July 18, 2014
Dear Senator Levin:
I am a retired USAF officer and am concerned about the
crisis in Ukraine and the Russian threat to Eastern Europe.
I am also concerned about the Air Force decision to scrap
its A10 close-support aircraft. While assigned to the Pentagon, I became
familiar with the A10’s capabilities. It is a cost-effective platform for
protecting frontline forces, and attacking opposing armor, personnel, and
caches of ammunition and supplies. It has proven itself in combat and is able
to carry out its mission despite heavy damage.
Rather than scrap such a weapon system, I believe it
would be better to sell or loan it to European nations at risk from invasion.
Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland could use this capability in
their defense.
I know you are extremely busy in these last days of your
service to the people of Michigan and the United States. If you could share my
concerns with those making the final decision regarding the A-10 Thunderbolt
II, I would truly appreciate it.
Thank you for your many years as our senator.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Fisher
Lt. Col., USAF, (retired)
