Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Rantoul Flying Tiger pilots return from Afghanistan

By Dave Hinton
Monday, September 28, 2009 7:04 AM CDT
The News-Gazette

The American public knows them as the Flying Tigers. To Taliban fighters in Afghanistan, they're The Mountain Monsters.

Capt. Kyle Lanto pilots a Flying Tiger, an A-10 Warthog assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing's 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

Lanto, son of Col. Reino C. and Jeanene Lanto of Rantoul, recently returned to the States from a 5 1/2-month deployment in Afghanistan.

Lanto's squadron saw a lot of airtime – a record amount.

It flew a record 12,000 combat hours in about five months.

To put that in perspective, Lanto said, "Usually during the year a normal A-10 unit will fly about 7,000 hours."

Lanto is a multi-ship flight leader whose mission was to support the troops on the ground.

Allied forces have intercepted radio transmissions that show the respect the Taliban holds for the A-10.

"They know the A-10 very well," Lanto said. "When they hear our jet, ... they say they're hiding because the A-10 is back."

The Taliban primarily employ guerrilla tactics with "four to 20 hiding in the hills, and (shooting down) onto American positions. It's not like your typical ... war movie."

Lanto said the Taliban fight as snipers and use rocket-propelled grenades. "They would run and hide, and when we would find them we would shoot them from the plane with the assistance of the guys on the ground and working with Army helicopters."

During its 5 1/2-month stint, Lanto's squadron, which traces its roots to the pre-World War II volunteer flying unit that fought the Japanese in China, flew more than 2,800 missions. It dropped or fired hundreds of 500-pound bombs, 2.75-inch rockets and more than 54,000 30 mm high-explosive rounds.

Typical flight time for Lanto's A-10 missions was four to five hours. His longest mission clocked 7 1/2 hours, and one pilot spent more than eight hours in the air.

Each A-10 is refueled in midair after three hours.

Lanto said there is no typical flight in Afghanistan. Many flights were uneventful and boring, but "sometimes you go out it would sound like World War III," he said.

Lanto's most memorable action in Afghanistan took place in the southern part of the country.

Ground troops had spotted a white truck carrying several people with weapons. The truck was tracked to where it stopped next to a house, "and (the spotters) said, 'OK, take him out with your gun,' and he blew up in front of my eyes. They said no one else was hurt," Lanto said.

A midlevel Taliban commander was among those in the truck.

"That was a pretty good day for us," said Lanto, who expressed satisfaction that the house was not touched by the blast. "That's a testament to the A-10," he said.

The A-10 is designed as a precision engagement, close-air support and airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.

Lt. Col. Philip Weilhouwer, 74th EFS commander, commended the work of the squadron. "Whether we drop (bombs) or shoot doesn't really matter," he said. "It's whether we've supported the guys on the ground, and if they are protected and they get the mission accomplished is what counts."

This marked Lanto's second tour of duty in the Middle East. He was deployed to Iraq in 2007 – the first time the A-10 had been sent back to that country since 2003.

Lanto's wife, Stacy, is an intelligence officer with the Tactical Documentation and Media Exploitation Brigade Support Team, whose mission is to exploit captured enemy documents and electronic media.

During a recent interview, Lanto learned that his wife had just returned to the States, which he said "is a huge relief."

She had been deployed to Iraq. She had also spent parts of 2006 and 2007 in Afghanistan.

Stacy Lanto formerly served as an A-10 intelligence officer.

"She tried to find out any information she could about the enemy, their tactics about how they would attack our guys and how they would dictate how we would fly," Kyle Lanto said. "She did that for about 4 1/2 months and did an amazing job over there."

History lessons

Kyle Lanto is well aware of the heritage of yhe Flying Tigers.

The all-volunteer unit, headed by Gen. Claire Chennault, went into China to fight the Japanese in July 1941, before the U.S. entered World War II.

The Flying Tigers inflicted heavy losses on the Japanese while suffering few losses themselves.

"We still have a Flying Tiger reunion every year," Lanto said. "Those original Flying Tigers come back and tell us their stories, and we tell them our stories.

