1fat*******…”why didn’t the USAF paint an A-10 to match the P-47?”

I was at Bentwaters at the time and the likely reason no one painted an A-10 to match the P-47 is the USAF wasn’t big on special paint schemes, at least compared to many allied air forces.

Of course it could have been done, but a lot of permissions would have had to be received, paperwork done…and special paint ordered.

The fact is… with 6 squadrons, 80+ aircraft, two bases, a couple of FOLs in Germany to oversee and to stay on top of NATO requirements…they/we had better things to do. 🙂

You might ask why the P-47 operator didn’t paint his ship to match the Thunderbolt IIs? 🙂

As the Chief of Public Affairs, we did try to accommodate enthusiasts and accommodate the many various civil requests (everything from flypasts, airplane rides…hard to do with single seat aircraft, film requests, tours, talks, etc.) received from the public, the MOD, or MOD community relations advisor, 3rd Air Force and USAFE headquarters, as well as the media.

However, I had to pick my requests carefully before I went in front of the Wing Commander with a request for aircraft or personnel. As stated above, he had other issues to concern him and didn’t necessarily buy into the idea we were in the UK to keep spotters and enthusiasts occupied. 🙂
Luckily, the Rescue organization at Woodbridge were able to take their helicopters to support events like village fetes.

We really did do our best and my UK experience was a great deal of fun.