The "Panthers" is a nickname associated with the 81st Fighter Squadron, which flew the A-10 Thunderbolt II before it was inactivated in 2013. The squadron was based at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany as part of the 52nd Fighter Wing. The 81st Fighter Squadron has a rich history, dating back to World War II, and its A-10s were known for their close air support capabilities, particularly in European and Middle Eastern theaters.