Maryland Air National Guard Closes A-10 Thunderbolt Mission
The Maryland Air National Guard has officially retired its A-10 Thunderbolt flying mission, marking the end of a significant era for one of the United States’ oldest Air Guard units.
Unit Inactivation as Part of Divestment Plan
On Tuesday, the 175th Operations Group, 175th Maintenance Group, and their subordinate units were inactivated due to a broader U.S. Air Force divestment strategy. This change redirects the focus of the 104th Fighter Squadron towards cyber operations, marking a key transition for the Maryland Air National Guard, which has been a pivotal part of the state’s aviation scene since its federal recognition in 1921.
Phasing Out the A-10 Fleet
Beginning in March, the Air Force initiated the phase-out of Maryland’s A-10 fleet as part of a nationwide retirement plan for the aircraft. Over the last 20 years, the squadron has deployed to combat zones nine times, including missions aimed at deterring Russian aggression. In 2024, the unit supported three different operations before its final transition.
Legacy of the A-10 Thunderbolt II
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately known as the “Warthog,” is celebrated for its resilience and effective close air support capabilities. Its retirement signifies a transition for Maryland and represents a broader Air Force shift towards modernization and a cyber-centric defense approach.
“Nobody understands the importance of these aircraft better than the men and women of the 175th Wing,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. “While I never had the honor of deploying our A-10s as governor, I am very proud to be the governor who can say: job well done.”
Transition and Legacy Preservation
The final two A-10s will depart Martin State Airport and head to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona for long-term storage. Nonetheless, Maryland’s aviation mission continues as Governor Moore announced the relocation of the Air Force’s 121st Fighter Squadron from Washington, D.C. to Maryland in December 2024, securing the state’s active participation in aviation.
Adding to the A-10’s legacy, the aircraft with tail number 79-0087 has been donated to the Hagerstown Aviation Museum. Originally built in 1979 at the Fairchild Republic plant in Hagerstown and flown in Iraq and Afghanistan, the aircraft was welcomed by hundreds of spectators as it joined the museum’s collection.
The closure of the A-10 Thunderbolt mission in Maryland not only ends a significant chapter but also sets the stage for future advancements in defense capabilities, reflecting a broader shift in U.S. military priorities while keeping Maryland’s proud aviation tradition alive.
