KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (May 21, 2018) -- Two U.S. Air

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (May 21, 2018) -- Two U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II's, assigned to the 163rd Fighter Squadron, fly a mission from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, May 21, 2018. The A-10 can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate in low ceiling and visibility conditions. The wide combat radius, and short takeoff and landing capabilities, permit operations in and out of locations near front lines. The aircraft arrived at Kandahar Airfield in January, 2018, in support of the Resolute Support mission and Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Established in 2015, Resolute Support is a NATO-led, non-combat mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, who assumed nationwide responsibility for Afghanistan’s security following the conclusion of the previous NATO-led International Security Assistance Force mission. Its purpose is to help the Afghan security forces and institutions develop the capacity to defend Afghanistan and protect its citizens in a sustainable manner. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Corey Hook)