Reserve A-10s at Davis-Monthan

Airman 1st Class Michael Rosenberger, a 924th Maintenance Squadron crew chief, inspects an A-10 Warthog in the hangar at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Jan. 14. The A-10s here fall under the 924th Fighter Group which is part of the Air Force Reserve Command's 944th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. It is a Total Force Enterprise Classic Associate to the 355th Fighter Wing, conducting A-10C Thunderbolt II qualification training and maintenance operations. There are 28 aircraft and about 450 personnel assigned to the maintenance squadron, including traditional and full-time reservists. Rosenberger is one of the newest maintainers in the squadron, having enlisted early in 2015. The A-10 Thunderbolt II has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate and survivable weapons-delivery platform. The aircraft can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate in low ceiling and visibility conditions. The wide combat radius and short takeoff and landing capability permit operations in and out of locations near front lines. Using night vision goggles, A-10 pilots can conduct their missions during darkness. Because of the specialty maintenance skills the Air Force Reserve afforded Rosenberger by sending him through maintenance technical training, he's been hired locally to work on German-made vehicles at Mini of Tucson. The first production A-10A was delivered to Davis-Monthan AFB in October 1975, and the 924th Fighter Group was assigned to Davis-Monthan AFB in 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo/Carolyn Herrick)