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Offline rangerrebew

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Combat search and rescue’s uncertain future: As A-10s phase out, US Air Force faces questions of wha
« on: April 17, 2026, 12:42:29 pm »
Combat search and rescue’s uncertain future: As A-10s phase out, US Air Force faces questions of what comes next
By Michael Scanlon
 Apr 16, 2026, 04:21 PM
 
The callsign “Sandy,” used by U.S. Air Force aircraft and pilots conducting combat search-and-rescue operations, traces to late 1965.

Capt. J.W. “Doc” George, a U.S. Air Force A-1 Skyraider pilot, arrived at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, as part of a CSAR replacement rotation from Bien Hoa, South Vietnam. When asked what callsign his flight would use, he suggested the one he used at Bien Hoa: “Sandy.”


The name stuck, was passed to his replacement and soon became the standard callsign for all A-1 Skyraiders flying CSAR missions protecting downed aircrews.

The Sandy role was later transferred to the faster LTV A-7D Corsair II in 1972 as the last Skyraiders were withdrawn from Southeast Asia. However, the A-7 struggled in the role due to its higher maneuvering speeds, which made it less effective for low-and-slow visual searches and close helicopter escort than the A-1.

https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-military/2026/04/16/combat-search-and-rescues-uncertain-future-as-a-10s-phase-out-us-air-force-faces-questions-of-what-comes-next/
« Last Edit: April 17, 2026, 12:43:45 pm by rangerrebew »
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Offline Smokin Joe

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Re: Combat search and rescue’s uncertain future: As A-10s phase out, US Air Force faces questions of
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2026, 12:45:53 pm »
No other aircraft can fill that essential niche.
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Offline rangerrebew

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Re: Combat search and rescue’s uncertain future: As A-10s phase out, US Air Force faces questions of
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2026, 12:46:18 pm »
Is this question actually coming from the AF or democrats in congress or the MSM? :drunk:
« Last Edit: April 17, 2026, 12:47:10 pm by rangerrebew »
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Offline Smokin Joe

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Re: Combat search and rescue’s uncertain future: As A-10s phase out, US Air Force faces questions of
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2026, 12:48:54 pm »
Quote from: rangerrebew on April 17, 2026, 12:46:18 pm
Is this question actually coming from the AF or democrats in congress or the MSM? :drunk:
Hard to say. Smart money is on the latter two.
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How God must weep at humans' folly! Stand fast! God knows what he is doing!
Seventeen Techniques for Truth Suppression

Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.

C S Lewis

Offline Wingnut

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Re: Combat search and rescue’s uncertain future: As A-10s phase out, US Air Force faces questions of
« Reply #4 on: April 17, 2026, 12:49:07 pm »
How many times has the AF tried to kill the Warthog?
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Offline mystery-ak

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Re: Combat search and rescue’s uncertain future: As A-10s phase out, US Air Force faces questions of
« Reply #5 on: April 17, 2026, 12:54:15 pm »
Quote from: Smokin Joe on April 17, 2026, 12:45:53 pm
No other aircraft can fill that essential niche.

That's right...and they are using them now in Iran...
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Offline Smokin Joe

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Re: Combat search and rescue’s uncertain future: As A-10s phase out, US Air Force faces questions of
« Reply #6 on: April 17, 2026, 12:59:25 pm »
Quote from: mystery-ak on April 17, 2026, 12:54:15 pm
That's right...and they are using them now in Iran...
I am a fan of the aircraft, having seen them maneuver while I was working a well in Nevada. My impression was of a hunting bird of prey, looking for prey on the ground. It made the hair on the back of my neck stand up, being glad they weren't hunting me. Incredibly graceful at low altitude maneuvers, the pilots and their aircraft were a joy to behold (knowing they were on our side).
I have never been in the military, but I can't help but think the presence of those planes overhead would be a comfort to any in infantry or combined arms, and a lifesaver when the chips were down.
They should not be retired unless and until there is something better suited to fill the CAS niche as well or better than they do.
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How God must weep at humans' folly! Stand fast! God knows what he is doing!
Seventeen Techniques for Truth Suppression

Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.

C S Lewis
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