In this article:
A-10 Thunderbolt II’s Swan Song at Hawgsmoke 2024
At Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (AFB) in Arizona, the 2024 Hawgsmoke competition comprised of 13 teams was more than just a showcase of aerial skill, Sep. 11-15—it was a moving moment of reflection and tribute to the legacy of the A-10 Thunderbolt II.
As told by By Tech. Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken, 944th Fighter Wing, in the article Legacy Secured: 47th FS, A-10 Triumph at Hawgsmoke 2024, for over 40 years, the Warthog, with its distinctive shape and unparalleled close air support capabilities, has been a stalwart protector of troops on the ground. As the US Air Force (USAF) moves forward, modernizing its fleet and phasing out the A-10, this year’s event, hosted by the historic 47th Fighter Squadron, is not just a competition—it’s a chance for the A-10 community to come together and honor a living legend.
“For us to have the privilege of hosting what could be the last Hawgsmoke, certainly of this scale with all of these squadrons here, it’s an immense honor,” says Lt. Col. Tom “Peta” Harney, 47th FS commander.
For Lt. Col. Robert “Tito” Hetland, 47th FS historian and an A-10 instructor pilot, Hawgsmoke 2024 represents a continuation of the squadron’s storied legacy. The 47th has been at the forefront of key moments in US military history, from Pearl Harbor to Vietnam, and since the 1980s, it has been inseparably linked to the A-10 Thunderbolt.
As Hetland reflects, “The aircraft is an essential part of who we are, and this competition allows us to honor that legacy.”
Hawgsmoke 2024: The Heart of the A-10 Community
Since being designated as an A-10 squadron, the 47th FS, fondly known as the “Termites,” has trained countless pilots, passed down invaluable tactical knowledge, and cultivated a unique culture around the Warthog—a culture that persists even as the airframe approaches retirement.
Hawgsmoke, first held in 2000, is more than just a test of tactical precision. It’s a gathering of the A-10 community, a place where pilots and their families come together to celebrate their shared experiences and the unique role they’ve played in the broader Air Force mission. This year’s competition takes on a deeper significance, with many recognizing that this may be one of the last large-scale gatherings of A-10 squadrons.
Maj. Sky “Comet” Lesh, Hawgsmoke 2024 range day coordinator and a 47th FS A-10 instructor pilot, captures the sentiment, calling it “the last gunfight” for some of the squadrons involved.
The competition itself remains rigorous, with events testing the pilots’ ability to deliver close air support and execute search-and-rescue missions—skills honed over countless flights.
“Every event we face here mirrors what we do in real combat,” Lesh explains. “It’s not just about skill – it’s about heart.”
The Results of the Competition
The 47th FS emerged victorious at Hawgsmoke 2024, reaffirming their position as what Hetland referred to as the finest attack professionals the Air Force has to offer. The “Termites” were the top overall team, top conventional bombing team, top conventional strafe team, and top tactical team.
For Harney, their success was no surprise, given the squadron’s number one role in producing and training A-10 pilots, many of whom have decades of experience in the cockpit. He says it was the 47th’s impeccable timing, precision strikes, and expert handling of the new GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb that secured their win.
While the A-10 is nearing the end of its operational life, its relevance today cannot be overstated. Known for its close air support (CAS) mission, the Warthog has been a critical asset in irregular conflicts, offering precision, reliability, and unmatched ground force protection.
Even as the USAF transitions to newer airframes, the tactical expertise and mindset cultivated within the A-10 community will endure.
Harney emphasizes this point. “The A-10 has been continuously upgraded with new weapons and systems, keeping it relevant in today’s battlefield. It’s not just a relic—it’s a critical part of our mission today.”
The End of an Era, but Not the End of a Legacy
Harney further highlights the aircraft’s close air support capabilities—providing cover for ground troops, protecting maneuver units, and rescuing downed airmen—are just as vital today as they were when the Warthog first took flight.
“Every event we’re doing in the competition is something we could employ out there while we’re trying to save that 18-year-old with a rifle,” he explains.
Yet, as the Warthog prepares to bow out, its pilots and maintainers remain committed to ensuring its legacy persists.
As the final jets take flight over the Arizona desert, there’s an unmistakable sense that this may be a closing chapter for the 47th FS at Hawgsmoke.
For many the A-10 represents more than just an aircraft – it’s a symbol of resilience, community, and the unwavering commitment to protect those on the ground.
Though the skies may one day be devoid of the Warthog’s iconic shape and trademark gatling gun “brrrrt!” sound echoing above, its legacy will continue to soar—embedded in the hearts of those who flew it, maintained it, were protected by it, and honored it.
Today’s Thunderbolt II
The first production A-10A was delivered to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, in October 1975. It was designed specifically for the close air support mission and had the ability to combine large military loads, long loiter and wide combat radius, which 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.
Compared to today’s aircraft, the A-10 from 1991 seems primitive. Today, the engines are pretty much the same and the basic airframe hasn’t changed much; internally, though, it’s completely upgraded. The targeting pod now integrates with helmet-mounted display allowing not only for flight data to be displayed but also the target, the cannon now has a stabilization system to hold it on target while firing, GPS avionics advancements have led to GPS-guided weapons system integration, and additional systems can now automatically detect and respond to incoming threats with countermeasures.
Photo credit: Tech. Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken / U.S. Air Force
