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Maryland ANG A-10 Retirement: Final A-10s Retired
Maryland ANG A-10 retirement was marked on September 23, 2025 when the 175th Wing said farewell to its last A-10 Thunderbolt II.
On September 23, 2025 the Maryland Air National Guard held an inactivation ceremony at Warfield Air National Guard Base to mark the departure of its final A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, ending decades of close air support (CAS) operations for the 175th Wing. The move reflects wider U.S. Air Force force-structure adjustments and evolving priorities for NATO and allied airpower posture.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, often called the “Warthog,” was built for low-altitude survivability and precision support for ground forces. For the Maryland ANG, the aircraft provided a visible, durable CAS capability across training exercises and operational deployments; the September 23 ceremony closed that chapter while honoring the platform’s legacy.
Maryland ANG A-10 retirement signals shift in mission
The inactivation doesn’t erase the A-10’s record — it signals a shift. The 175th Wing will transition to new roles and platforms in line with U.S. Air Force priorities, training pipelines and joint operations with NATO partners. Officials framed the change as modernization rather than a gap, stressing continued support for allied deterrence and regional readiness.
- Key fact: Maryland ANG A-10 retirement was formalized at Warfield Air National Guard Base on September 23, 2025.
- Platform retired: A-10 Thunderbolt II (close air support specialist).
- Unit affected: 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard; mission sets will evolve post-retirement.
Ceremonies like this are both a salute and a hand-off: they honor crews, maintainers and support staff who kept A-10s mission-capable while preparing the unit for new tactics and equipment. As the 175th Wing retools, the broader U.S. and allied airpower mix will continue adapting to new threats and technologies.
