'Sandy' A-10s the Air Force says it no longer needs flew 'close-in gunfights' in high-risk Iran rescues

A task force including A-10s protected the rescue aircraft flying to pick up the downed F-15E pilot in Iran. US Air Force photo US Air Force A-10 Warthogs were part of the rescue operation for downed airmen in Iran. The A-10s were in a "Sandy" role supporting search and rescue. The Air Force has pushed for the retirement of its A-10 fleet, deeming them obsolete. US Air Force A-10 Warthogs, decades-old attack aircraft the service has been pushing into retirement, were part of the risky rescu...