Maryland National Guard Welcomes F-16 Fighter Squadron Transfer
The Maryland National Guard will receive F-16s from D.C. as it phases out its A-10 Thunderbolts, marking a significant transition for the state.
Maryland, F-16, A-10 Thunderbolt, National Guard, D.C., Andrews Air Force Base
Middle River: So, guess what? The Maryland Air National Guard is getting a squadron of F-16s from D.C. They’re saying goodbye to their A-10 Thunderbolts this fall. It’s a big change, and everyone’s buzzing about it.
This whole thing was kind of a back-and-forth between Maryland and D.C. It looked like nothing was going to happen, but then the Air Force stepped in and said, “Hey, we’re transferring the 121st Fighter Squadron to Maryland.” Pretty cool, right?
Brig. Gen. Drew E. Dougherty from the Maryland Air National Guard called it a historic moment. He mentioned how they’ve been working hard to secure a future flying mission. This is just the first step to keep their skilled pilots and maintainers on board.
Right now, the Maryland Air National Guard has the 104th Fighter Squadron with those old A-10s. But the Air Force has been trying to phase them out for years. They’re set to be gone by September 30.
The 121st Fighter Squadron, which flies the newer F-16s, is based at Andrews Air Force Base. It’s still up in the air whether they’ll stay there or move to Middle River. Maryland’s senators are on it, saying the Air Force will sort out the details.
They also mentioned that keeping Maryland’s flying mission is a win for the service members and national security. It’s all about stability and filling those pilot and maintainer gaps in the National Capitol Region.
Interestingly, this whole swap was part of a big budget bill that was being debated. There was a lot of back and forth, and some things got cut, but it looks like the fighter squadron transfer is happening after all.
Oh, and there’s also a deal about the old RFK Stadium site. The District is getting some control over it, which could lead to new developments, including a stadium. They’re hoping to lure the Commanders back from Landover.
In response, Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore said they’ve got a plan with the Commanders’ owners to redevelop the Landover site if they decide to move. It’s all about keeping the team in Maryland, and they’re not worried about competition.
Moore’s pretty confident that Landover is still the best spot for a new stadium. It’s a lot of moving parts, but it’s exciting to see how it all unfolds!