← Back to briefing
Service
An A-10 Warthog named ‘Diddy Kong’ is operating in the Middle East
By Nicholas Slayton ·
Task & Purpose
· Monday, January 26, 2026
· 1 min read
↗ Share
📋 Copy link
𝕏
in
f
WA
✉
Service
A
Task & Purpose
';this.onerror=null">
Quick read
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, better known as the “Warthog,” has been a major part of U.S. combat operations in the Middle East in recent years, even as the Air Force works to wind down its service.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, better known as the “Warthog,” has been a major part of U. S. combat operations in the Middle East in recent years, even as the Air Force works to wind down its service.
Service
Yes, I Served in Iraq. But What if People Mistake Me for a Hero?
Illustration by Kim Vo The Department of Motor Vehicles was a good place to lose your identity, not find it, especially 30 minutes before cl
WH
The War Horse
Our analysis The deployment of A-10 Warthogs, including the "Diddy Kong" aircraft, to the Middle East highlights the ongoing US military presence in the region. As part of the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, these close-attack aircraft are playing a key role in Operation Hawkeye Strike, a mission aimed at combating Islamic State fighters in Syria. The use of A-10s in this operation underscores the continued reliance on these aircraft for ground-attack missions, despite the Air Force's efforts to phase out the fleet. The fact that A-10s are still being deployed to the region, with some sporting unique nose art like "Diddy Kong," suggests that the Air Force is finding ways to extend the life of these aircraft. As the US military continues to engage in operations in the Middle East, the role of the A-10 Warthog will likely remain significant, at least in the near term.
Service
Officers only: New report lays out what a ‘US Cyber Force’ could look like
A new report argues that an independent Cyber Force should be staffed by only commissioned officers and warrant officers to better develop t
TP
Task & Purpose
Service
Navy researchers find wreck of World War II submarine that vanished 82 years ago
Nearly 82 years to the day after the USS Herring went missing during World War II, the Navy said it had found the wreck of a submarine that
TP
Task & Purpose