USAF's last Thunderbolt II depot-level maintenance almost completed

While the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is in the twilight of its career, the last depot-level maintenance at the Ogden Air Logistics Complex (ALC) comes to an end.

After several decades of sustaining one of USAF’s most iconic aircraft in modern history, the Ogden ALC, situated on Hill AFB (UT), is preparing to send off its final serviced A‑10C at the end of February. After depot-maintenance, the departure of the A-10C, with serial number 78-0655, marks the end of an era for the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, which will deactivate following completion.

The Ogden ALC began performing depot‑level maintenance on the A‑10 in 1998, becoming USAF's primary location for structural repair, wing replacements, and major overhauls. The USAF is executing a phased retirement of the A‑10 fleet as part of a broader modernisation strategy focused on preparing for high‑end conflict by shifting its investment toward aircraft such as the F‑35A Lightning II which is already a major sustainment mission at Hill.

As for the '655'. Still having the KC code applied on the tail, it will most likely be delivered back to Air Force Reserve Command's 303rd Fighter Squadron, part of the 442nd Fighter Wing based at Whiteman AFB (MO).

While having served the 303rd Fighter Squadron already for more than fifteen years, '655' was delivered to the Ogden ALC soon after its European 'Defender 23' deployment. While the USAF is divesting its Thunderbolt IIs, Whiteman is expecting to lose its A-10s somewhere in 2027. The 'KC' code refers to Kansas City. During parts of the eighties and nineties, the 303rd Fighter Squadron was based at Richards-Gebaur AFB in Grandview near Kansas City (MO).

Credit photo: USAF