A-10Cs deploy for first time since BRAC move

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  For the first time in Moody's history, A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 75th Fighter Squadron recently deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Selected Airmen from the 23rd Maintenance Operations Squadron, 23rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron, 23rd Component Maintenance Squadron and 75th Aircraft Maintenance Unit deployed to support the aircraft as well.

Moody has deployed the A-10A aircraft in support of numerous operations, but this is the first time the "new" C-model will be deployed and the first deployment since they moved to Moody, as part of a Base Realignment and Closure transfer from Pope Air Force Base, N.C., in July 2007.

"It is once again our turn to deploy in the Air Expeditionary Force rotation," said Maj. Kevin Davidson, 23rd Fighter Group director of staff. "Moody's A-10Cs will replace the 442nd Fighter Wing from Whiteman AFB, Mo."

During the deployment, the A-10's latest upgrade to the C-model will be put to the test.

"This deployment is a validation of the A-10C's new precision engagement weapon system," said Major Davidson. "It is a test of how effective the new modifications are to providing weapon support."

The new A-10C models were modified to include the ability to drop joint direct attack munitions, use an advanced targeting pod and the integration of a situational awareness data link system.

We want to see if the conversions are even better than before, said Major Davidson.

To be able to support the C-model, avionics and weapons maintainers were required to receive additional training.

The 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron procured new technical orders, helped the 23rd MOS build local training courses and acquired slots through the Field Training Detachment at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., and Moody.

The 23rd Maintenance Group also set up an exchange program with the 175th Fighter Wing, Maryland Air National Guard.

"Our squadron sent 12 avionics and weapons maintainers to receive training, while the 175th FW sent us seven avionics maintainers to augment and train us from April through June 2008," said Lt. Col. Steven Dutschmann, 23rd AMXS commander. "The Southwest Research Institute also provided technical representatives several times to help us troubleshoot and repair avionics problems."

The avionics and weapons maintainers were to ready to support and deploy with the A-10C after finishing the required training.

Our mission is to provide combat-ready aircraft for the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron--to fly, fight and win, said Colonel Dutschmann.

Moody's A-10Cs will be supporting soldiers who belong to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., and 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, N.Y., in addition to the U. S. Special Operations Forces.

Our goal is to provide close air support to ground forces, said Major Davidson.

"We now have A-10Cs with better capabilities to be able to do that," he said.