KB5FAS
Member
04/13/07 Fort Smith (AP) - The goal of the 188th Fighter Wing in Fort Smith is to have its A-10 unit ready for combat within two years.
The last of the F-16s are leaving the base and the first four of 21 A-10 Warthogs are to arrive Saturday.
The F-16s are being moved as part of the latest round of base closings and consolidations. The Warthogs, which provide close grounds support and are known for taking out enemy tanks, are a shift from the high-flying F-16 fighters.
Pilots are training at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. Conversion coordinator Colonel Mark Anderson says half of the 188th's pilots have completed the training and the rest will take the course soon.
Informal training for maintenance staff has begun. Once formal classes have been completed in June, the unit will be able to conduct training flights at the Fort Smith base. From there, the unit will work toward combat readiness.
The last of the F-16s are leaving the base and the first four of 21 A-10 Warthogs are to arrive Saturday.
The F-16s are being moved as part of the latest round of base closings and consolidations. The Warthogs, which provide close grounds support and are known for taking out enemy tanks, are a shift from the high-flying F-16 fighters.
Pilots are training at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. Conversion coordinator Colonel Mark Anderson says half of the 188th's pilots have completed the training and the rest will take the course soon.
Informal training for maintenance staff has begun. Once formal classes have been completed in June, the unit will be able to conduct training flights at the Fort Smith base. From there, the unit will work toward combat readiness.
