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U penziju sa 7500 sati leta na A-10.
Citat:
A Distinguished Career in Combat
Marks’ journey with the A-10 began in the late 1980s, with his early years flying low-altitude missions over Europe during the Cold War. At that time, the A-10 was focused on developing tactics to counter Soviet tanks, a mission that would evolve significantly over the years. As technology advanced, the A-10 became more sophisticated, integrating new sensors and weapons that enhanced its lethal capabilities. Despite changes in the operational environment—from the low-altitude strafes of Europe to high-altitude missions over Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria—the A-10 has remained the most efficient Close Air Support (CAS) platform available.
“In the end, we can cover the ground forces with everything from a very low-altitude strafe pass only meters away from their position, to a long-range precision weapon delivered from outside threat ranges, and everything in between,” Marks explained. This versatility allowed the A-10 to adapt to evolving combat scenarios, continuing to play a vital role in modern warfare.
During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, he and his flight lead, Capt. Eric “Fish” Solomonson, destroyed 23 Iraqi tanks in a single day over three missions. Reflecting on that day, Marks described the apocalyptic scene with the sky blackened by oil fires and smoke as they provided crucial support to ground forces. On the same day, the A-10s landed twice at a Forward Operating Location, refueled and re-armed, and returned to the battlefield to support Marines near Kuwait City. This dedication to the mission underscored Marks’ commitment to his role and his exceptional skill in the cockpit.
Another standout moment in Marks’ career came during a mission over Afghanistan, where his actions helped relieve a ground force that was pinned down by Taliban fighters on three sides. Coordinating strikes from an AC-130 gunship, F-16s, Apaches, and AH-6 Little Birds, Marks played a crucial role in turning the tide of the battle, a mission he regards as one of the most rewarding of his career. His outstanding performance earned him the President’s Award for the Air Force Reserve Command in 2015.
Beyond his combat achievements, Marks made significant contributions as an instructor and mentor. Of his 7,500 hours in the A-10, nearly 2,480 were spent as an instructor pilot, with an additional 598 hours serving as an evaluator. His commitment to training the next generation of pilots ensured that they were not only prepared for combat but also equipped with the knowledge and skills to safely return home. Marks was deeply invested in the success and safety of his fellow pilots, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in a high-stakes environment.
https://theaviationist.com/2024/09/07/highest-time-a-10-pilot-retires/
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