People who live near Middle River will no longer get to see the iconic A-10s take off and land at Martin State Airport. On Tuesday, Sept. 23, the Maryland Air National Guard deactivated its last flying squadron, marking the end of an era that goes back more than a century.
During a ceremony, the final two aircraft departed as part of a U.S. Air Force divestment that will put the Maryland Air National Guard’s focus on cyber security instead of flying.
“Thank you to every Airman who has worn these patches, turned wrenches on these jets, flown these missions, and given so much of themselves to this noble calling,” said Maryland Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Drew E. Dougherty, Assistant Adjutant General – Air. “You will always be part of the proud history of the Maryland Air National Guard, these two outstanding groups, and you will always carry on our proud and distinguished legacy.”
The Maryland Air National Guard’s origins trace back to 1921, when the 104th Observation Squadron received federal recognition. After World War I, the 104th was the first National Guard flying unit to be equipped with 13 of its own aircraft. Between the world wars, the 104th flew a variety of aircraft that were almost all two-seat biplanes. During World War II, they flew antisubmarine patrols off the East Coast.
In 1962, the 175th Tactical Fighter Group was established and the 104th Tactical Fighter Squadron became part of the new group. They were called out to help quell rioting in Baltimore following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968. More recently, members of the 175th have helped in natural disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the deadly earthquake in Haiti. After 9/11, they took part in the global war on terrorism, including a deployment to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan in which they flew strikes against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Up until March 2025, the Maryland Air National Guard flew A-10C Thunderbolts (often referred to as Warthogs) out of Martin State Airport in eastern Baltimore County. Then, the U.s. Air Force announced the Maryland Air National Guard would divest all of its A-10s as part of a plan to phase out older aircraft and expand cybersecurity. The 175th Wing, which is also home to the 175th Cyberspace Operations Group, will focus on executing defensive cyber operations.
Earlier in September, Maryland Air National Guard pilots conducted what military aviation calls “fini flights” for the A-10C Thunderbolt IIs, celebrating the last flight of an aircrew member’s career or time with a particular aircraft.
The last two A-10s, which left last week, are going to the Michigan Air National Guard.
Maryland Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Rachel Underwood, public affairs specialist for the 175th Wing, helped commemorate the Maryland Air National Guard’s flying history with a three-panel mural hung at Warfield Air National Guard Base at Martin State Airport. She also painted a ceiling tile to be displayed at the National Guard Heritage Room at Patton Hall, Ft. Myer, Virginia.
