Spangdahlem A-10 squadron to shut down - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

Spangdahlem A-10 squadron to shut down

The Air Force will lose an A-10 squadron in Germany as well as an air control squadron in Italy as part of proposed budget cuts in fiscal 2013, a senior defense official said Thursday.

The 81st Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, would be inactivated under the Air Force’s plan, eliminating 20 A-10s and 525 airmen’s positions. The 603rd Air Control Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, would also be cut along with 336 positions.

The defense official, speaking to reporters on background during a press briefing, said the U.S. plans to reduce its force numbers in Europe from 80,000 to 70,000 over the next five years. Those cuts include the loss of two Army brigades and 2,500 soldiers in Germany.