The summer crop of A-10 pilots flying out of Bagram AB, Afghanistan, are a true mixed bag—almost 50/50 active and reserve. The active duty pilots hail from Spangdahlem AB, Germany, and the Air Force Reserve Command pilots are from Whiteman AFB, Mo. The Reservists have more experience, but they all have extensive training in the Warthog’s dedicated close air support mission. And, says Reserve Col. Tony Johnson, in the end “an A-10 pilot is an A-10 pilot no matter where you go.”
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.
