Thunder in the Skies: A-10s Raging at the Range

By Steven Welch

"GLOCK01, cleared hot!" is followed by "Shack, GLOCK01!". The Grand Bay Range Control Officer tells the pilot of a 74th Fighter Squadron A-10 Warthog that he has hit bullseye with his 25 pound training bomb.

In the heart of southern Georgia, nestled just north of the Florida-Georgia Line, the Grand Bay Range stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of American military training. Among the expanse and winding waterways, a unique sound often pierces the tranquil air – the unmistakable roar of A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, affectionately known as "Warthogs." These formidable aircraft, with their iconic GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon, serve as a critical component in maintaining the United States Air Force's combat readiness.

The Grand Bay Range, part of the Moody Air Force Base complex, offers a diverse and challenging environment for training. Spanning over 6,000 acres of proving grounds for units based in the 23rd Wing at Moody. Dozens of targets dot the swampy, alligator-ridden landscape, including 20 foot shipping containers (that by the end of their life look more like Swiss cheese), target rags, mock tanks, bomb pads and even a mock SU-27 can be seen too. The range's layout allows for a variety of training exercises, from low-altitude strafing runs to high-altitude bombing missions -- and no, an alligator has not been hit.

Moody's World Famous Flying Tigers, compiling of three A-10 squadrons; two active duty and one reserve, frequent the range as often as 4 times per day, practicing for combat and honing their skills of putting "warheads on foreheads". "SLOTH is up and in!" "Cleared hot, SLOTH!" broadcasts over the radio waves as another flight of Hogs work the range, shortly followed by the hair-raising sound of freedom "Brrrrt" from the A-10's GAU-8 Avenger cannon. A few flares are popped on the climb out, undoubtedly for the photographers in attendance. The SLOTH flight tells the ranger that they've got one more pass with the 30mm, and then will perform a show of force -- a non-violent tactic used to intimidate the opposition into receding before meeting the pointy end of the A-10's 3,900 rounds per minute.

Witnessing an A-10 in action is an awe-inspiring experience. The sight and sound of A-10s at Grand Bay Range are more than just a display of military might; they are a symbol of the enduring dedication to protecting and supporting American forces wherever they may be. The thunderous presence of the Warthogs in this serene corner of the Peach State serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of rigorous training and unwavering readiness in the face of ever-changing global threats -- and its open for anyone to see... even Aussie John.