Battle Creek Photocall | Photography

The first Fence Check Photocall was held on May 5, 2007 at Battle Creek, Michigan. The 110th Fighter Wing hosted the event, and provided the participating members of Fence Check an insider’s view of the Air National Guard lifestyle.

The 110th FW of the Michigan Air National Guard was established at W.K. Kellogg Airport in 1947. The base occupies 89 acres and 37 buildings with another 230 acres available for maintenance and storage of munitions. Over its 60 year history, the 110th FW has flown a variety of aircraft of all types. It presently operates 15 A/OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs.

Currently, the primary mission of the 110th FW is close air support, along with forward air control (FAC). The A-10 is ideal for these missions, and the pilots of the 172nd Fighter Squadron have gained a reputation as some of the best Warthog pilots nationwide. Their performance on deployments and in various ANG events has earned the 172nd the nickname “The Mad Ducks.”

Pilots of the 110th FW primarily train at the Grayling Gunnery Range, in northern Michigan. With its vast size and live fire capability, the range is ideal for honing their ground attack skills.

Recent conflicts have required members of the 110th to test those skills. Pilots and support crews have participated in Operation Allied Force, Operation Southern Watch, and most recently Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Due to its exemplary service record, the 172nd FS has been selected as the first ANG squadron to receive upgraded A/OA-10C Warthogs. The A-10C update is the most significant modification to the aircraft in the type’s 30 year history. Improvements include two new multifunction cockpit displays, situational awareness datalinks, a digital stores management system, and an Integrated Flight and Fire Control Computer (IFFCC). These modifications will allow the A-10 to carry precision weapons such as JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) and the Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD). The improvements will also extend the Warthog’s service life until approximately 2028.

Recently announced Department of Defense (DoD) force reductions will cut deeply into the Michigan Air National Guard. The aircraft of the 110th FW are to be transferred to the 127th FW at Selfridge ANGB sometime in 2008. Without a flying unit stationed at W.K. Kellogg Airport, the future of the 110th FW is unknown. DoD has announced that eventually the 110th may receive the new Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA); however this new transport has yet to be selected or funded.

Photocall participants would like to thank the members of the 110th FW for a brief glimpse of their life “on the other side of the fence”, and most importantly, for their service to our country. Special thanks to Maj. Robert DeCoster for arranging the visit, and to Staff Sgt. Alec Lloyd for taking good care of the Fence Check participants.