The A-10 Thunderbolt II's that many of us enjoy seeing and hearing in the Lake of the Ozarks area have had a busy month. Between working the Super Bowl in Minnesota and trying to cut off all Taliban drug revenue in Afghanistan, their schedule is pretty booked. They even have to refuel in the air! 

 

A-10 Flying

Flickr photo credit by [Lars Bjørkevoll https///flic.kr/p/9KDodg] CC 2.0 License

On January 19, U.S. Air Forces Central Command realigned aircraft, airmen and assets from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to Afghanistan. The 303rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron is currently providing support to U.S. Forces and Afghan National Defense and Security Forces as a part of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and the Resolute Support Mission. The legendary Warthogs are enabling precision strikes and close air support to teams on the ground as well as assisting with surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance, and personal recovery. The Missouri airmen are part of strategic efforts to cut off Taliban financial resources by targeting their narcotics production. The A-10 pilots are working alongside newly realigned MQ-9 Reapers and HH-60Gs from other deployed areas in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility as well as the F-16s, C130Js, EC-130Hs and other aircraft that were already in place at Bagram Airfield.  

A-10 Full Shot

Flickr photo by [Darin Moulton https///flic.kr/p/8rT1LW.] CC 2.0 License

For additional support KC-135 Stratotankers that refuel planes while in the air also returned to Afghanistan for the first time in about five years back September. Here is some recent, incredible footage from the U.S. Air Force by SSgt. John McRell of aerial refueling F-16’s and A-10’s while flying over Afghanistan.  

A-10 Close

Flickr photo by [Holmes Palacios https///flic.kr/p/rbFbHm] CC 2.0 License

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