Central Command Photos Show A-10 'Rainbow Warrior' With Marilyn Monroe Hatch Art

LifeZette reports that U.S. Central Command has released photos of an A-10C Thunderbolt II called "Rainbow Warrior" whose ladder hatch carries a portrait of Marilyn Monroe. It also explains why crews hide such art.

Key points

• The photos: Taken Oct. 8 at an undisclosed site in the Central Command region and posted to DVIDS, they show the jet being guided on the tarmac with its somewhat faded "Rainbow Warrior" markings.
• Why door art: An A-10 pilot told Task & Purpose the hidden art is "not for public consumption" and helps crews recognize a particular jet and recall its quirks.
• Monroe and aviation: The article notes Monroe helped build OQ-2 radioplanes, an early drone, in a World War II factory. A California Air National Guard C-130J with her likeness flew into the United Kingdom this summer.
• The fleet's future: The service once planned to retire the A-10, but the Air Force secretary said this year it will stay in operational service through 2030.
• Recent missions: A-10s have flown against Islamic State fighters, in the war with Iran and in combat search and rescue, including an April mission for a downed F-15E crew in which one A-10 crashed after its pilot ejected over friendly waters.

Quick take

LifeZette says it is unclear why Monroe was chosen for this jet. The piece presents the art as a small personal touch on an aircraft built around its GAU-8 30mm cannon that is still flying demanding combat missions.

Read the full story at LifeZette.