"They were hired mercenaries. They weren't in the air forces. They went with fake names, aliases and fake jobs."

Lanto said the old-timers share many common traits with the new breed: "It sounds like in talking with them they're pilots like we are. Most of the guys wanted to fly, and they got paid to do it."

Among the legendary Flying Tigers Lanto has met is Tex Hill, whom John Wayne played in the 1942 "Flying Tigers" movie.

Lanto said Hill and Wayne became good friends.



Capt. Kyle Lanto of Rantoul with his A-10 at Bagram AB, Afghanistan. (Photo by Lanto family)

Source

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

442nd Fighter Wing hosts Yellow Ribbon event for security forces spouses

by Maj. David Kurle
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

9/26/2009 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The 442nd Fighter Wing played host to some honored guests here Sep. 26, providing a look at the unit reserved for distinguished visitors.

Spouses and family members of deployed Citizen Airmen from the wing's 442nd Security Forces Squadron received a day of tours, discussions, classes and even lunch as part of the wing's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration program.

The Yellow Ribbon program is designed to assist military members and their families with the rigors of reintegration following extended combat deployments.

Forums included a spouses connection activity, marriage enrichment seminar, as wekk as classes covering post-traumatic stress disorder, financial management and the stresses of multiple deployments.

Families were also treated to tours of the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft and the A-10 flight simulator.

Air Force Reservists from the 442nd SFS here are currently deployed to Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, to provide security for the base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The squadron deploys more than any other unit in the 442nd FW.



Family members of deployed reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing's 442nd Security Forces Squadron were the guests of honor at a Yellow Ribbon Program event at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., September 26, 2009. Here, Rose and her 1-year-old son, Scott, tour the cockpit of an A-10 Thunderbolt II in the wing's 5-Bay Hangar. In addition to tours, the event featured forums for spouses and family members on topics such as marriage enrichment, post-traumatic stress disorder, financial management and stresses caused by multiple deployments. The Yellow-Ribbon Program is designed to assist military members and their families deal with the rigors of reintegration following an extended combat deployment. The 442nd SFS deploys more than any other unit in the 442nd FW, with Air Force reservists currently deployed to Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an Air Force Reserve Command unit based at Whiteman. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle) Hi-res



Maj. Todd Riddle, A-10 pilot from the 303rd Fighter Squadron, explains an A-10 Thunderbolt II cockpit to Mason, 10, and Samantha, 5, during a Yellow-Ribbon program event at the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., September 26, 2009. The Yellow-Ribbon program is designed to assist Air Force Reservists and their familly members deal with the stress of extended combat deployments. Mason and Samantha are the children of a 442nd Security Forces Squadron Citizen Airman currently deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Currently, many of the wing's security forces members are deployed to provide air-base defense at deployed locations. The 442nd Security Forces Squadron deploys more than any other unit in the wing, which has a proud tradition of deployments for the Global War Against Terror. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle) Hi-res

Source

Monday, September 28, 2009

Crew chiefs keep 442nd FW A-10s combat ready

by Senior Airman Kenny Holston
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

9/26/2009 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Crew chiefs from the 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron perform varied, but routine, maintenance on the 442nd Fighter Wing's 27 A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft.

Each of the 442nd FW's A-10s is painted with the name of the plane's assigned crew chiefs. It's often said that crew chiefs "own the airplanes, while pilots borrow the jets to go fly."

In addition to maintenance, crew chiefs launch and recover the aircraft for daily training sorties from here.

The 442nd FW is an Air Force Reserve Command unit based here. The unit has deployed aircraft, pilots and maintenance personnel four times to support operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.



