U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Haden, 74th Fighter Squadron commander and A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot, takes off from a sand runway Dec. 3, 2014, at the White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The A-10's engine placement is designed to keep foreign objects from entering the turbines during events such as desert landings and takeoffs. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan Callaghan/Released)