State and federal officials confirmed this week that the Air National Guard of Maryland, which is scheduled to lose its fighter squadron of A-10 Thunderbolts this fall, will get a fighter squadron of F-16s from the District of Columbia in its stead.
It was the most recent development in a battle for resources between the District and the state that seemed to be coming to a conclusion last weekend. However, the Air Force declared on Monday that it will move the D.C. Air National Guard’s 121st Fighter Squadron to Maryland.
Brig. Gen. Drew E. Dougherty, the assistant adjutant general, air, for the Maryland Air National Guard, stated in a prepared statement that “this is a historic moment for the Maryland Air National Guard.”
We have been steadfast in our resolve to secure a future flying mission during the last five years. In order to provide a route where we can retain our highly skilled pilots and maintainers, this shift is the first step, he stated in his statement.
Previously headquartered in Middle River, the 104th Fighter Squadron of A-10C Thunderbolt II is currently assigned to the Maryland Air National Guard. However, the Air Force has been working for years to phase out the A10 from the 1970s, and by September 30th, the 104th Fighter Squadron is expected to be “divested.”