Airman Jill Hallandsworth, 442nd Fighter Wing crew chief, performs a pre flight engine check on an A-10 Thunderbolt II during an overall aircraft inspection, September 25, 2009. Crew Chiefs with the 442nd FW maintain a vast fleet of 27 A-10 aircraft keeping each jet prepared for any mission at a moment's notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenny Holston) Hi-res



Master Sgt. William Porterfield, 442nd Fighter Wing crew chief, wipes the morning dew from the cockpit of an A-10 Thunderbolt II before inspecting the aircraft for takeoff, September 25, 2009. Crew chiefs with the 442nd FW maintain a vast fleet of 27 A-10 aircraft keeping each jet prepared for any mission at a moment's notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenny Holston) Hi-res



David Greenberg, 442nd Fighter Wing crew chief, discusses specific portions of the A-10 Thunderbolt that need to be checked out during a morning inspection of the aircraft, September 25, 2009. Crew chiefs with the 442nd FW maintain a vast fleet of 27 A-10 aircraft keeping each jet prepared for any mission at a moment's notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenny Holston) Hi-res



Airman Jill Hallandsworth (left) , 442nd Fighter Wing crew chief, prepares to gather the tools need to perform a pre-flight inspection on an A-10 Thunderbolt II as her partner David Greenberg, 442nd FW crew chief, discusses what parts the aircraft will need, September 25, 2009. Crew chiefs with the 442nd FW maintain a vast fleet of 27 A-10 aircraft keeping each jet prepared for any mission at a moment's notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenny Holston) Hi-res



Doston Ross, 442nd Fighter Wing crew chief, goes over a pre flight checklist after performing an inspection on an A-10 Thunderbolt II prior to take off, September 25, 2009. Crew Chiefs with the 442nd FW maintain a vast fleet of 27 A-10 aircraft keeping each jet prepared for any mission at a moment's notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenny Holston) Hi-res



Airman Jill Hallandsworth, 442nd Fighter Wing crew chief, performs a pre-flight inspection on an A-10 Thunderbolt II prior to take off, September 25, 2009. Crew chiefs with the 442nd FW maintain a vast fleet of 27 A-10 Aircraft keeping each jet prepared for any mission at a moment's notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenny Holston) Hi-res



Airman Jill Hallandsworth and Larry Rex, 442nd Fighter Wing crew chiefs, make their way into the crew station of an A-10 Thunderbolt II during an early morning pre-flight inspection of the aircraft September 25, 2009. Crew chiefs with the 442nd FW maintain a vast fleet of 27 A-10 Aircraft keeping each jet prepared for any mission at a moment's notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenny Holston) Hi-res

Source

442nd Fighter Wing conducts final exercise before October's inspection

by 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

9/26/2009 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Air Force Reservists in the 442nd Fighter Wing conducted their final "dress rehearsal" operational readiness exercise here Sep. 16-20 to prepare for an Air Combat Command operational readiness inspection in October.

During the exercise, 442nd Citizen Airmen simulated deploying to a forward operating base and many of the events and hardships they may face in a real-world situation.

Some of the training events included ground attacks from simulated enemies, donning protective equipment during chemical attacks and performing self aid and buddy care on simulated-wounded Citizen Airmen.



A crew chief for the 442nd Fighter Wing signals the pilot of A-10 79-0117 which way he needs to turn during the Phase II exercise, September 16, 2009. The Phase II exercise is an annual mobility exercise, which inspects all areas of 442nd operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Cory Todd) Hi-res



Maj. Bryan Stone, 442nd Fighter Wing, waits to step off A-10 79-0117 with DEATH PROOF ladder door art, during the Phase II exercise, September 16, 2009. The Phase II exercise is an annual mobility exercise, which inspects all areas of 442nd operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cory Todd) Hi-res

Source

355th Fighter Wing A-10s caught at D-M September 2009



A-10s 80-0141 from the 357th Fighter Squadron and 80-0167 from the 358th Fighter Squadron landing at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, September 24, 2009. (Photo by Ned Harris) Hi-res



A-10 80-0278 from the 354th Fighter Squadron landing at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, September 24, 2009. Sniper XR targeting pod on station 2 and gunsmoke residue. (Photo by Ned Harris) Hi-res



A-10 80-0278 from the 354th Fighter Squadron landing at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, September 24, 2009. Sniper XR targeting pod on station 2 and gunsmoke residue. (Photo by Ned Harris) Hi-res



