By Air Force News Agency on Wednesday, June 19th, 2013
Fighter squadron inactivation signals end of A-10s in Europe
The Air Force inactivated the 81st Fighter Squadron June 18, here, in support of force-shaping procedures around the service.
The squadron employed the A-10 Thunderbolt II, and the closure signals the tip of A-10 operations in Europe.
“For 71 years, the lads and ladies of this fine squadron have ensured America’s security,” said Col. David Lyons, the 52nd Operations Group commander. “The 81st Fighter Squadron piloted some of the most iconic and legendary aircraft the realm 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 gear to see the readiness and capability of U.S. airpower. The dept of Defense has a responsibility to keep up national security, and protect the interests of the us and its allies.
However, fiscal constraints stemming from the Budget Control Act of 2011, and reduced defense funding outlined inside the 2013 presidential budget required the Air Force to develop a strategic vision for future operations in this financial crisis.
Air Force officials submitted an offer to Congress in 2012. Congress accepted the proposal, and it included within the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, for fiscal 2013. To execute the actions detailed inside the NDAA, the Air Force began facilitating activation, reassignment and divestiture actions.
In other words, the Air Force merged missions, and cut manning and gear to remain within its approved budget.
The 52nd Fighter Wing now employs only the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft because the inactivation of the 81st FS and the removal of the A-10s. The F-16 is a multipurpose fighter, meaning it will probably fight air-to-air and air-to-ground, whereas the A-10 provided only close-air support to ground forces.
“As the realm has changed, so has the demand for regional forces,” said Lt. Col. Clint Eichelberger, the 81st FS commander. “At one time there have been 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 on this portion of the sector,” he continued. “And so has the desire for conventional forces just like the A-10.”
Eichelberger said that in preference to specializing in the somber nature of a squadron’s inactivation, today’s Airmen should use this historic milestone which will celebrate and honor the accomplishments of the 81st FS and the spirit and exuberance that has carried the squadron through decades of change.
“It’s important to understand that notwithstanding we’re closing the doors on our building, the folks who worked in the squadron continue to coach to extend the combat capability of our Air Force,” Eichelberger said. “Specifically, in our case, lots of these people will specialise in becoming the close-air-support experts which might be needed down range to complete the mission and help bring our young Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines home safely.”
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