Bye, Hawgs: Ceremony Marks the End of an Era at Willow Grove

If you've ever been in the Horsham area and heard what sounds like a loud vacuum cleaner overhead, then you know the A-10.

You would also know it if you were in an Iraq Army tank in the first Gulf War. Ever since that conflict, the A-10 has earned a reputation as the best ground attack aircraft in the US Air Force and maybe in the world. Since 1988, the Pennsylvania Air National Guard's 111th Fighter Wing has the been flying the aircraft, affectionately known as the Warthog or just 'Hawg', from Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove.

On Sunday, a ceremony was held to mark the final flight of the A-10 from the Montgomery County base. 4 "Hawgs" took part in the final ceremonial flyby, which ended with the planes taxiing in under a traditional water cannon salute.

The final four pilots were also doused with a fire hose and champagne to mark their final flights. The end of the A-10 is also another nail in the coffin for the future of JRB Willow Grove.

The remaining Marines and Navy squadrons are scheduled to move to McGuire AFB in Burlington County at the end of the year.

The last A-10's will eventually be sent to other squadrons around the country. The 111th pilots will either train to fly other aircraft, move to non-flying jobs or retire.

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