A-10 80-0176 from the 358th Fighter Squadron landing at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, September 24, 2009. (Photo by Ned Harris) Hi-res



A-10 80-0254 from the 357th Fighter Squadron landing at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, September 24, 2009. (Photo by Ned Harris) Hi-res

Sunday, September 27, 2009

47th Fighter Squadron A-10s caught at D-M



A-10 79-0120 from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Wing, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, landing at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, September 24, 2009. ANG/AFRC Test Center markings on engine nacelle. (Photo by Ned Harris) Hi-res



A-10 81-0954 from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Wing, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, landing at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, September 24, 2009. ANG/AFRC Test Center markings on engine nacelle. (Photo by Ned Harris) Hi-res



A-10 81-0954 from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Wing, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, landing at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, September 2, 2009. ANG/AFRC Test Center markings on engine nacelle. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Former PA Hog with new SP tail code caught at D-M

Updated 26 September 2009, 30 September 2009

The following hot picture was uploaded on flickr by Ned Harris from Tucson, Arizona, September 25, 2009:



A-10 82-0647 with new SP tail code for the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany, landing at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, September 24, 2009. It's a former 103rd FS, 111th FW (PA) Hog. Currently, this aircraft has no 81st Fighter Squadron markings. (Photo by Ned Harris) Hi-res Source

After asking Ned for permission to post this important picture on my blog, on September 26, 2009, I got the following message: Hello: I am a regular visitor to your blog. You are welcome to use any of my flickr images on your blog at any time. Keep up the good work.

Special thanks to Ned for his kind permission, and welcome as latest Warthog News contributor!

Also thanks to Warthog News contributor Dietmar Heinz from German FlugzeugForum for his private message to get knowledge of this important picture immediately.

BTW: On my blog, I will post some more A-10 shots taken by Ned Harris.

Update 30 September 2009: Two more very nice shots of this Hog, taken by Ned Harris September 29, 2009, and uploaded to his flickr albums today:



A-10 82-0647 with new SP tail code landing at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, September 29, 2009. (Photo by Ned Harris) Hi-res



A-10 82-0647 with new SP tail code landing at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, September 29, 2009. (Photo by Ned Harris) Hi-res

Meanwhile, via e-mail Ned told me: I live about 30 minutes from D-M and usually go at least once per week.

And so, we can await new A-10 pics from Ned every week. That's awesome. Please also check Warthog News for other shots taken by Ned, already one of my most active contributors. See:
47th Fighter Squadron A-10s caught at D-M
355th Fighter Wing A-10s caught at D-M September 2009

Friday, September 25, 2009

Boeing Receives A-10 Modernization Contracts From US Air Force

A Boeing news release:

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 24, 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced today that it has received two separate contracts from the U.S. Air Force to support modernization of the service's fleet of 365 A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The contracts, which have a total value of $4.2 million, consist of several tasks ranging in duration from three to 18 months.

The first contract, which will be performed by Boeing and Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), provides engineering services for the A-10 Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP). The program centers on updating and aligning modern structural analysis tools, processes and standards for the A-10 fleet.

The second contract, which will be performed by Boeing and industry team partners Raytheon Technical Services and BAE Systems Platform Solutions, is for a Trade Study Analysis and Operational Assessment/Proof of Concept for the Upgraded Data Transfer Unit (UDTU). The goal of this contract is to update the aircraft's avionics architecture to improve memory and data capability.

The ASIP and the UDTU contracts are two of many that will be awarded as part of the $1.6 billion A-10 Thunderbolt Life-Cycle Program Support (TLPS) contract. A-10 TLPS is designed to support the sustainment of the A-10 and integration of current and future requirements. In June, Boeing was selected as one of three contractors to fulfill several A-10 TLPS task and delivery orders for the Air Force.

