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A-10 sent to the 309 AMARG
Recently taken at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (AFB), Arizona, the emotional photos in this post feature US Airmen assigned to the 354th Fighter Generation Squadron (FGS) and the 354th Fighter Squadron (FS) sending an A-10 Thunderbolt II Close Air Support (CAS) aircraft to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (309 AMARG).
The base announced on social media;
‘This isn’t goodbye, but see you later.
‘Pilot and crew sent their A-10 to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group. This absolute Legend has been flying the skies of Tucson since it’s delivery to DM in October 1975.’
Ron Silva, former Airman at Davis-Monthan AFB, recalls on Facebook;
‘I was stationed at DM when the first A-10 arrived. There was a big reception hosted by the 355TFW (as designated at that time). What a great relationship DM has had with the A-10 these last 49 years!’
The inactivation of the 354th FS and 354th FGS
As already reported, the 354th FS and 354th FGS generated their last A-10C Thunderbolt II sortie at Davis-Monthan AFB on Jun. 21, 2024.
The “fini flight,” which was flown by Lt. Col. Patrick Chapman, commander of the 354th Fighter Squadron, occurred ahead of the inactivation of both of squadrons which will take place in September of this year.
The inactivation of the 354th FS and 354th FGS comes as their assigned A-10s are divested as part of the Air Force’s modernization efforts, and as the base makes way for the planned arrival of the 492nd Special Operations Wing.
The Thunderbolt II
The A-10 is the first US Air Force aircraft designed specifically for close air support of ground forces. It is named for the famous P-47 Thunderbolt, a fighter often used in a close air support role during the latter part of World War II.
The A-10 is very maneuverable at low speeds and low altitudes to ensure accurate weapons delivery, and it carries the systems and armor needed to survive in this environment. It is intended for use against all ground targets, but specifically tanks and other armored vehicles. The Thunderbolt II’s great endurance gives it a large combat radius and long loiter time in a battle area. Its short takeoff and landing capability permits operation from airstrips close to the front lines. Maintenance at forward bases with limited facilities is possible because of the A-10’s simple design.
The first production A-10A was delivered to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, in October 1975. The A-10 proved to be vital assets to the United States and its allies during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Noble Anvil.
In the Gulf War, A-10s had a mission capable rate of 95.7%, flew 8,100 sorties and launched 90% of the AGM-65 Maverick missiles.
Photo credit: Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Nagle / U.S. Air Force
