An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 81st Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, takes off on a mission against targets in Yugoslavia, April 5, 1999. Members of the 81st Fighter Squadron are deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. The A-10 and OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs are the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles.