Airmen and local civic leaders gathered at the base to mark the aircraft’s departure. The flight closed a long-standing mission closely associated with the 355th Wing and the Tucson community.
The A-10 supported the wing’s close air support mission throughout its service at Davis-Monthan. Generations of personnel operated, maintained and supported the aircraft during training and operational deployments.
“The reason the A-10 flies, and the reason why our enemies are afraid of that, is because of the level of support every single Airman in all career fields gives to make sure that platform departs and comes back safely,” said Chief Master Sgt. Dave Anderson Jr., senior enlisted leader of the 355th Operations Group. His remarks focused on the personnel who sustained the aircraft across different career fields.
The A-10’s final flight also reflected the aircraft’s gradual departure from the base. The declining number of aircraft had already changed the appearance of the Davis-Monthan flightline.
“We’ve always had A-10s on the ramp; for the last 50 years they’ve been on the ramp,” said Lt. Col. Rodney Dwyer, commander of the 355th Operations Group. “To see the sunshades get torn down, to see the jets divest, fewer and fewer A-10s out there … it’s definitely bittersweet.”
The final landing closed the A-10 mission at an installation long identified with the aircraft. Its twin-engine sound had also become a familiar part of daily life across Tucson.
The Air Force said the aircraft represented more than a weapons platform for Davis-Monthan personnel. Its operations reflected the work required to maintain close air support capabilities in demanding environments.
The departure also marked a transition for personnel who had built careers around the A-10. Those relationships extended beyond the flightline and included close ties with the surrounding community.
“Thanks for trusting us,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Rutter, commander of the 357th Fighter Squadron. “Thanks for letting us train and improve our skills and develop the culture.”
The A-10 mission at Davis-Monthan has now ended, but its operational history remains closely connected to the base. The personnel who flew and supported the aircraft also shaped its relationship with Tucson over nearly five decades.
