By Ponderer September 18, 2024 3:37 pm Category: Military (0.0 from 0 votes)
Rules of the Post
I've always loved watching them fly and chase each other around here ever since we moved to Tucson. I've had a soft spot for them ever since I assembled a model of one as a teen. I always kinda saw them as the epitome of function over form.
Two A-10 squadrons deactivated at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
TUCSON, AZ (AZFamily) — Two historic A-10 squadrons were deactivated at Tucson’s Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, officials said on Monday.
The 355th Wing’s 354th Fighter Squadron and 354th Fighter Generation Squadron are being shut down.
Known as the Bulldogs, the 354th fighter squadron originated in 1942 and was key in providing air control and support during World War II.
Overall, they have supported 1,300 troops and helped with 71 successful rescues.
The first A-10 Thunderbolt II jet arrived at DMAFB in 1976.
In 1992, the 354th fighter squadron was designed to exclusively support the A-10s at the Tucson Air Force base.
“The Bulldogs have been drawing upon decades of combat aviation, some lessons stemming back from World War II,” Col. Sean Hall, 355th Operations Group commander, said in a written statement. “The Bulldogs built the attack culture that surrounded the Hog then and it will outlast the Hog now.”
Despite the deactivation, officials say the future of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base “remains bright” as the military plans to open the 492nd Special Operations Wing within the next few years.
Last month, the Air Force Base received its first of 10 planned EA-37B Compass Call planes. These planes will replace the EC-130Hs and continue the 55th Electronic Combat Group’s mission for years.
However, former Rep. Martha McSally, also an ex-fighter pilot with the Air Force, was not happy with the deactivation, posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, that it was a “dangerous mistake.”
“The A-10 also leads Combat Search and Rescue Missions (CSAR), playing a crucial role in rescuing downed pilots or trapped ground forces in enemy territory. Its capabilities in locating, protecting, and bringing them home are unmatched,” she said. “While I agree that the military must modernize to face future threats and understand that Americans are weary of long overseas deployments, it’s short-sighted to assume we will never need the unique CAS and CSAR capabilities that only the A-10 provides.”
She said the F-35s, which are intended to take over the A-10 missions, are needed for different assignments and not intended for rescues.
“Pretending the F-35 can also do what the A-10 does is like claiming a Ferrari can do the job of a pickup truck,” McSally said.
The views and claims expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of SelectSmart.com. Not every statement made here can be assumed to be a fact.
Comments on "I'm actually gonna miss these old birds...":
