A-10 lands on highway in Estonia

The first of eight A-10s from the 442nd Fighter Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, prepares to land on a highway in Estonia, Aug. 1, 2016. Local authorities removed street signs and provided security by diverting traffic around the strip and containing a crowd of onlookers ranging from local aviation enthusiasts to embassy members. The highway landing highlighted the U.S. Air Force’s tactical capabilities as well as displayed the partnership between the U.S. and Estonia that allowed for the coordination of the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Missy Sterling/released)

Estonian community watches 8 A-10s complete highway landing

An A-10 from the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, takes-off from a highway in Estonian while members of the crowd take photos, Aug. 1, 2016. Some Estonians traveled more than an hour to see the aircraft complete a rare landing that has only been completed twice in the last 30 years. The highway landing highlighted the U.S. Air Force’s tactical capabilities as well as displayed the partnership between the U.S. and Estonia that allowed for the coordination of the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Missy Sterling/released)

442nd FW completes 8 highway landings

Col. Gregory Eckfeld, right, 442nd Fighter Wing vice commander, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, talks with a combat controller acting on behalf of air traffic control, in Estonia, Aug. 1, 2016. The highway was designed during the Cold War era to allow for alternative landing space in case primary landing strips were unavailable during a war. The event highlighted the U.S. Air Force’s tactical capabilities as well as displayed the partnership between the U.S. and Estonia that allowed for the coordination of the event (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Missy Sterling/released)

8 A-10s from 442nd FW land on highway in Estonia

Published Aug. 2, 2016
By Senior Airman Missy Sterling
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

JÄGALA, Estonia -- Eight United States Air Force Reserve Command A-10s assigned to the 442nd Fighter Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, conducted highway landings on the Jägala-Käravete Highway in Northern Estonia, Aug 1.

According to Col. Gregory Eckfeld, 442nd Fighter Wing vice commander, it is important to practice landing on alternative runways in case primary runways are not available during a combat situation.

Eight successful landings and take-offs from the highway not only displays the U.S. Air Force’s tactical capabilities, it also displays the partnership between the U.S. and Estonia that allowed for the coordination of the event.

“Overall, the Estonians were great in helping us out and getting our mission accomplished and as far as the coordination went, it couldn’t have gone smoother,” said a 321st Special Tactics Squadron combat controller who acted as air traffic control for the event. “This was a good experience and a good time and it definitely enhanced our capability and presence in the area.”

This event marked the second highway landing to take place in Estonia over the last 30 years. The first being last June during as part of exercise Saber Strike 16.

The A-10’s design allows the aircraft to be able to land in a variety of locations, including semi-prepared landing strips and austere sites.

“We can operate the A-10 anytime, anywhere, 24/7,” said Eckfeld, adding that the A-10 has wide tires and high-mounted engines, which help avoid foreign object damage and allows the aircraft to land on many surfaces other aircraft cannot.

The 442nd FW arrived in Estonia July 25 to begin a flying training deployment with the Estonian air force in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. This exercise demonstrates the commitment the U.S. made to European security and demonstrates joint force capabilities and readiness.