Other A-10 contracts Boeing has received include a services contract that provides the Air Force with on-site engineering support and 3-D models of the A-10 wing, and a contract for fuselage lofting (transfer of a scaled-down plan to full size). The $2 billion A-10 Wing Replacement Program, which Boeing received in June 2007, plans to manufacture up to 242 enhanced wing assemblies. Work remains on schedule as Boeing continues to develop the 3-D models that provide the engineering foundation for production of the new wings. The models allowed the Air Force to quickly resolve wing-crack issues that temporarily grounded the A-10 fleet last year.

"We are honored to continue supporting the Air Force and the A-10 fleet," said Bill Moorefield, A-10 program manager for Boeing. "We are committed to the standard of excellence we have exhibited on the A-10 Wing Replacement Program, and we look forward to delivering the same outstanding level of customer satisfaction and performance on this contract."

The A-10, also known as the Warthog, was introduced into the Air Force inventory in 1976. The twin-engine aircraft provides close-air support of ground forces and employs a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general-purpose bombs. The simple, effective and survivable single-seat aircraft can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The aircraft is supporting warfighters in Afghanistan and Iraq today.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

Source

ORI tests A-10C Thunderbolt II's rapid deployment capabilities

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs September 23, 2009:



Members of the Air Combat Command Inspector General Team from Langley Air Force Base, Va., examine an A-10C Thunderbolt II during the Phase I Operational Readiness Inspection here September 21, 2009. During the inspection, the wing is tested on its ability for rapid deployment of personnel, equipment and assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green) Hi-res



Airman 1st Class Norman LeDoux, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, inputs liquid oxygen into an A-10C Thunderbolt II during the Phase I Operational Readiness Inspection here September 21, 2009. This allows the pilot to breathe supplemental oxygen at high altitudes to help prevent hypoxia and the effects associated with it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green) Hi-res



Airman 1st Class Norman LeDoux, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, inputs liquid oxygen into an A-10C Thunderbolt II during the Phase I Operational Readiness Inspection here September 21, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green) Hi-res



Senior Airman Jacob Garbes and Staff Sgt. Kyle Blouin, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons flight members, install chaff flares on to an A-10C Thunderbolt II during the Phase I Operational Readiness Inspection here September 21, 2009. During the inspection, the aircraft’s ability to be ready for rapid deployment is tested. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green) Hi-res



An A-10C Thunderbolt II prepares for take-off during the Phase I Operational Readiness Inspection here September 22, 2009. During the inspection, the wing is tested on its ability for rapid deployment of personnel, equipment and assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Rissmiller) Hi-res



Members of the Air Combat Command Inspector General team from Langley Air Force Base, Va., observe 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airmen as they prepare to generate aircraft during the Phase I Operational Readiness Inspection here September 22, 2009. During the inspection, the wing is tested on its ability for rapid deployment of personnel, equipment and assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Schelli Jones) Hi-res



While Airmen from the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron work to prepare an aircraft for a simulated deployment, Chief Master Sgt. Galen Wilson, Air Combat Command Inspector General team member, from Langley Air Force Base, Va., observes the process during the Phase I Operational Readiness Inspection here September 22, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Schelli Jones) Hi-res

Source

Kandahar Airmen use AFSO 21 at war

by Lt. Col. David Glass
451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

9/21/2009 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Members of the 451st Expeditionary Maintenance Group here took the first steps on its continuous process improvement journey by initiating a rapid improvement event in the A-10 Thunderbolt II phase inspection shelter.

Using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century principles, the Airmen took procedures for improving processes and eliminating waste.

The purpose of the rapid improvement event was to apply an organization method called "6S," which refers to the using sort, straighten, sweep, standardize, sustain and safety in their work processes. Using 6S ensures everything has a place and that everything is in its place.

During the three-day event, a five-man team was led by Master Sgt. Emery Makany and consisted of Senior Airman John Grady, Staff Sgt. Chad Brewer, Tech. Sgt. Charles Anderson and Capt. Tony Vieira.

After a brief Lean training session, the team proceeded to inventory all of the items in the shelter essential to the A-10 phase inspection operation and segregate the things they did not need or use. Once finished, the team straightened the area and gave it a good cleaning by sweeping the floors and turning in unneeded items to supply.

