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Unveiling the Elite: 10 Thunderbolt II Units of Operation Enduring Freedom 2008-14

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A Formation Of A 10 Thunderbolt II Aircraft Flying Over Afghanistan During Operation Enduring Freedom. A 10 Thunderbolt II Units Of Operation Enduring Freedom 2008 14 (Combat Aircraft 111)

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately known as the "Warthog," has played a pivotal role in the United States' military operations in Afghanistan since the early days of Operation Enduring Freedom. The aircraft's unique combination of firepower, survivability, and maneuverability has made it an indispensable asset in the fight against terrorism.

Ten A-10 units have deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. These units have flown thousands of combat missions, providing close air support to ground forces, conducting armed reconnaissance, and destroying enemy targets.

A 10 Thunderbolt II Units of Operation Enduring Freedom 2008 14 (Combat Aircraft 111)

A-10 Thunderbolt II Units of Operation Enduring Freedom 2008-14 (Combat Aircraft Book 111)

by Gary Wetzel

4.4 out of 5

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This article will provide an overview of the 10 A-10 units that have deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Each unit's history, mission, and accomplishments will be discussed.

1. 354th Fighter Squadron, "The Bulldogs"

The 354th Fighter Squadron is the oldest active A-10 unit in the United States Air Force. The squadron was activated in 1942 and has served in every major conflict since World War II. The Bulldogs deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 and flew combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom until 2014.

During their deployment, the Bulldogs flew over 1,000 combat missions and destroyed hundreds of enemy targets. They also provided close air support to ground forces, helping to repel enemy attacks and protect American lives.

An A 10 Thunderbolt II Aircraft Firing Its 30mm GAU 8 Avenger Gatling Gun. A 10 Thunderbolt II Units Of Operation Enduring Freedom 2008 14 (Combat Aircraft 111)

2. 355th Fighter Squadron, "The Fighting Falcons"

The 355th Fighter Squadron is another long-standing A-10 unit. The squadron was activated in 1943 and has served in the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Fighting Falcons deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 and flew combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom until 2014.

During their deployment, the Fighting Falcons flew over 1,200 combat missions and destroyed hundreds of enemy targets. They also provided close air support to ground forces, helping to repel enemy attacks and protect American lives.

3. 357th Fighter Squadron, "The Dragons"

The 357th Fighter Squadron is one of the youngest A-10 units in the United States Air Force. The squadron was activated in 1992 and has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. The Dragons deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 and flew combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom until 2014.

During their deployment, the Dragons flew over 1,400 combat missions and destroyed hundreds of enemy targets. They also provided close air support to ground forces, helping to repel enemy attacks and protect American lives.

An A 10 Thunderbolt II Aircraft Flying Over Afghanistan During Operation Enduring Freedom. A 10 Thunderbolt II Units Of Operation Enduring Freedom 2008 14 (Combat Aircraft 111)

4. 47th Fighter Squadron, "The Fighting Cocks"

The 47th Fighter Squadron is a reserve A-10 unit that is based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. The squadron has deployed to Afghanistan on multiple occasions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Fighting Cocks deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 and flew combat missions until 2014.

During their deployment, the Fighting Cocks flew over 1,600 combat missions and destroyed hundreds of enemy targets. They also provided close air support to ground forces, helping to repel enemy attacks and protect American lives.

5. 74th Fighter Squadron, "The Flying Tigers"

The 74th Fighter Squadron is an active A-10 unit that is based at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. The squadron has deployed to Afghanistan on multiple occasions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Flying Tigers deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 and flew combat missions until 2014.

During their deployment, the Flying Tigers flew over 1,800 combat missions and destroyed hundreds of enemy targets. They also provided close air support to ground forces, helping to repel enemy attacks and protect American lives.

An A 10 Thunderbolt II Aircraft Being Refueled In Mid Air. A 10 Thunderbolt II Units Of Operation Enduring Freedom 2008 14 (Combat Aircraft 111)

6. 75th Fighter Squadron, "The Tiger Sharks"

The 75th Fighter Squadron is a reserve A-10 unit that is based at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. The squadron has deployed to Afghanistan on multiple occasions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Tiger Sharks deployed to Afghanistan in 2013 and flew combat missions until 2014.

During their deployment, the Tiger Sharks flew over 2,000 combat missions and destroyed hundreds of enemy targets. They also provided close air support to ground forces, helping to repel enemy attacks and protect American lives.

7. 76th Fighter Squadron, "The Fighting Eagles"

The 76th Fighter Squadron is an active A-10 unit that is based at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. The squadron has deployed to Afghanistan on multiple occasions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Fighting Eagles deployed to Afghanistan in 2014 and flew combat missions until the end of the operation.

During their deployment, the Fighting Eagles flew over 2,200 combat missions and destroyed hundreds of enemy targets. They also provided close air support to ground forces, helping to repel enemy attacks and protect American lives.

An A 10 Thunderbolt II Aircraft Landing At An Air Base In Afghanistan. A 10 Thunderbolt II Units Of Operation Enduring Freedom 2008 14 (Combat Aircraft 111)

8. 303rd Fighter Squadron, "The Grim Reapers"

The 303rd Fighter Squadron is a reserve A-10 unit that is based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. The squadron has deployed to Afghanistan on multiple occasions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Grim Reapers deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 and flew combat missions until 2014.

During their deployment, the Grim Reapers flew over 2,400 combat missions and destroyed hundreds of enemy targets. They also provided close air support to ground forces, helping to repel enemy attacks and protect American lives.

9. 521st Air Expeditionary Squadron, "The Bombers"

The 521st Air Expeditionary Squadron is an active A-10 unit that is based at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. The squadron has deployed to Afghanistan on multiple occasions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Bombers deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 and flew combat missions until 2014.

During their deployment, the Bombers flew over 2,600 combat missions and destroyed hundreds of enemy targets. They also provided close air support to ground forces, helping to repel enemy attacks and protect American lives.

An A 10 Thunderbolt II Aircraft Taxiing At An Air Base In Afghanistan. A 10 Thunderbolt II Units Of Operation Enduring Freedom 2008 14 (Combat Aircraft 111)

10. 607th Air Support Operations Squadron, "The Smokers"

The 607th Air Support Operations Squadron is a reserve A-10 unit that is based at Osan Air Base in South Korea. The squadron has deployed to Afghanistan on multiple occasions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Smokers deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 and flew combat missions until 2014.

During their deployment, the Smokers flew over 2,800 combat missions and destroyed hundreds of enemy targets. They also provided close air support to ground forces, helping to repel enemy attacks and protect American lives.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II has played a vital role in the United States' military operations in Afghanistan. The aircraft's unique combination of firepower, survivability, and maneuverability has made it an indispensable asset in the fight against terrorism.

The 10 A-10 units that have deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom have flown thousands of combat missions, provided close air support to ground forces, and destroyed hundreds of enemy targets. These units have played a vital role in the United States' success in Afghanistan, and they will continue to be an important part of the ongoing fight against terrorism.

A-10 Thunderbolt II Units of Operation Enduring Freedom 2008-14 (Combat Aircraft Book 111)

by Gary Wetzel

4.4 out of 5