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ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore and U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen today announced that the Secretary of the Air Force has directed the transfer of the 121st Fighter Squadron, previously part of the District of Columbia Air National Guard, to the Maryland Air National Guard. The decision secures the continuation of a flying mission for the State of Maryland.
“The men and women of the Maryland Air National Guard are some of the finest and most experienced pilots in the world. In partnership with our congressional delegation and federal partners, we have advocated vigorously to maintain Maryland's flying mission, both in the interest of national security and to continue the proud tradition that Maryland plays in defending our country,” said Gov. Moore. “This outcome is good for Maryland, good for our service members, and good for our national security. We thank the Secretary of the Air Force and all of the partners who helped get us here.”
The 121st Fighter Squadron of the 113th Wing flies F-16s at Joint Base Andrews. Details regarding the timeline and operational transition from D.C. to Maryland will be coordinated by the Air Force.
“Team Maryland has been united in our support for the brave men and women of the Air National Guard. Preserving Maryland’s flying mission is a win for these dedicated service members and our national security. We worked to secure this re-designation because it will provide stability at Joint Base Andrews, while simultaneously improving the current manning shortfalls of pilots and maintainers across the National Capitol Region. This is a win-win scenario,” said U.S. Senators Cardin and Van Hollen.
“This decision is a testament to the skill and dedication of the Maryland Air National Guard Airmen,” said Maryland Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, Adjutant General of Maryland. “It reflects the trust placed in our team to execute critical missions while safeguarding Maryland jobs and the livelihoods of our families. We want to thank Maryland’s leadership, including Governor Wes Moore and the state’s congressional delegation for their tireless advocacy, which ensured the Maryland fighter flying mission remains a cornerstone of national security.”
The Maryland A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft of the 104th Fighter Squadron are scheduled to be divested September 30, 2025.
“This is a historic moment for the Maryland Air National Guard,” said Maryland Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Drew E. Dougherty, Assistant Adjutant General – Air. “Over the past few years, we have been resolute on our commitment to securing a future flying mission. This transition is the first step in delivering a path where we can maintain our highly experienced pilots and maintainers, positions that are critically manned across the total force, while still keeping Maryland at the forefront of cyber operations. I am confident our Airmen will rise to meet the challenges of tomorrow with the same professionalism and dedication we have always shown.”
The Maryland Air National Guard began flying as a part of the 104th Observation Squadron, one of the oldest units in the U.S. Air Force, and was federally recognized on June 29, 1921.