A-10 Thunderbolt II Units of Operation Enduring Freedom 2008-2014 Book Review
By Rachel E. Veres
| Date of Review | September 2015 | Title | A-10 Thunderbolt II Units of Operation Enduring Freedom 2008-2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Gary Wetzel | Publisher | Osprey Publishing |
| Published | 2015 | ISBN | 9781472805737 |
| Format | 96 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $22.95 |
Review
The USAF initially hoped to shunt A-10s to the US Army and Marine Corps. However, with its formidable armament, ruggedness and flexibility, "Warthogs" continually proved effective in combat – and eventually evolved into today's premier close support aircraft.
In the second of two volumes, Osprey's A-10 Thunderbolt II Units of Operation Enduring Freedom 2008 – 2014 recounts the upgraded A-10C's arrival and combat operations from Afghanistan's Bagram and Kandahar Air Force Bases.
Following a brief introduction, author Gary Wetzel chronicles the Warthog's continuously vital service during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) – right to the last A-10 redeployed from Afghanistan in October 2014. Weaving personal accounts into the narrative lets readers feel the intensity and peril surrounding each mission.
Over 70 photographs illustrate this introduction. Looking for color modeling inspiration? Jim Laurier's 24 color profiles offer ample project ideas.
Appendices neatly recap Thunderbolt II OEF deployments. And an index concludes contents. Related Osprey titles – including Wetzel's A-10 Thunderbolt II Units of Operation Enduring Freedom 2002 – 2007 – also grace the inside covers.
My biggest gripe? I'm a USAF OEF veteran. And I get the lingo. But Osprey really should include an acronym glossary for military novices.
Recommended!
My sincere thanks to Osprey Publishing for this review sample!