News>Fighter squadron inactivation signals end of A-10s in Europe
Photos
Lt. Col. Clint Eichelberger (right) passes his unit’s guidon to Col. David Lyons during an inactivation ceremony June 18, 2013, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Since its activation 71 years ago, the 81st Fighter Squadron has flown eight different aircraft. Eichelberger is the 81st FS commander and Lyons is the 52nd Operations Group commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo)
Lt. Col. Clint Eichelberger furls the squadron flag during an inactivation ceremony June 18, 2013, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The rolling and storage of a unit’s guidon honors the tradition and heritage of the Air Force and signifies the closing of a squadron. Eichelberger is the 81st Fighter Squadron commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo)
An A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft model sits on display during the inactivation ceremony for the 81st Fighter Squadron June 18, 2013, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The closure of the 81st FS signals the end of A-10 operations in Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo)
Airmen gather to participate in an inactivation ceremony June 18, 2013, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. A total of 21 aircraft from the 81st Fighter Squadron have relocated to several bases in the United States as a result of the squadron’s inactivation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo)
Col. David Lyons and Lt. Col. Clinton Eichelberger salute during an inactivation ceremony June 18, 2013, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The Air Force merged missions and cut manning and equipment to stay within its approved budget, resulting in the closure of the 81st Fighter Squadron. Lyons is the 52nd Operations Group commander and Eichelberger is the 81st FS commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo)
by Staff Sgt. Daryl Knee
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
6/18/2013 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- The Air Force inactivated the 81st Fighter Squadron June 18, here, in support of force-shaping procedures across the service.
The squadron employed the A-10 Thunderbolt II, and the closure signals the end of A-10 operations in Europe.
"For 71 years, the men and women of this fine squadron have ensured America's security," said Col. David Lyons, the 52nd Operations Group commander. "The 81st Fighter Squadron piloted many of the most iconic and legendary aircraft the world has ever seen. It leaves me with one thought -- that whatever ... was provided or whatever mission was demanded, the squadron delivered without question and without fail."
Air Force senior leaders continuously evaluate the branch's units, programs and equipment to determine the readiness and capability of U.S. airpower. The Department of Defense has a responsibility to maintain national security, and protect the interests of the United States and its allies.
However, fiscal constraints stemming from the Budget Control Act of 2011, and reduced defense funding outlined in the 2013 presidential budget required the Air Force to develop a strategic vision for future operations during this financial crisis.
Air Force officials submitted a proposal to Congress in 2012. Congress accepted the proposal, and it included in the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, for fiscal 2013. To execute the actions detailed in the NDAA, the Air Force began facilitating activation, reassignment and divestiture actions.
In other words, the Air Force merged missions, and cut manning and equipment to stay within its approved budget.
The 52nd Fighter Wing now employs only the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft since the inactivation of the 81st FS and the removal of the A-10s. The F-16 is a multipurpose fighter, meaning it can fight air-to-air and air-to-ground, whereas the A-10 provided only close-air support to ground forces.
"As the world has changed, so has the demand for regional forces," said Lt. Col. Clint Eichelberger, the 81st FS commander. "At one time there were six squadrons of A-10s in Europe with over 140 aircraft and tens of thousands of Cold War ground forces preparing for battle."
"Today, the climate has changed in this part of the world," he continued. "And so has the need for conventional forces like the A-10."
Eichelberger said that instead of focusing on the somber nature of a squadron's inactivation, today's Airmen should use this historic milestone as a way to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of the 81st FS and the spirit and enthusiasm that has carried the squadron through decades of change.
"It's important to know that even though we are closing the doors on our building, the people who worked within the squadron continue to train to increase the combat capability of our Air Force," Eichelberger said. "Specifically, in our case, many of these people will focus on becoming the close-air-support experts that are needed down range to accomplish the mission and help bring our young Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines home safely."
Comments
6/20/2013 7:59:48 AM ET @Steve the retirement of the 81 FS is directly related to the retirment of a significant number of A-10s. Slowly but surely the AF is getting rid of the HAWGs.
A SNCO, An AFB Near You
6/20/2013 7:17:49 AM ET The history of the 81 TFS is much more populated than in dealing only with the A-10. That particular aircraft is amazing but some of the other systems that have been under the 81st are particularily noteworthy. Specifically the F-4 Wild Weasel that flew out of Spangdahlem during the cold war. Another amazing part of history for that squadron. Hearing that the Tigers were closing shop was heart-wrenching.
Chuck, Indiana
6/20/2013 2:30:02 AM ET @Steve Actually it does have to with getting rid of A-10s ours went to DM DM is sending about 30 of thiers to the boneyard.
Frank, Spangdahlem
6/19/2013 2:08:26 PM ET @Steve True but Gen Welsh has indicated intent on retiring the A-10. Maybe this is one step. Refer to airforcemag.com for details.
A-10 guy, Hill
6/19/2013 10:10:54 AM ET I find it reprehensible the Air Force and ALL branches of the military continue to suffer cutbacks thru BRAC and fiscal mismanagement of congress and this administration. While POTUS and family travel to China at a cost of 100 MILLION to the taxpayers.
Rich, Boston MA
6/19/2013 7:21:55 AM ET @ChrisIt's just the deactivation of the squadron it has nothing to do with getting rid of the A-10.
Steve, CONUS
6/19/2013 3:05:42 AM ET We as a nation never seem to learn the lessons of history. Losing the singular capability of the Hawg to save money now will resound when the F-35 numbers are again cut due to cost and we need a high loiter-time aircraft as a Sandy for CSAR or CAS for our troops in contact.
Craig , Tucson AZ
6/18/2013 12:58:39 PM ET Truly a sad day for the Hawg world. My best assignment was an A-10 squadron in Alaska.
Arctic Warrior, Colorado Springs CO
6/18/2013 11:21:33 AM ET I really think it's a mistake for the Air Force to be retiring our A-10s...especially when the F-35 has been rediculously expensive to produce and it's be cheaper and more effective - from a CAS perspective - to keep and upgrade the A-10.If we're going to phase them out at least give them to the Marines or even the Army. I'm sure they'd love them.
