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Tiger Sharks Keep Watch Over Afghan Skies
by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kristin High
October 18, 2018
Airmen and A-10C Thunderbolt II’s hailing from the 75th
Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Kandahar Airfield,
Afghanistan, July 15, 2018, in support of combat operations.
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An A-10C Thunderbolt II, from the
75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, takes off in front of
the Kandahar International Airport, on Kandahar Airfield,
Afghanistan, Aug. 2, 2018. The A-10 flew in support of
Operation Freedom's Sentinel providing aide to Afghan
forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristin High)
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The Tiger Sharks, deployed from 23rd Fighter Group at Moody Air
Force Base, Georgia, have a history dating back to World War II
fighting under General Claire Lee Chennault in the China theatre.
Although drastically changing throughout the years, they have proven
to be a timeless entity to maintaining air power.
In December
1981, the A-10 Thunderbolt II was completed and the 75th went from a
tactical training unit to the fighter squadron it is today.
Fast forward nearly four decades and the 75th, along with the highly
accurate and survivable weapons-delivery platform of the A-10, have
arrived once again to support and defend the greatest military and
U.S. coalition partners against the threat of terrorists. This time
the mission focus being in support of the Resolute Support Mission
and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
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Crew chiefs from the 75th
Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conduct pre-flight checks on
an A-10C Thunderbolt II before take-off from Kandahar
Airfield, Afghanistan, Aug. 2, 2018. The Airmen, from Moody
Air Force Base, Georgia, are deployed in support of
Operation Freedom's Sentinel by providing close-air support
to Afghan forces and other coalition partners. (U.S. Air
Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristin High)
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“Our primary mission here is to provide close-air support and
combat search and rescue,” said Lt. Col. Sean Hall, 75th EFS
commander. “The majority of our missions will be supporting the
[Afghan National Security Forces], whether it be a show of presence
or freedom of movement patrol. We’re out here providing overwatch to
ensure if need be, lethal deterrence against the enemy.”
The
Afghan forces utilize the A-29 Super Tucano, which the pilots
trained with U.S. pilots from the 81st Fighter Squadron also at
Moody AFB. The A-29s, which were designed for close air support as
well, carry a 20mm cannon below the fuselage, one 12.7mm machine gun
under each wing and can also fire 70mm rockets and launch
precision-guided bombs.
“The Afghan Air Force is growing and
getting better every day by becoming more proficient and gaining the
training experience in combat here as well,” he added. “Ultimately
the goal is to have them providing the same support to their own
brethren from their aircraft.”
The men and women serving at
Kandahar provide a diverse fleet of aircraft aiding in support of
ground force needs, including surveillance, reconnaissance, airlift,
airdrop and communications support which enables a successful train,
advise and assist campaign.
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