March 7th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

Governor Wes Moore today released the following statement regarding the proposed cyber wing for the Maryland Air National Guard: 

“Maryland is home to the nation’s most advanced cyber assets, and the expansion of the National Guard’s mission is further testament to the vital work our men and women do for our national security as our country prepares to confront future challenges and adversaries. 

The Maryland Air National Guard has flown A-10s since 1979, making it one of the most experienced A-10 units in the Air Force. Through innovative service, the men and women of the 175th Wing have more than 60,000 hours of combined flying experience, 12,000 hours of combat flying experience, and provide support for combat airpower, cyber warfare capacity, partner nations, home communities and the State of Maryland. Any new cyber wing must be fully resourced in order to build the facilities and train personnel.

In partnership with our congressional delegation, we are advocating vigorously to maintain Maryland's flying mission, both in the interest of national security and the hundreds of jobs and families that will be affected by this transition. We are disappointed to learn of the Air Force's decision to hurriedly retire the A-10 mission across the nation, including the mission at Martin State, without a plan to retain experienced pilots and maintainers or to replace older systems with advanced aircraft. We are committed to working with our federal partners at the White House and the Pentagon to acquire another flying mission in Maryland this year.

As Maryland's A-10s prepare to deploy later this month to the U.S. Central Command theater of operations in the Middle East, we thank our dedicated service members for their skill, readiness, and valiant service to fulfill their mission—at home and abroad.”