Reconstituting A-10s

Air Force Reservist Staff Sgt. Michael Schuler inspects the left, main wheel well of A-10 number 201 Nov. 5, 2006, during the 442nd Fighter Wing's unit training assembly at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Sergeant Schuler is a phase inspection crew chief from the 442nd Maintenance Squadron whose job is to inspect A-10 Thunderbolt IIs for cracks, corrosion and wiring harness routes in need of repair during the phase inspection process. Aircraft 201 recently returned from a four-month deployment to Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. David Kurle)

A-10s spend busy summer supporting ground troops in Afghanistan

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, taxis to a de-arm area at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, following a combat sortie over Afghanistan. The A-10's 30-mm gun, a signature capability of the aircraft, delivers enormous firepower to support ground forces engaged against anti-Coalition extremists. This A-10 is deployed to Bagram from the 81st Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. In addition to the 81st FS, the Air Force Reserve?s 442nd Fighter Wing, from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., contributed aircraft, pilots and maintainers to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing at Bagram for an Air Expeditionary Force rotation. (US Air Force photo/Maj. David Kurle)

A-10s spend busy summer supporting ground troops in Afghanistan

Capt. Rick Mitchell, pilot, prepares an A-10 Thunderbolt II for a nighttime sortie over Afghanistan with the help of a crew chief on the ground, Staff Sgt. Scott Gaitley, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in early August. Both are deployed from the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve A-10 unit, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (US Air Force photo/Maj. David Kurle)

When the 'Smoke' clears

Major Michael Bachtell, an Air Force Reservist with the 47th Fighter Squadron, completes his maintenance forms after competing in Hawgsmoke 2006, an U.S. Air Force world-wide A-10 gunnery competition. He was later named Third Overall Best Pilot for his performance that day.

Reserve A-10s arrive in Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- An A-10 Thunderbolt II, flown by pilot, Maj. Mark Ernewein, from the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., arrives at its deployed location with the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing here May 13. Pilots and maintainers from the 442nd FW and the 52nd Fighter Wing, from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, will conduct close air support and other air to ground operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The A-10 carries a 30 mm gun and up to 16,000 pounds of bombs and missiles. Its primary role is to support Army Soldiers and other forces operating on the ground. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. David Kurle, 455 AEW/PA)

Driving the Hog

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Lt. Col. Stephen Chappel, an A-10 pilot deployed to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing here, puts on his flight helmet in preparation to fly a combat mission over Afghanistan May 13. Colonel Chappel is an Air Force Reservist deployed from the 442nd Fighter Wing, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (US Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle, 455 AEW/PA)

Rocket check

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Lt. Col. Stephen Chappel, an A-10 pilot deployed to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing here, inspects a 2.75-inch rocket pod on the wing of an A-10 Thunderbolt II in preparation for a combat mission over Afghanistan. Colonel Chappel is an Air Force Reservist deployed from the 442nd Fighter Wing, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (US Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle, 455 AEW/PA)

Litening and thunder

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Lt. Col. Stephen Chappel, an A-10 pilot deployed to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing here, performs a walk-around inspection of a Litening II targeting pod mounted on an A-10 Thunderbolt II May 13 in preparation for a mission over Afghanistan. The A-10 fires a 30-milimeter canon, and can carry up to 16,000-pounds of ordnance for close air support missions to support troops on the ground. The Litening pod assists the pilot in targeting and employing precision-guided munitions and enhances the emerging reconnaissance role of the A-10. Colonel Chappel is an Air Force Reservist deployed from the 442nd Fighter Wing, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (US Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle, 455 AEW/PA)

AFRC aircraft

A-10 operations at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

AFRC aircraft

A-10 operations at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.