Hawgsmoke 2024 Marks the End of an Era and Celebrates a Lasting Legacy
Under the sweltering heat of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, 13 fighter squadrons gathered for what could be the final Hawgsmoke competition, marking the nearing retirement of the iconic A-10 Warthog. Held from Sept. 11-15, 2024, this year’s event was more than a contest of skill; it was a powerful reflection on the legacy of an aircraft that has served as a steadfast protector of ground troops for over 40 years. With the Warthog’s retirement approaching, Hawgsmoke 2024 not only celebrated excellence in close air support (CAS) but also honored a living legend.
Our contributor and friend Andrew Kelly went to DMAFB and took the photos you can find in this article.
The History and Significance of Hawgsmoke
Hawgsmoke originated in 1996, bringing together the A-10 community in a fierce yet celebratory competition of tactical precision. First held in Battle Creek, Michigan, this biannual event has become a cornerstone of the Warthog culture, where pilots and maintainers alike demonstrate their mastery in combat skills like strafing, bombing, Maverick missile deployment, and weapons loading. Hosted this year by the 47th Fighter Squadron, the “Termites” of Davis-Monthan AFB, Hawgsmoke 2024 saw 12 other squadrons compete in what many suspect could be the last large-scale gathering of A-10 units.
- 25th Fighter Squadron
- 66th Weapons Squadron
- 74th Fighter Squadron
- 75th Fighter Squadron
- 76th Fighter Squadron
- 104th Fighter Squadron
- 107th Fighter Squadron
- 190th Fighter Squadron
- 303rd Fighter Squadron
- 354th Fighter Squadron
- 357th Fighter Squadron
- 358th Fighter Squadron
- 422nd Test & Evaluation Squadron
As Lt. Col. Tom “Peta” Harney, commander of the 47th FS, expressed, “Hosting what could be the last Hawgsmoke, certainly of this scale, is an immense honor.”
A Legacy Rooted in Combat and Tradition
For Lt. Col. Robert “Tito” Hetland, 47th FS historian and A-10 instructor pilot, this year’s event was deeply personal. “The aircraft is an essential part of who we are,” Hetland explained. Since its designation as an A-10 squadron, the 47th FS has trained generations of pilots, passing down crucial tactical knowledge and cultivating a tight-knit community centered around the Warthog’s unique role in combat. As the squadron has been involved in key moments in U.S. military history, Hawgsmoke 2024 served as a reminder of that legacy, while also marking the end of an era for many involved.
The event itself featured competitions that mirrored real-world combat situations. Teams competed in conventional bombing, strafing runs, and live-fire exercises. The 47th FS dominated, taking home top honors in multiple categories, including overall team, top conventional bombing, top conventional strafing, and top tactical team, securing their place as the finest attack professionals the Air Force has to offer.
Emotional Reflections on the Warthog’s Legacy
As the Air Force continues to modernize its fleet, phasing out the A-10 Thunderbolt II, this year’s competition carried a somber tone. “This competition is about celebrating that connection and what it stands for,” Hetland noted. Many in the community, including families, felt a deep emotional connection to the aircraft. For Melissa Wastell, the daughter of a retired Vietnam-era A-10 pilot, watching the competition was a poignant reminder of her father’s service. “It’s not just a plane—it’s my father’s legacy, and it’s the legacy of every pilot who flew it,” she shared.
Maj. Sky “Comet” Lesh, range day coordinator and A-10 instructor pilot, echoed the sentiment, calling it “the last gunfight” for many of the participating squadrons. As some A-10 units face inactivation, including the 354th Fighter Squadron whose guidon was retired during the event, the reality of the Warthog’s phased retirement loomed large.
The Importance of the A-10 in Modern Warfare
While the A-10 is on the brink of retirement, its relevance in modern warfare cannot be overstated. Known for its close air support capabilities, the Warthog has been indispensable in protecting ground troops in various conflicts. “The A-10 has been continuously upgraded with new weapons and systems, keeping it relevant in today’s battlefield,” said Harney.
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The aircraft’s famed “brrrrt!” from its GAU-8 Avenger cannon, a hallmark of ground support, is more than a sound, it’s the noise that has saved countless lives in combat. Harney emphasized that every event in Hawgsmoke, from precision strikes to simulated rescue missions, replicates what A-10 pilots would do in real combat. “Every event we’re doing in the competition is something we could employ out there while we’re trying to save that 18-year-old with a rifle,” Harney explained.
Celebrating the Warthog’s Enduring Legacy
As Hawgsmoke 2024 came to a close, it wasn’t just the victories that were celebrated but also the enduring legacy of the A-10 Warthog and the community behind it. For many like Harney, Hetland, Wastell, and Lesh, the Warthog represents more than just an aircraft, it symbolizes resilience, community, and the unwavering commitment to protect troops on the ground.
Though the A-10 may soon be retired, its legacy will continue in the hearts of those who flew it, maintained it, and relied on it. As Harney said, “The A-10 community has always been special. We don’t just train future pilots, we pass on a way of thinking, a way of approaching every mission with focus and dedication. That won’t change, no matter what aircraft comes next.”
The final jets may soon leave the skies, but the Warthog’s legacy will live on, a testament to the lives it saved and the men and women who dedicated their careers to mastering this iconic aircraft.
A special thanks to Andrew Kelly for providing us with the incredible photographs and insights from Hawgsmoke 2024. Be sure to follow him on Instagram here!
