The end of last month was scheduled to see redeployment of 12 U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II (unofficially "Warthog" to its crews) attack aircraft to Germany. The effort is in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve to indicate Western intent regarding the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. After training exercises in Germany, the aircraft will "forward deploy" to bases in eastern European NATO countries. A favorite of its crews and Congressmen, the A-10 force has resisted efforts of the U.S. Department of Defense to retire the potent anti-tank aerial weapon in favor of the F-35.
http://www.janes.com/article/48878/usaf-returns-a-10s-to-europe
