MIDDLE RIVER, Md. - The Maryland Air National Guard divested an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft at Warfield Air National Guard Base at Martin State Airport March 26.
The U.S. Air Force announced in March 2024 a plan for the Maryland Air National Guard to divest all its A-10s this year and convert to a cyber wing. The 175th Wing is a dual-mission wing operating the A-10C Thunderbolt II and home to the 175th Cyberspace Operations Group, which executes offensive and defensive cyber operations and includes an intelligence squadron.
Although the secretary of the Air Force has yet to make a final basing decision, Maryland National Guard leadership and the Maryland congressional delegation remain committed to maintaining a flying mission at the 175th Wing.
“The Maryland Air National Guard has proudly flown the A-10 for decades, answering our nation’s call and serving with distinction at home and abroad,” said Maryland Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, the adjutant general of Maryland. “While this divestment is part of an Air Force-wide modernization effort, we remain fully committed to fighting for a future flying mission in Maryland. Our Airmen deserve the opportunity to continue demonstrating their world-class skill in the air as well as in cyberspace.”
The divestment of the remaining Maryland Air National Guard A-10s from the 104th Fighter Squadron, which completed nine combat deployments over the past 20 years, will be completed by September.
The A-10s will transit to the boneyard at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, where hundreds of retired aircraft are stored for final maintenance procedures and prepared for display by the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group.
“The 175th Wing has proven time and again that we are capable of adapting, leading and excelling in every mission we’re given,” said Maryland Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Drew E. Dougherty, assistant adjutant general for Air. “But our Airmen — and the state of Maryland — should not be left as the only state without a flying mission. It’s more than tradition; it’s a critical component of our national security.”