Home » TRAVEL EVENT NEWS » Tulsa Air & Space Museum’s Operation Warthog to Bring A-10 Thunderbolt II to Oklahoma, Boosting Tourism, Aviation Heritage, and Community Engagement: Here’s What You Really Need To Know Published on
August 9, 2025 |Tulsa, Oklahoma, is preparing for a major addition to its cultural and tourism landscape. The Tulsa Air & Space Museum has launched Operation Warthog, an ambitious campaign to secure one of the most iconic aircraft in U.S. Air Force history—the A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately known as the “Warthog.” This initiative is more than an aircraft acquisition; it is a strategic move that blends historical preservation with tourism growth, aiming to draw visitors from across the nation.The arrival of this legendary military aircraft will mark a significant moment in the city’s efforts to expand its role as a destination for aviation enthusiasts, history lovers, and families seeking unique travel experiences.Advertisement The Significance of the A-10 Thunderbolt IIThe A-10 Thunderbolt II is widely recognized for its close air support capabilities, unmatched durability in combat situations, and its distinctive GAU-8 Avenger cannon, whose “BRRRRT” sound has become a cultural hallmark among aviation followers. Introduced in the 1970s, the aircraft played a pivotal role in multiple U.S. military operations, earning a reputation as both a formidable combat asset and a symbol of tactical strength.By securing this aircraft, Tulsa will join a select group of U.S. cities able to showcase a piece of aviation history that is still revered by military veterans and aviation experts. This move is expected to cement Tulsa’s status as a key destination for travelers seeking immersive and educational aviation exhibits.Boosting Travel and Tourism in TulsaTourism authorities in Tulsa anticipate that Operation Warthog will significantly increase foot traffic to the Tulsa Air & Space Museum. Military aircraft displays consistently rank among the most visited attractions in aviation museums, offering both educational value and emotional resonance. The presence of the A-10 will be a unique draw, especially for:Military History Enthusiasts: Travelers who follow military heritage tours across the U.S.Aviation Fans: Visitors eager to see and photograph one of the most respected close air support aircraft in history.Families: Parents seeking interactive, STEM-focused educational experiences for their children.The initiative also aligns with Oklahoma’s broader tourism goals of promoting specialized attractions that cater to niche markets, encouraging longer stays, and diversifying the types of visitors who explore the region.Community Engagement Through Operation WarthogCentral to the campaign is the Tulsa Hog Squad, a community-based fundraising initiative designed to make the project inclusi …
