One sub variant is extinct, the Reconnaissance dedicated RF-4C/E. One of our main targets in Greece were the RF-4E at Larissa AB in the north of the country, flown by 348 MTA (Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron) "Eyes". Once through stringent security they couldn't have been more helpful.
Awesome set - another plane I remember seeing and hearing doing low level supersonic runs as a kid visiting relatives southwest of Rammstein in the 70s. Beautiful lighting on the first one and who doesn't love a set of lit afterburners
Another type with bags of charisma, sadly retired now, is the RAFs Tornado fleet. Is it me or are most of the interesting aircraft types disappearing now?
KevinJacksonUK wrote:
These are getting rare now, with Greece and Turkey most likely the last operators as I expect Iran's are done for now. This Hellenic Air Force F-4E is seen at its home of Andravida at sunset back in 2012 during a great week touring Greek bases.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54605794417_42bde5dacd_b.jpgF-4E-01507-HAF-0512 by Kevin Jackson, on Flickr
Kevin, the F4 was my CAS in Vietnam(Close Air Support). Silent death we called them! Initially our(1967) F4's did not have a "gun". So the A1-Skyraiders , "Sandy's", covered our "six" when we needed fire support while "in contact". Then the newer F4(E)'s out of Udorn RTAB had a Vulcan 20mm gattling gun cannons that just shredded the area of fire.
Glad to see some still "in action" Kevin!
Dan
Cheers Dan, yes the Greek and Turkish F-4s will live on for a few more years hopefully and it's rumoured the Starfighters corp is looking to buy some ex S. Korean F-4s for work out of Cape Canaveral, plus th Collins F-4 will get back in the air soon, so all's not lost yet!
I apologize for my absence, between my assignment list, the heat, and the fact that people tell me I'm getting a bit old for this schedule......I've gotten a bit behind. Had a 14 hour day yesterday, 97 degrees/feels like 104, but it was worth the effort.............
It is called "The Olde Folks Boggie" Jim!
The mind makes promises that the body can't fill"! Don't submit to that until you have to! Lessen your schedule BUT keep on keepin on! That is youth, not ignorance!
Dan
Hot here in London this week, seems like it slows down the thread when it's stuffy.
Reading the AF are requesting funds to retire ALL the remaining A-10s two years early, next year. Dumbest thing they've ever done imo, they'll have to retrain 240+ pilots and many more maintainers or lose them in a staffing crises of their own making, plus lose a valuable platform that still does the job despite what the AF want us to believe. The depth of specialist, dedicated CAS knowledge in the Hog community is probably more valuable than the A-10 itself and they're throwing it away to save pennys relatively. Madness.
At least retiring them over a few more years spread out the re-equipping and retraining schedule. You can't suddenly throw 240 pilots in the B-course overnight!
You are right Kevin. The USAF never wanted the slow, low altitude A-10 mission. The Army and USMC told the DoD they would take over the mission which frustrated the USAF mad so they reluctantly accepted the A-10 and mission. I can imagine many disappointed senior USAF brass when the A-10 proved its worth, especially in the Iraq/Kuwait expedition. The USAF has put the A-10 on the chopping block several times with the Army and DoD saving it. We will see what happens. I guess they intend to replace it with drones. I saw some US Army soldiers carrying drones in their 250th Birthday Parade. Wouldn't the A-10 make a great mothership for a squadron of drones attached to the hard points?
Ray Swindle wrote:
You are right Kevin. The USAF never wanted the slow, low altitude A-10 mission. The Army and USMC told the DoD they would take over the mission which frustrated the USAF mad so they reluctantly accepted the A-10 and mission. I can imagine many disappointed senior USAF brass when the A-10 proved its worth, especially in the Iraq/Kuwait expedition. The USAF has put the A-10 on the chopping block several times with the Army and DoD saving it. We will see what happens. I guess they intend to replace it with drones. I saw some US Army soldiers carrying drones in their 250th Birthday Parade. Wouldn't the A-10 make a great mothership for a squadron of drones attached to the hard points?...Show more →
Just some FYI for you military oriented patriots...The A-10 was the Maryland Ntl Guards prime aircraft." A-10s in Maryland:
The Maryland Air National Guard operated 21 A-10s, which were primarily used for close air support (CAS) missions. "The 1st A-10 were sent to the "boneyard" this year. The divestment process began in March 2025, with the first aircraft sent to Davis-Monthan."
Aberdeen Proving Ground has a huge "range" for artillery, tanks and A-10's. I have seen the A-10's practicing firing missions there and it is awesome!!!! You see the carnage of targets before you hear the gattling guns report!
I wish we had this CAS in Vietnam!
Nice info here!
Dan
