First A-10s depart from Fort Smith National Guard

FORT SMITH, ARK. — The first A-10 jets have left for Georgia from the Arkansas National Guard base in Fort Smith.

Two of the jets departed Tuesday for Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Ga. The base in Fort Smith is losing its 20 A-10s but is getting a new mission involving drone aircraft.

The base is converting to support of remotely piloted aircraft and a targeting and intelligence unit.

The Southwest Times Record reports the base has had manned aircraft since 1953.

Officials say that the 188th Fighter Wing’s aircraft-related training will cease in the near future. The base will shift to full-time support for conversion of its mission.