Nellis Air Force Base conducts final A-10 Thunderbolt II flight

Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada has conducted the final flight of its active duty A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, marking the end of nearly 50 years of Warthog operations at the installation. The departure concludes a significant era of tactical training, testing, and maintenance that began when the first A-10 arrived at the base in 1977.

As a central proving ground, Nellis units have been instrumental in refining the aircraft’s software, avionics, and precision weaponry. The 66th Weapons Squadron specifically trained weapons officers through 100 courses over the decades.

The US Air Force is transitioning its close air support responsibilities and tactical expertise to multirole and advanced fighter platforms, such as the F-15 Eagle, F-35 Lightning II, and F-16 Fighting Falcon. While the A-10 fleet is being retired, the service maintains that these shifts are intended to sustain air support capabilities across the force.