building, Building 34, is in the same location as the previous facility aligned with a string of aircraft hangars which were some of the first permanent structures on the base. The building hosts the Operations Group command staff, the 107th Fighter Squadron and the 127th Operations Support Flight.

The total cost of the project was approximately $6.6 million. Design was completed by CH2M Hill or Corvallis, Oregon, and construction was performed by Rock Industries of Pontiac, Mich.

"I guarantee this new facility will pay dividends to all those soldiers and Marines who will call on us when their lives get tough and we can be overhead in an A-10 for them," said Col. Douglas Champagne, commander of the Operations Group. "We can be there for them because we've had the opportunity to have the best training environment an A-10 squadron can have in all of the Air Force."

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Michigan, was among the many dignitaries at the event.

"This is part of a long string of facility improvements at Selfridge of about $75 million since 2001. This base deserves this investment and this base is here to stay," said Levin, who serves as chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. "The men and women who put on this country's military uniforms deserve everything we can provide them."

In addition to offices, classified briefing rooms, operations desk, aircrew flight equipment room, and other general-use spaces, the facility also houses a small gymnasium within its 27,000 sq. feet. of floorspace.

The construction project spanned the period of time when most of the Operations Group Airmen, along with a couple hundred aircraft maintainers from the 127th Maintenance Group, were deployed to Kandahar Airfield in support of Operation Enduring Freedom October 2011 through January 2012. When not deployed, the group relocated during the construction to the old base gymnasium, converting it into usable space with modular furniture, in order to maintain their operation. Occupation of the new facility took place in December of 2012, but the opening ceremony was delayed as the fighter squadron and supporting personnel deployed for two weeks to Davis-Monthan AFB near Tucson, Ariz., in late January in order to perform a number of upgrade sorties and utilize different tactical weapons ranges to hone their combat skills.

The Operations facility is one of the few major construction projects that have taken place around the base in recent years. The new Security Forces Squadron facility was completed in December 2011, and construction of a several buildings related to the maintenance and administration of aircraft munitions will be open for business in the near future.

On the horizon for the joint military installation, a new $30.2 million jet fuel storage and delivery system will be built later this decade, potentially smoothing the way for future aircraft and mission assignments to the southeastern Michigan base. The fuel farm will feature an above ground, 630,000 gallon storage complex, an eight-station hydrant refueling system that will allow even the largest Air Force aircraft to "pull-up to the pump," and a new fuel unloading site that, while it will be on existing military property, may be located outside of the base's fence line to provide better security to the base.

That project, to be funded by the federal Defense Logistics Agency, is expected to become operational in 2018.

One of the oldest military air fields in continuous service, the military first took possession of Selfridge Air National Guard Base on July 1, 1917. The first flight took place on July 8 and formal flight operations began on July 16, 1917. Today the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard is the host unit at the base, which also houses units of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection.

Source (including 3 photos)

Please note: One more picture will be posted soon.

355th Operations Group

by Airman 1st Class Josh Slavin
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Maj. Aaron Celusta (left), 355th Operations Group chief of standardization and evaluation, reviews paperwork with Maj. Matt Kaercher, 355th Operations Group A-10 pilot on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb 21, 2013. The 355th OG employs 83 A-10C aircraft and an AN/TPS-75 radar system. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Josh Slavin) Hi-res

2/22/2013 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 355th Operations Group consists of five squadrons and over 300 personnel employing 83 A-10C aircraft and an AN/TPS-75 radar system. It provides war-fighters with forces for close air support, forward air control, combat search and rescue.

Source (including 6 photos)

Please note: Two more pictures will be posted soon.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Three more 81st Fighter Sqadron A-10Cs leaving Spangdahlem?

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

It seems like three of the six 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs which participated in exercise REAL THAW 2013 left Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, for Lajes Field, Azores, for a stopover enroute CONUS (Continental United Staates) due to the upcoming deactivation of the 81st Fighter Squadron "Panthers", 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany.

On Friday, February 22, 2013, 17:07, RAMA_77 (user name) posted on the Dutch Scramble Messageboard: Today one flt A10s Retro 01; 02; 03 as Op Coronet East 050 dep from LPMR to LPLA, supp one tanker KC135 Blue51; and one flt A10s Retro 04; 05; 06 dep from LPMR to ETAD (home), supp one tanker KC135 Quid 79.

See topic: Monte Real (LPMR) - 2013 MIL

BTW: I would be very grateful for any more related info.

Friday, February 22, 2013

81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs departed Monte Real after exercise REAL THAW 2013

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

At Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal had the opportunity to take more shots of participating A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Via e-mail, Marco told me [edited by Warthog News]: Three-ship slot 1 (A-10Cs 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0650) took off 09H26 but returned to base and landed again 11H52. Three-ship slot 2 (A-10Cs 82-0654, 82-0966, 82-0656) took off 10H55. Three-ship slot 1 (A-10Cs 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0650) took off again 16H00 for final departure.

