About this Unit
The Maryland Air National Guard (MDANG) was established in 1921 as the 104th Observation Squadron, making it one of the oldest units in the Air National Guard. Throughout World War II, the unit was federalized and served in a variety of reconnaissance and support roles. During the Cold War, the MDANG transitioned through several aircraft and missions, including air defense and tactical fighter operations. In the modern era, the unit, now known as the 175th Wing, has participated in numerous overseas deployments, including Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, while also supporting homeland defense and disaster relief efforts.
Historical Facts
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Established in 1921: The Maryland Air National Guard (MD ANG) traces its roots to the formation of the 104th Observation Squadron on June 29, 1921, making it one of the original 29 National Guard observation squadrons formed before World War II.
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First Military Aviation Unit in Maryland: The 104th Observation Squadron was the very first military aviation unit organized in Maryland, initially based at Logan Field in Baltimore.
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World War II Service: During World War II, the 104th was federalized and served in anti-submarine patrols off the U.S. East Coast, helping to protect shipping lanes from German U-boats.
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Fighter Jets and Air Defense: The Maryland ANG transitioned to fighter aircraft after WWII and played a critical role in continental air defense throughout the Cold War, flying aircraft such as the P-47 Thunderbolt, F-86 Sabre, and F-16 Fighting Falcon.
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9/11 Response: On September 11, 2001, the 175th Wing scrambled F-16s to patrol the skies over Washington, D.C., providing air defense during the terrorist attacks.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: The Maryland ANG deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing close air support, reconnaissance, and airlift capabilities in combat zones.
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A-10 Thunderbolt II: The 175th Wing is one of the few Air National Guard units to operate the A-10C Thunderbolt II, specializing in close air support and combat search and rescue missions.
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Humanitarian Missions: The unit has taken part in several humanitarian missions, including hurricane disaster response in the U.S. and providing relief following natural disasters in Central America and the Caribbean.
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Cyber Operations: In recent years, the Maryland ANG has developed significant cyber warfare capabilities, supporting both state and federal missions to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
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Home Base at Warfield Air National Guard Base: The Maryland Air National Guard is headquartered at Warfield Air National Guard Base, co-located with Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, named after General Edwin Warfield, the unit’s first commander and a former Governor of Maryland.
