CAJUNS READY TO FLY 'WARTHOGS'.(Main)

Byline: Associated Press

The first U.S. Air Force Reserve fighter unit ever called to active duty has arrived in eastern Saudi Arabia with A-10 tank-killer jets flown by veterinarians, businessmen and a TV reporter.

Over the past two days, the squadron of civilians, full-time reservists and Vietnam veterans has been assembling at an air base within striking distance of Iraq with their snub-nosed fighters, affectionately known as "Warthogs."

They were activated only two weeks ago, but the pilots reported no problem switching from civilian life to the military.

They say they're ready to punch holes in Iraqi armor.

"They've got us expecting to go to war," said Lt. Col. Craig Mays, 44, operations officer for the 706th Tactical Fighter Squadron based at the New Orleans Naval Air Station.

"By chance should we not go to war, that's fine. But we're ready to go to war, and we're expecting that mentally and physically."

Unlike the full-time A-10 pilots in the active-duty Air Force, the A-10 reserve pilots have a very high percentage of Vietnam veterans and commercial pilots used to flying cargo and passengers rather than firing missiles and Gatling guns.

There are also two veterinarians, business executives and private entrepreneurs.

Mays said the runway at the air base reminded him of the Danang air base in Vietnam, where he was a forward air controller flying OV-10s in 1971.

"It is almost 20 years ago to the day that I got to Vietnam," said the gray-haired pilot, who had been flying for Federal Express. "It's like deja vu all over again, as Yogi Berra used to say."

Mays said it wasn't a difficult switch from his Federal Express uniform to the military green uniform he's worn off and on for 22 years.

"I'll do it until they pull the uniform off my cold, dead body," he said.

The pilots from the 706th have in common a love of flying, a strong belief that the ungainly A-10 will be a highly effective tank killer in any war with Iraq, and great pride in their squadron for making history.

"When Saddam hears the Cajuns have been called up, he's going to knock this thing off once and for all!" shouted Col. Bob L. Efferson, 47, of Baton Rouge, La.

He is commander of the 926th Tactical Fighter Group, the umbrella unit for the 706th.

CAPTION(S):

PHOTO - ASSOCIATED PRESS

BEASTLY BEAUTY - A U.S. Air Force A-10 "Warthog" tank-killer warplane sits in silhouette and another takes off at a Saudi air base Monday as the first reserve fighter unit ever activated arrives.