355th Operations Group

An image of an A-10 being refueled representing the 355th Fighter Group.

The 355th Operations Group consists of four squadrons and over 300 personnel employing A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft and an AN/TPS-75 radar system. It provides war-fighters with forces for close air support (CAS), forward air control (FAC), and combat search and rescue (CSAR). It also conducts all formal course directed aircraft initial qualification/requalification training for A-10C pilots.

 

 

355th Operations Group Mission Statement

Conduct Initial Qualification (IQ) training to produce combat ready forces qualified as A-10C Pilots for theater commanders worldwide as directed by Combat Air Command (ACC).

Train and equip an A-10C squadron that provides Close Air Support (CAS), Forward Air Control - Airborne (FAC-A), and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) to theater commanders worldwide as directed by ACC.

Provide operational support to include airfield operations and air traffic control, current operations, 355th Wing scheduling, weapons and tactics training, intelligence, and weather for all aspects of the 355th Wing's operational flying program.

Support USAF recruitment, retention and USAF Strategic Communication objectives at air shows and events worldwide with the A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team.

355th Operations Support Squadron

The 355th Operation Support Squadron supports 355th Wing combat missions tasked by the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. The squadron directs operational support functions including airfield management, air traffic control, weather services, weapons and tactics, plans and exercises, and intelligence for an operations group with three A-10C squadrons and a rescue group with two flying squadrons. It also develops flying schedules for more than 11,000 sorties per year.

354th Fighter Squadron

The 354th Fighter Squadron maintains A-10C aircraft to conduct Close Air Support, Forward Air Control -- Airborne, and Combat Search and Rescue for theater commanders worldwide.

357th Fighter Squadron

The 357th Fighter Squadron trains pilots in the A-10C Thunderbolt II. The 357th 'Dragons' conduct all formal course directed aircraft transition, day/night weapons and tactics employment, day/night air refueling and dissimilar air combat maneuvers. The squadron trains pilots to plan, coordinate, execute and control day/night close air support and battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance. The 357th Fighter Squadron also prepares pilots through their combat mission ready upgrade.

355th Training Squadron

The 355th Training Squadron conducts and maintains academic, flying, specialized and electronic interactive training for A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft, meeting Air Force training requirements for over 100 students annually. The squadron manages and assists development and approval of all aspects of Air Combat Command A-10C syllabi and operates more than $5 million of advanced fighter aircraft simulators, including virtual reality training. It also provides quality assurance for aircrew training contracts valued at more than $5.7 million.