USAF A-10 Warthogs supplying non-stop close air support for renewed fighting in Afghanistan this summer still have to undergo their 400-flight hour maintenance routine. A-10 maintainers at Bagram Air Base work 24/7 on two Warthogs at once to maintain the increased operational pace. They are performing more maintenance because of the higher flying hours and loading more weapons. Weapons loaders claim it’s a rare day when a Warthog doesn’t return empty. (Read more here.)
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.