442d Fighter Wing to host Hawgsmoke A-10 gunnery competition

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Bob Jennings
  • 442d Fighter Wing

This article has been updated to correct the date of the weather backup day for flying events. A previous version listed it as Friday, 15 October. The correct date is Friday, 19 October.

The 303d Fighter Squadron is scheduled to host the biennial Hawgsmoke A-10 Thunderbolt II gunnery competition from 17-20 October, 2018, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

Shooting is set to take place at Cannon Range, near Laquey, Mo.

The competition pits A-10 pilots from around the world against the same tactical scenario, grading on weapon accuracy and flying ability.

Hawgsmoke is a tradition that grew out of the Gunsmoke competition, which featured multiple airframes in a gunnery and bombing contest. While a competition on the surface, Hawgsmoke also provides A-10 pilots from around the world a chance to compare notes and strategies for various situations.

The event will consist of an arrival competition; the Lost Hawg ceremony, honoring fallen A-10 pilots with a missing-man-formation flyover; the gunnery competition; a bowling tournament and a golf tournament for maintainters who accompany the pilots; and a departure competition.

In 2014 and 2016, the 47th Fighter Squadron from Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., took home the trophy. This year, approximately 10 teams will compete from across the total force.

In the event of bad weather, the gunnery competition is scheduled to occur on Friday, 19 October.

This event will be closed to the public, but will allow some media participation. For details, please contact the 442d Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at 660-687-3842, or by email at 442fw.pa@us.af.mil.