The last part of the process involved identifying where the best places were to store required tools, equipment and supplies and standardize the shelter by clearly marking where the items should be placed.

The team was able to identify more than 270 items that were nonvalue added to their aircraft inspection effort. By turning them in to supply, the Air Force was able to recoup more than $1.08 million. Additionally, the team freed up more than 125 square feet of the shelter providing more space and a provide a safer working environment.



The inside of an A-10 Thunderbolt II phase inspection shelter before Airmen applied Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century September 19, 2009, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. David Glass) Hi-res



The inside of an A-10 Thunderbolt II phase inspection shelter before Airmen applied Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century September 19, 2009, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. David Glass) Hi-res

Source

Thursday, September 24, 2009

354th pilots surpass 1,000 A-10 flight hours Sept. 11

by Lt. Col. Andrew Kapusak
354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron

9/15/2009 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- September 11, 2001 will be remembered forever in American history and in the hearts of the American public.

This September 11 is even more memorable for Air Force Captains Andrew Wood and Douglas Witmer. Both captains are A-10 pilots with the 354th Fighter Squadron "Bulldogs" stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.

Currently, both Airmen are deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, for the second time in their careers fighting the Global War on Terror. On September 11, the Airmen flew a mission together supporting US ground forces and both reached a milestone of 1,000 flight hours in the A-10 on the same day.

Both pilots have flown the A-10 since 2005 and have amassed nearly half of their total A-10 time flying combat operations over Afghanistan.

"It's surreal reaching an aviation milestone like this on September 11th," said Captain Wood, "but it's more meaningful to fly this mission in Afghanistan, protecting US forces and taking the fight to the enemy."

Capt. Wood, 28, was reared by Bill and Cheryl Wood of Collierville, Tenn., and graduated from Germantown High school in 1999. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2003 and has flown the A-10 in Korea, Arizona, and Afghanistan.

The 354th Fighter Squadron Bulldogs flew about a dozen A-10C attack aircraft from their home station at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., here this July.

With approximately 200 maintenance personnel and almost 30 pilots, the Bulldogs will conduct 24-hour operations over the coming months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Combined Joint Task-Force Afghanistan missions.

"Our squadron is excited to be back in Afghanistan supporting U.S. and coalition forces," said Captain Witmer about their current deployment. "As the ground forces provide security for the Afghan people, we stand watch over them to provide deterrence against attack and precise firepower if they are engaged by hostile forces. It's humbling to know that merely our presence overhead can prevent the enemy from attacking our soldiers. Every pilot in the squadron is ultimately prepared and 100 percent focused on protecting both our troops and the Afghan populous."

Captain Witmer, 32, son of Steve and Donna Witmer, grandson of Clarice Emanuel, was born and reared in Charleston, Ill. Captain Witmer graduated from Charleston High School in 1995 and from the University of Illinois in 2000 with a degree in Industrial Engineering.

Captain Witmer spent his first three years in the Air Force as a T-37 instructor pilot in Oklahoma before transitioning to the A-10 Thunderbolt, affectionately known to the pilots as the "Warthog."

The 354th Fighter Squadron has been deployed to Afghanistan three times since Sept. 11, 2001.



Captains Douglas Witmer (left) and Andrew Wood (right), 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron A-10 pilots, reached a milestone of 1,000 flight hours Sept. 11. Both are stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. and are deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Combined Joint Task Force Afghanistan missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Joe Shetterly) Hi-res

Source

81st Fighter Squadron A-10C caught at Spangdahlem AB September 15, 2009

The following picture, taken by Warthog News contributor Norbert Sloot from Germany, was first-published on German FlugzeugForum September 17, 2009:



A-10C 81-0980 with Sniper XR targeting pod on station 10 and new antenna behind the cockpit. (Photo by Norbert Sloot) Full size

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

81st Fighter Squadron A-10C caught at Nordhorn Range

From Thorsten Kleine Ruse, Germany, I got the following two pictures, taken at Nordhorn Range (used for A-10 air-to-ground training) on September 17, 2009:



A-10C 81-0988 with Sniper XR targeting pod on station 10. (Photo by Thorsten Kleine Ruse) Hi-res



A-10C 81-0988 with Sniper XR targeting pod on station 10 and new antenna behind the cockpit. (Photo by Thorsten Kleine Ruse) Hi-res

Welcome to Thorsten as latest Warthog News contributor!

