In the sun-baked skies over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, the distinctive silhouette of the A-10 Thunderbolt II once again dominated the horizon. From Sept. 11-15, the base played host to Hawgsmoke, a competition that has become a revered tradition in the A-10 community. This year’s event, possibly the last of its kind, served as both a testament to the Warthog’s enduring capabilities and a poignant farewell to an aircraft that has defined close air support for over four decades.
The Last Gunfight
Thirteen teams converged on the Arizona desert, each eager to prove their mettle in what Maj. Sky “Comet” Lesh, the event’s range day coordinator, dubbed “the last gunfight” for many squadrons. The competition, first held in 2000, has always been more than a mere display of aerial prowess. It’s a gathering of the A-10 family, a celebration of shared experiences, and a showcase of the unique culture that has grown around this remarkable aircraft.
The 47th Fighter Squadron, known as the “Termites,” played host to this year’s event. Lt. Col. Tom “Peta” Harney, the squadron’s commander, expressed the gravity of the moment: “For us to have the honor and privilege of hosting what could be the last Hawgsmoke, certainly of this scale with all of these squadrons here, it’s an immense honor.”
A Legacy Carved in the Skies
The A-10’s history is intertwined with that of the 47th FS, a unit that has been at the forefront of American military aviation since before Pearl Harbor. Lt. Col. Robert “Tito” Hetland, the squadron’s historian and an A-10 instructor pilot, emphasized the deep connection between the aircraft and the unit’s identity. “The aircraft is an essential part of who we are, and this competition allows us to honor that legacy,” Hetland remarked.
Since the 1980s, the 47th FS has been instrumental in shaping the A-10 community, training pilots and cultivating the unique “attack” mindset that defines Warthog operators. This culture, characterized by an unwavering focus on supporting ground troops, has become as iconic as the aircraft itself.
More Than Metal: The A-10’s Enduring Impact
While the A-10 may be approaching retirement, its relevance in modern warfare remains undisputed. Known for its unparalleled close air support capabilities, the Warthog has been a critical asset in irregular conflicts, offering precision, reliability, and unmatched ground force protection.
Harney highlighted the aircraft’s continued importance: “The A-10 has been continuously upgraded with new weapons and systems, keeping it relevant in today’s battlefield. It’s not just a relic—it’s a critical part of our mission today.”
The competition events mirrored real-world scenarios, testing pilots’ abilities in close air support and search-and-rescue missions. “Every event we’re doing in the competition is something we could employ out there while we’re trying to save that 18-year-old with a rifle,” Harney explained, underscoring the practical nature of the skills on display.
Triumph of the Termites
In a fitting tribute to their role as the premier A-10 training unit, the 47th FS emerged victorious at Hawgsmoke 2024. They clinched the top overall team award, as well as accolades for conventional bombing, conventional strafe, and tactical proficiency. Their success was attributed to impeccable timing, precision strikes, and expert handling of the new GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb.
The Human Element
Beyond the thunderous roar of engines and the precision of ordnance delivery, Hawgsmoke 2024 was a deeply human event. Melissa Wastell, daughter of a retired A-10 pilot, captured the emotional resonance of the gathering: “Seeing the A-10 fly brings me chills. It’s not just a plane—it’s my father’s legacy, and it’s the legacy of every pilot who flew it.”
Looking to the Future
As the Air Force transitions to newer airframes, the tactical expertise and mindset cultivated within the A-10 community will endure. Harney emphasized that while the aircraft may retire, the “attack” culture it fostered will persist: “We don’t just train future pilots—we pass on a way of thinking, a way of approaching every mission with focus and dedication. That won’t change, no matter what aircraft comes next.”
A Legacy That Soars On
As the dust settled on Hawgsmoke 2024, there was a palpable sense that an era was drawing to a close. Yet, the legacy of the A-10 Thunderbolt II will continue to soar, embedded in the hearts of those who flew it, maintained it, were protected by it, and honored it.
The Warthog’s distinctive shape may one day vanish from our skies, and its iconic “brrrrt!” may fade into memory. But its impact on military aviation, close air support doctrine, and the lives of countless service members will ensure that the spirit of the A-10 lives on long after its final flight.
In the words of Lt. Col. Harney, “We’ve got this moment, and it’s absolutely fantastic.” For the A-10 community and aviation enthusiasts worldwide, Hawgsmoke 2024 will be remembered as a celebration of an aircraft that truly earned its place in the pantheon of military aviation legends.
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