Conversion Day
Tech Sgt. Orion Stell, shares one final salute with Col. Mark Anderson, 188th Wing commander, June 7, 2014, just before Anderson flew one of the last two A-10C Thunderbolt II “Warthogs” out of Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Stell, an Airman with the former 188th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, was the dedicated crew chief for Tail No. 188. The Warthogs’ departure capped the 188th’s Conversion Day ceremony, which recognized the many changes occurring at the wing as a result of its conversion to a remotely piloted aircraft (MQ-9 Reapers) and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission. The 188th Fighter Wing was also redesignated as the 188th Wing during the event. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mark Moore)