The following article was submitted by 6th District Delegate Bob Long about a deactivation ceremony at Martin State Airport
Last week, I attended the deactivation ceremony for our area’s beloved A-10 Warthogs. It was a sad day for myself, our community, and for Maryland as a whole.
The recent departure of the last A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from Martin State Airport marks not only the end of an era, but a deep loss for our local identity, economy, and military tradition.
Maryland is now the only state in the country with an Air Guard that does not have a flying mission, which is disgraceful.
The whistling of the A-10s overhead was more than just background noise—it was the sound of strength, service, and stability. The Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Wing, which called Martin State Airport home since 1955, has been an integral part of our community.
The A-10, affectionately known as the “Warthog,” stood as a symbol of American resilience and battlefield support, protecting our troops abroad while instilling pride here at home.
The men and women of the 175th Wing are our neighbors, our friends, and our family members. Their presence brought economic vitality, technical jobs, and a strong civic spirit that benefited Middle River and beyond.
The community embraced these airmen, and in return, they lifted our region up through service, volunteerism, and unwavering commitment to state and country.
Now, with the A-10s gone, we face real consequences. Local businesses that supported the base operations—everything from maintenance contractors to sandwich shops—stand to suffer.
Aviation students, aspiring mechanics, and veterans hoping to continue their careers locally must now reconsider their paths. And our national defense loses one of the most effective close air support aircraft in history. I feel as though this decision is a major slap in the face to our service members.
I have heard many concerns, and service members are uncertain about the future of the 175th Air Wing. The mission is to transition to a cyber wing.
I have long voiced my concern about the federal government’s decision to phase out the A-10 without a fully proven replacement.
While modernization is necessary, it must not come at the cost of readiness or the well-being of the communities that have supported these missions for generations.
I will continue to work with state and federal leaders to ensure that Martin State Airport remains a critical part of Maryland’s military and aviation infrastructure. I hope a deal is reached soon to give Maryland what we deserve- an air mission.
The buzz of the A-10s may no longer echo across our skies, but the spirit they represented—resilience, service, and community pride—will remain deeply rooted in Baltimore County.
Thank you to all our troops and their families for the sacrifices made to keep us safe here at home.
