The biennial “Hawgsmoke 2006” competition kicked off this week at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., with the arrival of 20 A-10 squadrons from around the world. The A-10 airmen are competing to see who will earn “best of the best” bragging rights in the 30th anniversary of an event that showcases ground attack bombing and tactical gunnery.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.