Six A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft from the U.S. National Guard (four from Maryland and two from Michigan) have been "stuck" at NAS Sigonella airbase in Italy since November of last year due to maintenance issues. The specific problems with the aircraft have not been detailed, but it is known that they were forced to temporarily remain in Italy awaiting spare parts.
According to The Aviationist, these aircraft, along with an additional six A-10s (a total of 12 planes), were en route to the U.S. from the Middle East and were scheduled to make two stops in Europe - first in Italy and then in Portugal, but only six planes continued their journey after Italy.
According to data from the U.S. Air Force, five of the aircraft required repairs, but six planes remained due to service regulations stating that transatlantic flights typically involve six aircraft.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, it was reported that maintenance specialists from the U.S. National Guard, stationed at the Italian airbase where the A-10s are currently stuck, are nearing completion of the repair work.
Preliminary information suggests that the planes were expected to resume their journey on Thursday, January 16.
Previously, Defense Express reported that the U.S. has doubled the pace of A-10 retirements, and even wing replacements are not alleviating the situation.
It was also mentioned that the A-10s could have been given a new lease on life in 2014, but the idea was "dead" from the outset.