Dutchy wrote:
Europe needs the A-10. Was last near by Ramstein and i saw 3 Warthogs flying (i think they visit Ramstein). A-10 is for me the symbol of freedom.
Honestly, and it pains me to say this, but Europe no longer needs the Hog. Most of us want it there out of sentiment for the Cold War days, but the conventional threat hasn't existed for years and I don't see it ever returning there. It did help earn that freedom for Europe, but that is now history.
Plus, the SecDef has placed the emphasis on the Pacific now; so if anything it is South Korea where the Hog should be "penned."
The three-ship you saw was probably from Spang, A-10s very rarely land at ETAR since their home base is not too far up the road.
But not for long, rumor has it that Spangdahlem will also shut down operations in the near future. Having just one squadron of F-16s after the Panthers leave, it's not fiscally viable to continue ops there...
Cheers! M2