Comment by Warthog News: At least for the moment I don't know why slot 1 returned to base. Was there any inflight problem? I would be very grateful for an explanation.


Three-ship slot 2 at the end of the runway before take-off. Pictured (from front) are A-10Cs 82-0654, 81-0966 and 82-0656. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


Three-ship slot 1 at the end of the runway before second take-off and final departure. Pictured (from front) are A-10Cs 81-0981, 81-0962 and 82-0650. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


Three-ship slot 1 at the end of the runway scrambling before first take-off. Pictured are (from front) 82-0650, 81-0962, 81-0981 (taxiing at right to join the slot). (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size

Please note: Additional info will be posted soon.

Conversion immersion: 188th preps Airmen for mission change

by Senior Airman John Hillier
188th Figher Wing Public Affairs

An MQ-9 Reaper flies above Creech Air Force Base, Nev., during a local training mission. The 42nd Attack Squadron at Creech AFB operates the MQ-9. The 188th Fighter Wing is currently in the beginning stages of converting from A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" to an MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Paul Ridgeway) Hi-res

2/20/2013 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- The upcoming mission conversion for the 188th Fighter Wing has many Airmen asking questions about their futures with the wing.

The 188th is currently in the beginning stages of converting from A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" to an MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) mission.

The 188th's mission conversion team hosted a knowledge expo to familiarize unit members with the new Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) positions slated to be a part of the new mission. The expo also furnished unit members with the opportunity to speak with personnel from other units who are already in those career fields.

"Our end goal is to make sure that people are aware of the larger options that are out there," said Lt. Col. Toby Brallier, 188th conversion project officer. "I can tell you what the job is, but I can't tell you what it's like to live the job and what to expect on a daily basis. So we brought in some people from other units who work these same jobs so they can field questions about their specific jobs."

Positions in RPA crews, Distributed Ground Systems (DGS) and targeteering will have the largest number of openings. But Brallier said these won't be the only career fields that are going to be available.

Manning documents are not expected to be released until March so the conversion team is still dealing with a lot of unknowns.

"There are some job aspects that must wait to be discussed until unit members receive security clearances," Brallier said. "But what the team can do in the interim is give people broad, general overviews and provide opportunities to talk with other Airmen currently doing these jobs.

"There are also plans for unit members who currently hold security clearances to view more detailed briefing on the Secure Internet Protocol Router (SIPR) Network."

During the expo, subject matter experts provided overviews of individual AFSCs expected to be part of the conversion as well as details about training requirements.

Three sessions were held throughout the day, providing Airmen working various duty schedules an opportunity to attend. At each session, Airmen volunteers from the 123rd Intelligence Squadron, located at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.; the 178th Intelligence Group in Springfield, Ohio; and the 147th Reconnaissance Wing in Houston, Texas, were on hand provide their expertise and answer questions.

Brallier said that while many of the new jobs will require Top Secret security clearances and long technical training courses, the 188th is working hard to prepare its members for success.

"The conversion team will do everything it can to get information to unit members so they can make the best decisions for their future and the future of the wing," Brallier said.

Source (including 5 photos)

Thursday, February 21, 2013

81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught during exercise REAL THAW 2013 February 21, 2013

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

At Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal had the opportunity to take more shots of participating A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Via e-mail, Marco told me [edited by Warthog News]: Three missions on Thursday. Two-ship mission at morning: A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654 (Take-off 10H08 as a pair, Landing 11H47). Afternoon I: Two-ship mission of A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654 (Take-off 14H23; Landing 16H20). Before landing they made some beautiful passages in formation with PoAF F-16s 15112 and 15132. Unfortunately the weather doesn't help. Afternoon II: Single-ship mission of A-10C 82-0656 (Take-off 16H30, Landing 17H10). Tomorrow photos of departure...


A-10Cs 81-0966, marked 52 OG as the 52nd Operations Group bird, and 82-0654 take off as a pair in the morning. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654 in formation with PoAF F-16s 15112 and 15132. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654 in formation with PoAF F-16s 15112 and 15132. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654 in formation with PoAF F-16s 15112 and 15132. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size

81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught during exercise REAL THAW 2013 February 20, 2013

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

At Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal had the opportunity to take more shots of participating A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Via e-mail, Marco told me [edited by Warthog News]: Two missions on Wednesday. Four-ship mission at afternoon: A-10Cs 81-0981, 82-0654, 81-0962, 81-0966 (Take-off 14H24, Landing 16H40); Two-ship mission at night: 81-0981, ??-???? (can't see the registration) (Take-off 19H50, Landing 21H45)


A-10C 81-0962 lands after afternoon mission. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10C 81-0966, marked 52 OG as the 52nd Operations Group bird. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10C 82-0654. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's aircraft. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


Visible at right is A-10 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the squadron commander's aircraft. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Air Force A-10 jet makes emergency landing in Price

No injuries reported » Hill AFB investigating why aircraft forced to land on rural strip.

