ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland Gov. Wes Moore joined state and military officials Tuesday at Warfield Air National Guard Base to mark the end of the state’s A-10C Thunderbolt II flying mission, as the legendary ground-attack aircraft are divested from the U.S. Air Force.
The ceremony at Martin State Airport formally inactivated the 175th Operations Group, the 175th Maintenance Group, and their subordinate units. The event culminated in the departure of the final two A-10 aircraft, which will be transferred to the Michigan Air National Guard. The 104th Fighter Squadron, one of the nation’s oldest Air National Guard flying units, will now pivot to a cyber mission.
“Today, we honor over a century of Airmen who raised their hands to wear the uniform, and pay tribute to an incredible aircraft that has helped to write our nation’s history,” Moore said. “And while I never had the honor of deploying our A-10s as governor, I am very proud to be the governor who is able to say: job well done.”
Lt. Gov. Aruna K. Miller echoed the sentiment, praising the 175th Wing’s legacy. “As their flying mission retires, we honor their legacy of service and look ahead with pride as the 175th Wing leads Maryland into a new era of cyber defense,” Miller said.
The inactivation is part of a U.S. Air Force plan to divest all A-10s assigned to the Maryland Air National Guard by the end of the fiscal year. The A-10 is widely known for its close air support capabilities, protecting ground forces with its distinctive 30mm GAU-8 cannon.
Over the past 25 years, the 175th Operations Group and 175th Maintenance Group completed nine combat deployments, including recent operations in 2024 supporting Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield. The units also supported five A-10 mobilizations since 2013, assisting NATO nations in deterring Russian aggression.
The 175th Maintenance Group was also recognized for its exceptional performance, achieving a mission-capable rate of 71.3% in fiscal year 2023, which surpassed the Air Force-wide average for all fighter types. The unit was also recently awarded the Spaatz Trophy as the top flying unit in the entire Air National Guard.
Speaking to the Airmen, Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, adjutant general for Maryland, stressed that the legacy was not about the aircraft but the people. “Those words about mission readiness, combat reputation, contributions in war and peace; those words do not describe the machine that is the A-10,” Birckhead said. “They describe the Airmen and women… You created the 175th Wing’s reputation. You are the heart of the A-10 legacy.”
Photo via the Maryland Governor’s Office
