The first female commander of the Air Force’s A-10 demo team reflects on flying the Warthog on the eve of its retirement

• US Air Force Maj. Lindsay “MAD” Johnson is the first woman to command the A-10 demo team.
• For over 40 years, the demo team has showcased the Warthog’s combat capabilities during airshows.
• Johnson reflected on her time flying the iconic attack jet as the Air Force retires its A-10 fleet.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II is the only jet purpose-built by the US military to provide close-air support to ground troops — its most fearsome feature being its powerful 30mm Gatling gun.

In service for over 40 years, the attack aircraft proved its value in combat in the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Nicknamed the Warthog, the aircraft’s time in the skies is limited — the Air Force plans to retire its entire A-10 fleet by the end of the decade.

For the aircrew behind the Air Force A-10C Demonstration Team, the retirement signals the end of an era as they wrap up their final performance season.

US Air Force Maj. Lindsay “MAD” Johnson is the first female pilot to command the Air Force’s A-10 demo team. In an interview with Business Insider, Johnson recounted her time at the helm of the A-10 demo team as they showcased the Warthog’s combat capabilities at airshows around the world.