Full Breakdown
U.S. Air Force Deactivates A-10 Depot Maintenance Squadron Amid Retirement Push
2/23/2026, 10:12:57 PM
Final A-10 Maintenance Squadron Deactivated
The U.S. Air Force (USAF) is set to send its last A-10 Thunderbolt II through depot-level maintenance this month, marking the deactivation of the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. This unit has been responsible for major overhauls, upgrades, and structural repairs of the A-10 since 1998. The decision to close the depot is part of the Air Force's ongoing initiative to retire the A-10 fleet, which has faced scrutiny and debate for over a decade. Personnel from the deactivated squadron will be reassigned to support the F-35 Lightning II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and C-130 Hercules fleets at the Ogden Air Logistics Complex.
A-10's Operational Role and Retirement Debate
Despite the deactivation of its maintenance unit, the A-10 remains operational, recently providing close air support during a training exercise in the Arabian Gulf. The aircraft has been a staple in U.S. military operations since the 1970s, playing crucial roles in conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, the Air Force has argued that the aging A-10 is not survivable in modern combat scenarios and that its close air support capabilities can be effectively replaced by newer platforms like the F-35.
The Air Force has sought to retire the A-10 since 2014, with Congress repeatedly blocking full divestment. Recent budget proposals indicate a plan to retire the remaining 162 A-10s two years earlier than previously scheduled. In fiscal 2026, the Air Force requested no funding for depot maintenance, reducing the budget from $124.5 million in fiscal 2024 to $60.8 million in fiscal 2025.
Congressional Pushback and Future Implications
Congress intervened in December 2025, halting plans to retire 102 A-10s, citing the aircraft's continued relevance in recent conflicts and the absence of a dedicated replacement for close air support. Without a dedicated depot for maintenance, the remaining A-10s may face availability challenges over time, as they typically require maintenance every 1,500 to 3,000 flight hours.
As the Air Force transitions away from the A-10, various flying units are shifting to newer aircraft types. For instance, Moody Air Force Base is replacing its A-10s with F-35s, while the Idaho Air National Guard's 124th Fighter Wing and the Indiana ANG's 122nd Fighter Wing are transitioning to F-16s.
Official Statements & Responses
Brig. Gen. G. Hall Sebren Jr., commander of the Ogden Air Logistics Complex, remarked on the significance of the A-10's maintenance mission, stating, “This mission has been a point of pride for the entire complex... Our maintainers extended the life of this aircraft again and again.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Air Force has made plans to retire the A-10 fleet, the ongoing congressional opposition raises questions about the future of the aircraft. The lack of dedicated funding for depot maintenance could lead to operational challenges for the remaining A-10s, which may not receive necessary repairs in a timely manner.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The A-10 came to Hill because of the skill and dedication of our workforce, and it stayed here because that expertise only grew stronger with time.” — Brig. Gen. G. Hall Sebren Jr., Ogden Air Logistics Complex commander.
- “Follow us: WhatsApp | BlueSky | Google News | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook The Air Force has sought to divest the A-10 for more than a decade, arguing that the aircraft lacks survivability in high-end conflict and that its close air support role can be performed by other platforms such as the F-35.” — U.S. Air Force statement on A-10 retirement.
