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Combat search and rescue’s uncertain future: As A-10s phase out, US Air Force faces questions of what comes next

Questions remain over whether the F-35A or another platform can match the A-10’s specialized CSAR training and on-scene command role.

Summary by Military Times
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 h…

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Combat search and rescue’s uncertain future: As A-10s phase out, US Air Force faces questions of what comes next

The U.S. Air Force is moving forward with plans to retire the A-10, which for decades has proven ideally suited for combat search-and-rescue operations.

·United States
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Military Times broke the news in Vienna, United States on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
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