Ten minutes later, at the command center, the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, callsign Warthog 0-1, was lining up for the runway.
The twin engines spooled higher, the low whine building into a steady roar as heat shimmered behind the aircraft. The pilot held it on centerline, hands steady on the controls.
"Basa Tower, this is Warthog Zero-One, holding short, ready for departure," the pilot said over comms.
A brief pause.
"Warthog Zero-One, Basa Tower. Runway is clear. Winds steady. You are cleared for takeoff."
"Copy, cleared for takeoff," the pilot replied.
He pushed the throttle forward.
The engines responded immediately.
The A-10 surged down the runway, gaining speed as the concrete blurred beneath it. The nose stayed low for a moment, then lifted as the pilot eased back.
The wheels left the ground.
Gear up.
The aircraft climbed, banking slightly as it cleared the airspace above the base.
Inside the command center, the main screen shifted to the live feed.
