DefenceTalkThe Air Force inactivated the 81st Fighter Squadron June 18, here, in support of force-shaping procedures across the service. The squadron employed the A-10 Thunderbolt II, and the closure signals the end of A-10 operations in Europe. “For 71 years, the men and women of this fine squadron have ensured America’s security,” said Col. David […]https://www.defencetalk.com/fighter-squadron-inactivation-signals-end-of-a-10s-in-europe-48146/

DefenceTalkAir Force officials will begin to stand down active-duty combat units starting April 9 to ensure the remaining units supporting worldwide operations can maintain sufficient readiness through the remainder of the fiscal year. The stand down is the result of cuts to Air Combat Command’s operations and maintenance account, which must be implemented in part […]https://www.defencetalk.com/air-combat-command-stands-down-units-due-to-budget-cuts-47421/

DefenceTalkThe 40th Flight Test Squadron completed another first in February when an A-10 Thunderbolt II fired a guided rocket that impacted only inches away from its intended target. The 2.75 diameter, 35-pound, laser-guided rocket is known as the fixed-wing Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II. Before the Thunderbolt test, the rocket had proved effective in […]https://www.defencetalk.com/a-10-fires-first-ever-laser-guided-rocket-47342/