Sens. Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss do not want to see the Air Force’s A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the “Warthog,” pulled out of service prematurely.
On Thursday, the Republican senators, along with other members of Congress, expressed their concern that retiring the Warthog fleet could impact the ability of the United States to provide close air support and could place the safety of service members in jeopardy.
The United States Air Force has proposed eliminating a portion of the A-10 fleet and transitioning support staff to F-35A joint strike fighter operations. However, the A-10 — a low- and slow-flying aircraft with excellent maneuverability — remains popular with close air support experts.
“It’s imperative that Congress make decisions regarding the A-10 based on information we receive from our service members who have their boots on the ground,” Chambliss said in a released statement.
According to Chambliss, experts have consistently described the A-10 as a “critical weapon system that has saved lives time and time again.”
Isakson also emphasized the importance of the A-10 to service men and women.
“The close air support provided by the A-10 is unmatched and unequal to anywhere else in the world, and to divest of this aircraft without an alternative ready and in place would put U.S. troops at increased risk in future conflicts,” he said.
via POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Chambliss, Isakson voice opposition to Warthog plans | Gwinnett Daily Post.
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