A-10 "Warthog" Flies Home to Hagerstown-Birthplace of the A-10 Thunderbolt II

HAGERSTOWN, Md., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An iconic Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog" is flying home to Hagerstown, Maryland – the birthplace of this revered USAF attack aircraft. Fairchild-Republic A-10C, tail number 79-0087, has been serving with the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard, since its manufacture in 1979. This historic combat veteran A-10 has been given its last mission – to fly home to the place of its creation and serve as a permanent representative for all the A-10s that were built in this city. It will join the largest collection of Fairchild aircraft anywhere in the world at the Hagerstown Aviation Museum.

A-10 "087" is scheduled to arrive at Hagerstown Regional Airport on Monday, September 22, at noon. This aircraft took its first flight from the Fairchild plant at the Hagerstown Regional Airport in 1979 and will return to the same airport forty-six years later. This will mark 087's final flight and is likely the last time an A-10 will land at Hagerstown Regional Airport. The public is invited to witness this historic one-time event. The museum will open at 10:00 AM, with the planned arrival time set for 12:00 PM. Admission will be by donation.

"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."

Fairchild A-10 087 will be permanently preserved and displayed at the Hagerstown Aviation Museum through the National Museum of the United States Air Force (NMUSAF) civilian museum loan program. "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." 

"087" served in Afghanistan and Iraq, along with many other overseas missions.  The Fairchild A-10s were the most respected attack aircraft ever built. Infantry and ground troops loved the airplane because its entire design and purpose were focused on providing effective and devastating close air support. The A-10 was exceptionally durable and could "loiter" for a long period of time. It was a highly reliable and trusted "flying tank" for ground troops facing enemy threats, serving as a lifesaver on the battlefield.

The Maryland Air National Guard 175^th Wing is transitioning from the A-10, which is being retired, to a cyber-focused mission. It has been reported that the A-10 coming home to Hagerstown on September 22^nd will be the last flight of the Wing's last A-10.

In addition to the A-10 Homecoming Event on September 22, the museum is holding a special event celebrating the 100th anniversary of Fairchild Aircraft on September 12,13 & 14.  See vintage Fairchild aircraft, including a visiting A-10, enjoy a 1940s Hangar Dance, Fairchild aircraft rides, a Wings & Wheels car and aircraft show, classic car cruise-in, food, music, and vendors. Go to hagerstownaviationmuseum.org/fairchild100/ for more details.

About the Hagerstown Aviation Museum

The Hagerstown Aviation Museum is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and presenting more than 100 years of the region's aviation heritage. Over the past 30 years, the museum has grown from a concept to the world's largest collection of historic Fairchild aircraft, including the PT-19, XNQ, C-82, C-119 Flying Boxcar, C-123K, F-27, and many others. The museum's archives include more than fifteen thousand photographs and thousands of historic artifacts, personal items, films, and artworks. On scheduled dates, visitors can even fly in the museum's fully restored 1943 Fairchild PT-19. Museum hours are: Monday through Saturday 10 am to 4 pm.

For more information, visit: www.hagerstownaviationmuseum.org

The Hagerstown Aviation Museum is home to the Richard A. Henson Aviation Education Center and is generously supported by the Richard A. Henson Foundation. Other major supporters include the Jone L. Bowman Family Foundation, the Nora Roberts Foundation, the Delaplaine Foundation, the Paul K. and Anna E. Shockey Family Foundation, the Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation, Rider Jet Center, Sierra Nevada Corporation, and numerous individual donors.

The Hagerstown Aviation Museum's continued success depends on community support. Volunteers, sponsors, donors, and advocates are needed now more than ever as the museum prepares for this historic A-10 arrival and long-term expansion.

Rider Jet Center is a sustaining sponsor of the museum and supports the museum's flights. See: www.riderjetcenter.com. 

SOURCE Hagerstown Aviation Museum