BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan -- An A-10 Thunderbolt II takes off on a combat mission. Since Sept. 15, A-10s here have flown more than 1,700 sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The A-10 was the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces.
Chief Master Sgt. David L. Stuppy
Taken on 18 October 2005
United States Armed Forces