Page 3 - Desert Lightning News So. AZ Edition, December 2018

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D-M pilot wins top strafer award at Hawgsmoke 2018
Story and photo by Airman 1st Class MICHAEL BEYER
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Capt. Sky Lesh, 354th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, won the top strafe award at Hawgsmoke 2018 Oct. 17-20 at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.
Hawgsmoke is a biennial worldwide A-10 preci- sion bombing and tactical gunnery competition. It provides an opportunity for comradery, fellowship of the world’s premier close-air support fighter and a legacy of its pilots and support crews.
“The competition focuses on bombing deliveries, strafing and maverick deliveries,” Lesh said. “It hits on all the different kinds of deliveries.”
The top strafe award went to Lesh due to his ability to put the most bullets on targets during a specified time.
“It was challenging being in an unknown range and never seeing the delivery or target before,” Lesh said.
Overall, D-M placed second among the nine squadrons that competed in Hawgsmoke 2018.
Beyond friendly comradery and competition, Hawgsmoke provides a valuable opportunity for A-10 pilots to test their extensive training and prove their warfighting capabilities.
“The 354th FS is an example of all A-10 fighter squadrons and how extensively we train,” Lesh said. “The time and effort we spend every day and each sortie we fly, is spent training so we can be the best in a combat situation. This ensures we are able to effectively put guns and bombs on targets.”
Overall, Hawgsmoke provides pilots important opportunities to socialize, compete and hone their abilities.
“Competition is important to spur tactical innovation and a desire to be the best that you can be,” said Lt. Col. Nicholas Dicapua, 354th FS commander.
Capt. Sky Lesh, 354th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, poses for a photo at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Nov. 9. Lesh took home the top strafer award at the Hawgsmoke 2018 competition. A-10 pilots from the 345th FS competed against nine other squadrons.
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Publisher ..............................................................Paul Kinison Business manager ...............................................Lisa Kinison Editor .......................................................... Deborah Leuthold Advertising representative................................Sandi Bueltel Designer ............................................................... Emma Uribe
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In accordance with Air Force Instruction 34-511, paragraph 3.1.5, notice is hereby given that Staff Sgt. Shane Appleton is deceased. The undersigned has been appointed Summary Court Officer for the purpose of estate settlement in accor- dance with AFI 34-511. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby on no- tice to present their claims. Claims must be presented by mailing or presenting a written signed statement to: Capt. Stewart Cornett at 520- 228-4407 or via email at stew- art.cornett@us.af.mil.
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