<p class="ingestion featured-caption">US Air Force Maj. Lindsay "MAD" Johnson prepares to put on her helmet.US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Devlin Bishop</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>US Air Force Maj. Lindsay "MAD" Johnson is the first woman to command the A-10 demo team.</li><li>For over 40 years, the demo team has showcased the Warthog's combat capabilities during airshows.</li></ul><p>The <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-a-10-attack-aircraft-escort-nuclear-ballistic-missile-submarine-2024-7">A-10 Thunderbolt II</a> is the only jet purpose-built by the US military to provide close-air support to ground troops — its most fearsome feature being its powerful 30mm Gatling gun.</p><p>In service for over 40 years, the attack aircraft<strong> </strong>proved its value in combat in the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Nicknamed the Warthog, the aircraft's time in the skies is limited — the Air Force plans to retire <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-some-a-10s-have-fearsome-shark-teeth-war-paint-2021-7">its entire A-10 fleet</a> by the end of the decade.</p><p>For the aircrew behind the <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-some-a-10s-have-fearsome-shark-teeth-war-paint-2021-7">Air Force A-10C Demonstration Team</a>, the retirement signals the end of an era as they wrap up their final performance season.</p><p>US Air Force Maj. Lindsay "MAD" Johnson is the first female pilot to command the Air Force's A-10 demo team. In an interview with Business Insider, Johnson recounted her time at the helm of the A-10 demo team as they showcased the Warthog's combat capabilities at airshows around the world.</p>