81st Fighter Squadron news article in Jet & Prop

Just before leaving Berlin, Germany, for holiday in Alanya, Turkey, I buyed the September/October 2009 issue of German aviation magazine Jet & Prop. On pages 16-22 there's an interesting A-10 news article: Die neuen Krallen der "Panthers" (The new claws of the "Panthers") - written and photographed by Matthias Becker and Christian Gerard during a base visit at Spangdahlem AB. Featured is the new A-10C version at Spang. Special thanks to some of my friends on German FlugzeugForum for announcing this printed article.

Aircraft depart for Red Flag 10-01



Airmen from the 51st Operations Group cheer on the pilot of an A-10 Thunderbolt II as he taxis at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, before heading to Red Flag Alaska 10-01 September 14, 2009. Airmen from Osan will join Airmen from across the world to participate in Red Flag Alaska 10-01, scheduled for October 1-16. The exercise is considered by many as the most intense training opportunity available to combat flying units. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephenie Wade) Hi-res

Released by 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs:

9/15/2009 - Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea -- A-10 Thunderbolt IIs depart the runway at Osan AB, Republic of Korea, for Red Flag Alaska 10-01 September 14, 2009. Airmen from Osan will join Airmen from across the world to participate in Red Flag Alaska 10-01, scheduled for October 1-16. The exercise is considered by many as the most intense training opportunity available to combat flying units.



A-10 Thunderbolt IIs depart the runway at Osan AB, Republic of Korea, for Red Flag Alaska 10-01 September 14, 2009. Airmen from Osan will join Airmen from across the world to participate in Red Flag Alaska 10-01, scheduled for October 1-16. The exercise is considered by many as the most intense training opportunity available to combat flying units. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephenie Wade) Hi-res



An A-10 Thunderbolt II departs the runway at Osan AB, Republic of Korea, for Red Flag Alaska 10-01 September 14, 2009. Airmen from Osan will join Airmen from across the world to participate in Red Flag Alaska 10-01, scheduled for October 1-16. The exercise is considered by many as the most intense training opportunity available to combat flying units. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephenie Wade) Hi-res

Source

IDANG Tests New Electric Aircraft Tow Vehicle



A-10 crew chief Master Sgt. Mike Davidson waits as Master Sgt. Ed Correll connects the tow bar-less tug's strap to the front landing gear of aircraft 694. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt Tony Vincelli) Hi-res

by Capt Tony Vincelli
124th Wing Public Affairs

9/11/2009 - GOWEN FIELD, Boise, Idaho -- Speed, efficiency and safety for aircraft maintainers have long been a focus for the Air Force. A-10 maintainers here now have a new piece of equipment that could help in that effort.

Dubbed the Tow Bar-less Tug, this revolutionary piece of equipment makes moving A-10 aircraft faster and potentially safer.

The Tug was brought to Gowen Field recently as part of a field test currently underway at at a handful of A-10 units, said Maj. LaRue Dewald from the Air National Guard Air Reserve Test Center in Tucson, Ariz.

The test is evaluating the Tug's ease of use, safety, training time, impact on manpower and other objectives, Dewald said.

The Tug looks and operates quite a bit differently than previous aircraft towing vehicles. First, it's fire engine red paint job is easily distinguishable from the typical olive drab paint scheme found in the familiar Coleman Tug, which has been a mainstay on Air Force flightlines for many years. It also sports a front-facing and rear-facing seat and steering wheel which allows the vehicle's driver to more safely and easily position the Tug and tow an aircraft.