By Bob Mims
The Salt Lake Tribune
February 20, 2013


A-10 Thunderbolt makes emergency landing in Price. (Sun Advocate photo) (Screenshot by Warthog News)

An A-10 Thunderbolt military aircraft experiencing engine difficulties made an emergency landing late Wednesday morning at the Carbon County Airport.

Hill Air Force Base Tech Sgt. Gerren Douglas said the single-seat, twin-engine, straight-wing jet aircraft, stationed at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, was en route to HAFB from Arizona's Davis-Monthan AFB when the pilot reported one of his two engines had failed.

The aircraft landed at the rural air strip in the central Utah town of Price without incident or injury to the male pilot.

Douglas said Air Force maintenance and security personnel were en route to Price from Davis-Monthan and Moody.

Price firefighters and police, along with Carbon County sheriff deputies, responded to the scene initially.

The venerable A-10, more commonly known as the "Warthog" for its heavily-armored, ugly and yet effective design, was developed in the early 1970s, toward the end of the Vietnam War.

The plane, armed with a 30mm rotary cannon, is designed to provide close air support for ground forces, especially in attacking tanks and other armored vehicles and missile batteries. It has seen action in Desert Storm and more recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Source

Note: According to news media photos the involved aircraft is A-10C 78-0701 from the 75th Fighter Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group, 23rd Wing (ACC), Moody AFB, Georgia.

Please note: This breaking news will be updated later this night.

First update:

One more picture:


A-10 Thunderbolt makes emergency landing in Price. (Sun Advocate photo) (Screenshot by Warthog News)

Second update:

A-10 makes emergency landing in Utah

The Associated Press
Posted: Wednesday Feb 20, 2013 16:30:57 EST

SALT LAKE CITY — An Air Force fighter jet is grounded at a tiny Utah airport after making an emergency landing on one engine.

Officials say the A-10 Thunderbolt was being flown from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Ariz., on Wednesday when one of the two engines failed and couldn't be restarted in mid-flight.

The pilot landed at a rural air strip outside Price, Utah, about 120 miles short of his destination at Hill Air Force Base in Layton, Utah.

Officials say maintenance crews from Hill are arriving to inspect the fighter jet.

The Thunderbolt belongs to the 75th Fighter Squad at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia. It was being flown to Utah for maintenance.

Lt. Meredith Kirchoff of Moody Air Force Base says Thunderbolts can fly on one engine, but the pilot landed for safety reasons.

Source

Third update

That's probably the very first related news:

Air Force jet makes emergency landing at Carbon Airport

By John Serfustini
Sun Advocate associate editor
Sun Advocate

A US Air Force A-10 attack aircraft made a successful emergency landing at the Carbon County Airport Wednesday morning shortly after 10 a.m.

The specific cause of the emergency was not immediately available. However, the plane was apparently unable to taxi from the north end of the runway 18-36, the airport's main take-off and landing runway. There was no smoke or fire apparent, nor any visible damage to the exterior of the plane.

The plane was not carrying armaments under its wings.

The Price Fire Department scrambled three engines and crews. Price Police, Carbon County deputy sheriffs and the county ambulance also stood by on the tarmac.

Source (including 3 photos)

Nellis weapons load crews

Released by Team Nellis Public Affairs

2/19/2013 - Staff Sgt. Kevin Knight and Senior Airman Ian Carter, 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew members, load a MK-82 onto an A-10 Thunderbolt II Feb.15, 2013, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Weapons loaders participate in quarterly load crew competitions to keep airmen sharp and to recognize superior performers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Matthew Lancaster) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is a Triple Ejector Rack (TER), loaded with three Mk. 82 inert training bombs (blue stripes). This loadout config has been not used on flying "Hogs" for years. But it was common during operation Desert Storm. Unfortunately, this photo release doesn't include a full picture of the aircraft. And so I can't identify the station.

Source (including 5 photos)

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught during exercise REAL THAW 2013 February 19, 2013

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

At Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal had the opportunity to take more shots of participating A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Via e-mail, Marco told me [edited by Warthog News]: Afternoon mission of a three-ship: 81-0981, 81-0962, 82-0654 (take-off 13H30, landing 15H10). Single-ship: 82-0650 - it made some low approaches! - (take-off 14H05, landing 15H30)


A-10C 82-0650. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10C 82-0650. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10C 82-0650 on a low approach. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro)


A-10C 82-0654 takes off with a grey sky (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size