23d FG, MXG Compete In Hawgsmoke 2016 > Moody Air Force Base ...

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• Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

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• Published June 13, 2016
• By Airman 1st Class Greg Nash
• 23d Wing Public Affairs

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --

Airmen from the 23d Fighter Group and 23d Maintenance Group battled for bragging rights during the 2016 Hawgsmoke competition, June 1-3, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

During Hawgsmoke, an Air Force-wide A-10C Thunderbolt II competition, approximately 50 pilots aviated the Arizona skies showcasing the aircraft’s close-air support prowess and were graded on individual and team efforts such as strafing, high-altitude dive-bombing, missile precision and team tactics.

“Hawgsmoke showcased the A-10’s tactical operations abilities and also gave us the chance to build camaraderie with A-10 pilots Air-Force wide, which was enjoyable,” said 1st Lt. Chris Shelly, 76th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot. “The event also reaffirmed my belief that the A-10 is the greatest close-air support platform in the Air Force.”

During the competition, aircrews were challenged to perform ground attacks and target destruction. Shelly’s efforts earned him second place honors in the 45 High Altitude Dive Bomb competition.

While the participating pilots awaited their aviation results, their aircraft maintenance counterparts were also evaluated.

“My role as a crew chief is to perform operational checks and ensure requirements are being met so that the pilot’s aircraft components are good to go,” said Senior Airman Lavonce Soles, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief.

While the 23d MXG completed any needed repairs, return configurations and packed equipment in support of the base’s A-10 pilots, they were also challenged to create video footage capturing the bond between crew chiefs and pilots.

Soles’ contributions towards the footage resulted in Moody winning Hawgsmoke’s first ever video launch competition.

“It was cool to show the crew chief-to-pilot interaction and to also see the video attract a lot of views,” said Soles. “I enjoyed the spirit of competition but just being able to build camaraderie with the whole A-10 community was a great feeling. Overall, it was a good time and I definitely look forward to defending the [video launch] title next time around.”

The 23d FG and 23d MXG will have the chance to duplicate their success by competing again at Davis-Monthan AFB during Hawgsmoke 2018 with their tactical aircraft combat operations capabilities and maintenance support.

The 47th Fighter Squadron was announced the winner and top team overall of Hawgsmoke 2016.

See entire list below for awarded recipients:

45 High Altitude Dive Bomb:

1. Capt. David Knighton 47th FS, D-M AFB

2. 1st Lt. Christopher Shelley 76th FS, Moody AFB, Ga.

3. Maj. John Meyers 25th FS, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea

30 Dive Bomb Heading and Altitude Reference System, degraded delivery:

1. Capt. Tyler Shipman 47th FS

2. Maj. Jeff Sliwoski Air Force Reserve Command Test and Training Center, D-M AFB

3. Capt. Ryan Yingling 104th FS, Warfield Air National Guard Base, Md.

10 Low Angle High Drag Pop-up:

1. Capt. Simon Long 47th FS

2. Lt. Col. Alan McCracken AATC

3. Capt. David Knighton 47th FS

Long Range Strafe:

1. Lt. Col. John Marks 303d FS, Whiteman AFB, Mo.

2. Capt. Ben Best 107th FS, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich.

Low Angle Strafe:

1. Capt. Josh Woodard 354th FS, D-M AFB

2. Capt. Max Sery 25th FS

Top Conventional Team (Maj. Jeff Watterberg Trophy):

1. 47th FS

Top Tactical Team (Capt. Steve Phillis Trophy):

1. 25th FS

Top Overall Pilot (Lt. Col. Robert Brown Trophy):

1. Capt. David Knighton 47th FS

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