After 46 years of military service spanning combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, a veteran Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog” will make its final flight this month, returning to the Maryland city where it was born.
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Cory W. Watts from Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The historic aircraft, tail number 79-0087, is scheduled to touch down at Hagerstown Regional Airport at noon on Sept. 22, marking what is likely the last time an A-10 will ever land at the airport where more than 700 of the legendary attack aircraft were built between 1976 and 1984.
The homecoming flight serves as the capstone to a weekend celebrating the 100th anniversary of Fairchild Aircraft, the company that put Hagerstown on the aviation map and whose legacy continues to define the city’s identity.
A-10 #087 first took flight from the Fairchild plant at Hagerstown Regional Airport in 1979 and has served with the Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Wing ever since. The aircraft will be permanently preserved and displayed at the Hagerstown Aviation Museum through the National Museum of the United States Air Force civilian loan program, joining what is already the world’s largest collection of historic Fairchild aircraft.
“This is an emotional and historic moment, not just for the museum, but for our entire community,” said John Seburn, president of the Hagerstown Aviation Museum. “More than 700 A-10s rolled out of the Fairchild-Republic factory right here in Hagerstown from 1976 to 1984. Now, after decades of faithful service defending American troops, 087 is coming home.”
The A-10’s arrival represents the end of an era for both the aircraft and the 175th Wing, which is transitioning from its A-10 mission to a cyber-focused role as the venerable “Warthog” is retired from active service. The Sept. 22 flight is reported to be the Wing’s final A-10 departure.
The public is invited to witness the historic arrival, with the museum opening at 10 a.m. and admission available by donation. The homecoming flight caps a three-day celebration of Fairchild Aircraft’s centennial that runs from Sept. 12 through 14 at the airport.
The anniversary weekend features an impressive display of vintage Fairchild aircraft, including a rare UC-61 Forwarder operated by the Capital Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. The UC-61, designed and first flown by Fairchild in 1931, represents another chapter in the company’s storied history. Only 306 aircraft of this specific type were built, making the Capital Wing’s airworthy example one of only a few remaining.
During the weekend celebration, visitors can experience warbird rides in both the UC-61 Forwarder and a 1941 Boeing PT-17 Stearman bi-plane, both painted in U.S. Coast Guard colors to honor the service that used Fairchilds on anti-submarine patrols during World War II.
Additional anniversary attractions include a 1940s Hangar Dance, a Wings & Wheels car and aircraft show, food vendors, and musical entertainment. Tours of a visiting Fairchild A-10 will also be available during the weekend events.
“We would like to thank the National Museum of the USAF and the 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard for the opportunity to receive this iconic Hagerstown-built A-10,” said Kurtis Meyers, vice president and curator of the Hagerstown Aviation Museum. “This tribute honors Fairchild’s legacy, the veterans who served with it, and the thousands of workers who designed and built the A-10.”
More information about both the A-10 homecoming and Fairchild centennial celebration is available at hagerstownaviationmuseum.org and capitalwingwarbirdrides.org.
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