Hobby Master Archive

Background history of 354th TFW

The 354th converted to the A-10A in 1977 and became the first A-10 operational wing in the USAF. The 354th was among the first units to deploy to the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Shield. Their first missions were flown against radar sites, Scud missile sites and providing SAR for downed pilots. In February of 1991 the 354th carried out ground support missions damaging or destroying Iraqi armor and artillery as well as cutting off enemy supply lines.

Background history of “Playtime”

On day 3 of the air war a US Navy F-14 was downed 80 miles from Baghdad. An A-10A called “Playtime” piloted by Captain Paul Johnson stayed on station for 10 hours providing SAR coordination as well as close air support. Because of his action Capt. Johnson earned the Air Force Cross and many missions later the aircraft 78-0681 was retired to the US AF Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio where it can be seen.