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Tail number “952” (serial number 81-0952) of the 81st FS “Panthers” at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, flew into history as it achived 10,000 flying hours on July 22, 2005. According to an officially USAF news release, it is the first A/OA-10A, assigned to USAFE, and the sixth Warthog in the USAF´s inventory to achive this feat. On this historic flight, the Warthog was piloted by Col. Scott West, 52nd FW vice commander. The dedicated crew chief for aircraft “952” was Tech. Sgt. Steven Pierik, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit. Associated to this news release is a hi-hes photo of the aircraft.

To read the full story, klick:
www.usafe.af.mil/news/news05/uns05230.htm

Regards
J.J.

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Joachim Jacob
Warthog News Editor
http://warthognews.blogspot.com

According to an extended version of this news release, published at the U.S. EUCOM website, this event took place during the recently deployment of elements from the 81st FS to Romania (for exercise ROMEX ´05). This extended version also provides another hi-res photo of the aircraft´s bow section. And – as a very interesting “bonus” – this “cool” picture shows an unique special marking for the “historic” flight!

Direct link to the hi-res picture:
www.eucom.mil/english/file.asp?HR=2&ID=20050801105203

To get the full story and the photo link (linked via java script) you must go to the main page www.eucom.mil. Today, this story is still associated to “Headlines”. Later you must klick “News Releases”.

Regards
J.J.

_________________
Joachim Jacob
Warthog News Editor
http://warthognews.blogspot.com

JUNK! USAFE has a big hullabaloo about one of there jets breaking 10,000 but none of the other 5 get anything said about them. I know ACC had at least 2 jets break it within a week of each other but nothing was said.

On a happy note, way to go 952!

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3 Branches down... 2 to go!
Put on your tinfoil hats, the black choppers are coming, and I'm calling them in.
Former DCC OA-10A T/N 80-278

I recall back in 90/91 when the 81st TFW got four ex DM jets assigned, they had fewer hours on them than many of the WR jets at that time, despite them being FY76 models.
952 was an ex 'Buzzard'
Excellent milestone reached.

Anyone know the id of the other record breaking Hawgs?

81-941 & 80-278 (My old jet! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>) Are the ones I know of.

_________________
3 Branches down... 2 to go!
Put on your tinfoil hats, the black choppers are coming, and I'm calling them in.
Former DCC OA-10A T/N 80-278