Ganz toll, Olli! Werde die Bilder noch heute abend in meinem Warthog News Blog posten.
Viel wichtiger aber: Die folgende (und schon lange erwartete) offizielle Mitteilung wurde gestern auf der Public Website des 52nd Fighter Wing veröffentlicht:
81st FS inactivation announced
by Staff Reports
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
1/31/2013 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Spangdahlem Air Base's 81st Fighter Squadron is scheduled to inactivate this year as a result of the overall U.S. defense budget cuts.
The 81 FS inactivation became official upon the termination of the Continuing Resolution provision that prohibited the "retirement, divestiture, realignment and transfer" of aircraft. The Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act does not prohibit these actions.
Approximately 500 personnel will be affected by the inactivation.
The 81 FS flies the A-10 Thunderbolt II, or "Warthog," a twin-engine jet aircraft capable of close air support for ground forces.
"While we are disappointed that we will no longer be in Europe supporting the 52nd Fighter Wing's mission, we realize this is just another chapter in the life of a fighter squadron," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Clint Eichelberger, 81st Fighter Squadron commander. "As A-10 pilots, we will continue to lend decisive combat power around the world by supporting combatant command authorities with deployable close air support and combat search and rescue expertise."
Specific plans to relocate the squadron's A-10s are not yet finalized; however, the squadron is currently moving some aircraft to Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, and Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., to support training requirements and subsidize the capabilities of the A-10 squadrons. The remaining aircraft and personnel will withdraw from Spangdahlem AB within the year.
Quelle:
81st FS inactivation announced
Empfehlung: Die fünf beigefügten USAF Fotos in Hi-Res-Qualität sollte man sich auf jeden Fall herunterladen - als nette Erinnerung an eine Ära, die schon bald ihr Ende finden wird.
BTW: Kurioserweise hatte der 52nd Fighter Wing Commander schon Stunden vorher eine entsprechende ("Vor-Ab???")-Message auf seiner offiziellen Facebook Page gepostet:
Sabers --- Well, it's official…the 81FS will inactivate early this summer. Please join me in saying farewell to the men and women of the 81st. These amazing Airmen helped contribute to a legacy of more than 70 years of active service during which the 81st supported everything from the D-Day invasion to recent Libya operations with style, pride, and professionalism. We are sad to see you go but so proud of what you and those before you have done!
Check out the 81st Photo Album
Saber Lead
Quelle:
http://www.facebook.com/SpangdahlemAirBase#!/52FWCommander
Joachim Jacob
Warthog News Editor
Berlin, Germany