One of the more useful innovations is a single canvas strap and hydraulic winch that hooks to the aircraft's front nose landing gear and pulls the aircraft's front wheel on to a platform and raises it slightly to allow the aircraft to be towed. The winch and strap eliminate the need for a heavy and cumbersome tow bar, which is used on the Coleman. That bar, which weighs more than 300 pounds and must be attached to the Coleman's front or rear, depending on whether the aircraft is being pulled or pushed, is potentially hazardous to a crew chief's back.

Master Sgt. Mike Davidson is an A-10 crew chief working on the Consolidated Install Program team. He and others are in the midst of a host of upgrades to roughly 235 A-10 aircraft and have to move aircraft in and out of the hangars on the east ramp on an almost daily basis. He said the strap and winch eliminate the strain and potential for injuries that come with lifting a standard tow bar. He also said the new vehicle is very easy to use and makes positioning aircraft in a hangar much easier and faster.

However, innovation doesn't come without its share of trade-offs. First, the price: the tow bar-less tug carries a $125,000 price tag. And it isn't covered, which means towing an aircraft in the open air during the wet and cold winter would be less than ideal.

But, all in all, maintainers like what they've seen during the early days of the test. Only time -- and funding - will tell if the new Tug replaces the old Coleman. However, in an era where doing more with less seems to be the norm, speed and efficiency are always important.

As Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Slappey, NCO in charge of the Consolidated Install Program points out: "The (Consolidated Install Program) is all about saving time. With 235 airplanes to work on , if you can save an hour here and there by moving aircraft in and out of the hangar faster, it adds up."



With the strap connected and the nose landing gear raised on to the tug's platform, Davidson switches to the front-facing seat to pull the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Capt. Tony Vincelli) Hi-res

Source

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Warthog News back from holiday

by Joachim Jacob

To all of my readers, especially from United States and western Europe: Since today, I'm back from a two-week holiday at Alanya, Turkey. Some A-10 news updates will be following during the next couple of days. And you will also get some personal pictures from Alanya.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

81st Fighter Squadron A-10s caught at Spangdahlem AB September 1, 2009

by Joachim Jacob

On September 1, 2009, German aircraft photographer Dietmar Heinz caught five A-10s from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, at Spangdahlem AB, Germany. From Dietmar, I got the permission to post his nice shots on Warthog News.



A-10 81-0952 without unit markings (painted over). New antenna behind the cockpit. (Photo by Dietmar Heinz) Hi-res



A-10 81-0983 with new antenna behind the cockpit. (Photo by Dietmar Heinz) Hi-res



A-10C 82-0654 with Sniper XR targeting pod, but still with old antenna behind the cockpit. (Photo by Dietmar Heinz) Hi-res



A-10C 82-0646 with Sniper XR targeting pod, but still with old antenna behind the cockpit. (Photo by Dietmar Heinz) Hi-res



A-10C 81-0960 with Sniper XR targeting pod, but still with old antenna behind the cockpit. (Photo by Dietmar Heinz) Full size

Welcome to Dietmar Heinz as latest Warthog News contributor! Please visit his homepage on flickr, and especially his A-10 Thunderbolt II album.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

AF.mil Video: A-10 Upgrade

Released by USAF on www.af.mil September 4, 2009:



Please note:
- The code to embed this video also includes some other Air Force Report channel clips.
- The air intake cover inscription "81-1976" is wrong. It's A-10 81-0976.
- Also caught is either A-10 78-0650 or 82-0650.

See also:
'Warthog' squad revamped with digital upgrades

Friday, September 4, 2009

Preserved A-10 photographed at RAF Alconbury

by Joachim Jacob

The following pictures, taken by Kevin Bell, were first-posted on http://fightercontrol.forumotion.com/forum.htm

From the photographer, Kevin Bell (U.K.), I got the permision to post his related shots on my blog.



Full size (Photo by Kevin Bell)



Full size (Photo by Kevin Bell)



Full size (Photo by Cevin Bell)



Full size (Photo by Kevin Bell)

Special thanks to Kevin for his kind permission. And he's welcome now as the latest Warthog News contributor.