BOISE, Idaho, - After almost two years of preparation, the final details are being worked out as the Idaho Air National Guard prepares to host the pilots and maintainers of A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog" units from around the world for Hawgsmoke 2010 here from Oct. 13-16.
The 190th Fighter Squadron plays host this year, because they won Hawgsmoke 2008, which was held in Salinas, Kan. The competition pitted the 190th's pilots against pilots from 14 other Air National Guard, Air Force and Air Force Reserve A-10 units from around the world.
Hawgsmoke tests A-10 pilots in flight leadership, target acquisition, weapons delivery and support, and the amount of preparation and coordination to host the event is daunting, said Lt. Col. Ronnie Kauffman, chairman of the event's planning committee.
"The planning for Hawgsmoke 2010 has been a tremendous group effort," he said. "It began with an outstanding handoff from Whiteman, the host unit for Hawgsmoke 2008. I am extremely excited to have everyone here for this year's event."
Building a Website, coordinating sponsor support, developing merchandise, formulating an aircraft parking plan, buying the airspace and reserving a location for all the related activities have been underway for the past 23 months, Kauffman said.
More than 40 A-10 aircraft will be parked on the ramp. Pilots and maintainers for 17 teams - roughly 150 people - will be in Boise for the event. Most will stay on base. The majority of the aircraft will arrive here Wednesday Oct. 13.
Pilots and maintainers will in-process, be given a local area brief and welcomed by the wing commander, Col. J.R. Compton. A special ceremony honoring fallen A-10 pilots and an evening social at the Mobilization, Conference and Activities Center will conclude the first day.
Barring bad weather, the gunnery competition will be held the following day at Saylor Creek Training range.