Reps. Austin Scott, Buddy Carter Fight for the A-10s
Press release from the issuing company
Friday, March 27th, 2015
Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) and Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01) called on congressional leaders to support the A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft fleet, also known as the A-10C Warthog. Carter and Scott, who both represent Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia, signed a letter to the House Appropriations Committee led by Congresswoman Martha McSally (AZ-02) and Congresswoman Candice S. Miller (MI-10) to support the platform which the Obama Administration has sought to retire without a suitable replacement, threatening the A-10 missions of the 23d Wing at Moody Air Force Base.
“Turmoil abroad indicates that our nation’s military must remain armed with the highest quality weapons systems in order to protect and defend our country,” said Congressman Austin Scott. “The A-10C Warthog, flown out of Moody Air Force Base, continues to perform in close-air situations as we fight terrorism in the Middle East. I urge my colleagues to support the A-10s as we move forward in budget discussions.”
“The Close Air Support provided by the A-10 Warthog is unparalleled,” said Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter. “It is irresponsible and dangerous to retire the A-10 as the aircraft plays a vital role in our fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The fleet gives our troops the ability to look terrorists in the eyes as the plane displays its remarkable weapons system and operational effectiveness. In addition to increased threats to our homeland, divesting the A-10 would put our ground troops in additional unnecessary danger. Congress must fight to save the Warthog for the security of our troops and the entire nation.”
The A-10 provides Close Air Support and Combat Search-And-Rescue capability unmatched by any other aircraft in the Air Force’s inventory. No other fixed-wing airframes are as proficient as the A-10 in operating in rugged environments, low visibility, and very low altitudes. Fox news recently reported that the A-10 “sparked panic in the ranks of ISIS after bombing its elements and flying in spaces close to the ground.” The Warthog flew eleven percent of the attacks in Iraq between November 2014 and January 2015 and continues to support missions against the terrorist group.
Please click here to find the full text of the letter to the House Appropriations Committee.
