  | After pottering around the U.S.A. for two weeks taking in various bases and shows, it was up to Salina, Kansas for Hawgsmoke 2008. Hawgsmoke is a biennial worldwide A-10 bombing, missile, and tactical gunnery competition. Hosted by the winners of the previous competition, Hawgsmoke is an intense competition and an opportunity to share in the camaraderie and fellowship of the world's premier Close Air Support fighter, as well as legacy of its pilots and support crews. The 2008 installment was held at Salina, Kansas, October 15-18, hosted by the 303d Fighter Squadron. |
| We had poor weather for the arrivals, but captured an Italian airforce T767TT returning from a test flight. |
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A 7 o'clock start next morning, so rather a fresh start, we had no access to the ramp, so we had the enclosure which was fine. Fourteen, four man teams took part with twenty-five aircraft present. A reduction of numbers over previous years due to fatigue problem issues across the A-10 fleet. The limited number of aircraft were shared among the pilots from all teams. |
| Aircraft involved were:- Five aircraft from the Michigan ANG, 172nd FS/110th FW, Battle Creek, Michigan with a "BC" tailcode. Four aircraft from the 47th FS/917th FW AFRC, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana with a "BD" tailcode. Three aircraft from the 184th FS/188th FW, Arkansas ANG, Ft Smith, Arkansas with an "FS" tailcode. Nine aircraft from the 303rd FS/442nd FW AFRC, whiteman AFB, Missouri with a "KC" tailcode. Four aircraft from the 103rd FS/111th FW, Pennsylvania ANG, Willow Grove PA with a "PA" taailcode. |
| The Idaho Air National Guard's 190th Fighter Squadron was named the top team at Hawgsmoke 2008. An awards banquet capped off four days of competition among 14 A-10 Thunderbolt II squadrons from across the Air Force. The 190th, part of the 124th Wing, based at Boise International Airport, Idaho, will be expected to host the next Hawgsmoke competition in 2010. |
| | | words and images byDave Vaughan |
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