104th Fighter Squadron
Encyclopedia
The 104th Fighter Squadron is an attack squadron equipped with the A-10 Thunderbolt II
. It is a unit of the Maryland Air National Guard
. Its parent unit is the 175th Wing
.
, Maryland
. It became the first post-World War I National Guard unit to be equipped with its own aircraft, 13 Curtiss JN-4
Jennies, which it flew until 1923.
Initially assigned as division aviation for the 29th Infantry Division, the unit operated out of Baltimore's Logan Field
. In addition to Jennies, the 104th flew a variety of other aircraft during the interwar period, almost all of them two-seat biplanes.
Along with the rest of the Maryland National Guard, the 104th was mobilized for federal service on February 3, 1941. During World War II, the 104th flew anti-submarine patrols out of Atlantic City, New Jersey
, and was awarded campaign credit for participation in the Anti-Submarine
Campaign. On October 18, 1942, the unit was inactivated and its personnel transferred to the 517th Bombardment Squadron.
The 104th was transferred without personnel or aircraft to Birmingham, Alabama
and reassigned to III Air Support Command. It was again reassigned to 3rd Air Force and reactivated at Ft. Myers, Florida in March 1943, now manned by Regular Army
replacements. At the end of March, the unit was re-designated athe 104th Reconnaissance
Squadron (Fighter) and transferred to Thomasville Army Airfield, Georgia
, where it conducted flight training. In August 1943 it was redesignated as the 489th Fighter Squadron. The unit was deactivated in May 1944 and its members reassigned.
In 1946, the 104th was reactivated as the 104th Fighter Squadron at Harbor Field in Baltimore, equipped with P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft, later replaced by F-51 Mustangs. From 1955 to 1958, the unit was organized as a fighter-interceptor squadron and charged with defending the Baltimore-Washington area against possible Soviet bomber
attack. The unit soon converted to F-86 Sabrejets, and in 1957 relocated to the Glenn L. Martin Company Airport, whose longer runway was necessary to support jet operations.
When the 175th Tactical Fighter Group was established in October 1962, the 104th Tactical Fighter Squadron, which had heretofore operated as an independent squadron, became a part of the new group. Since then, it has remained a subordinate unit of the 175th (now the 175th Wing
) and a part of the Maryland Air National Guard
.
The squadron's first federal mobilization since World War II
occurred in April 1968, when the 104th, along with the rest of the Maryland National Guard, was federalized during the Baltimore Riot
. The Maryland National Guard had already been on state active duty performing riot control duty, but was federalized to preserve unity of command when federal troops were sent into the city. The second mobilization took place from May to December 1968, when the 104th, along with maintenance elements and portions of the 175th Tactical Fighter Group headquarters, was called up in response to the USS Pueblo
crisis in Korea. The squadron was stationed at Cannon AFB, New Mexico, where it trained active Air Force pilots in forward air controller duties. The unit did not deploy overseas.
In 2003 the unit was mobilized and deployed to Bagram
Air Base, Afghanistan
. It remained there for six months conducting operations against al Qaeda and Taliban forces as part of the Consolidation I Campaign. It served longer at Bagram than any other United States Air Force
fighter unit. The unit was deployed to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, in 2007, where it was the first Air Force unit to fly the A-10C in combat. This deployment qualified the unit for credit for the Iraqi Surge Campaign. The 104th is also is notable for having won Gunsmoke
'91, the Air Force Worldwide Gunnery Competition.
A-10 Thunderbolt II
The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is an American single-seat, twin-engine, straight-wing jet aircraft developed by Fairchild-Republic in the early 1970s. The A-10 was designed for a United States Air Force requirement to provide close air support for ground forces by attacking tanks,...
. It is a unit of the Maryland Air National Guard
Maryland Air National Guard
The Maryland Air National Guard is the air force component of the militia of the U.S. state of Maryland. As a dual-status organization, it is also considered a reserve component of the United States Air Force.-Mission:...
. Its parent unit is the 175th Wing
175th Wing
The United States Air Force's 175th Wing is a composite fighter and tactical airlift unit located at Warfield Air National Guard Base at the Martin State Airport in Middle River, Maryland...
.
Mission
The 104th Fighter Squadron is an attack fighter squadron. Its primary mission is close air support (ground attack in support of troops in contact with enemy forces). Secondary missions include search and rescue and non-traditional reconnaissance.History
The 104th Fighter Squadron traces its origins to June 29, 1921, when it was federally recognized as the 104th Observation Squadron in BaltimoreBaltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
, Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
. It became the first post-World War I National Guard unit to be equipped with its own aircraft, 13 Curtiss JN-4
Curtiss JN-4
The Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny" was one of a series of "JN" biplanes built by the Curtiss Aeroplane Company of Hammondsport, New York, later the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company. Although the Curtiss JN series was originally produced as a training aircraft for the U.S...
Jennies, which it flew until 1923.
Initially assigned as division aviation for the 29th Infantry Division, the unit operated out of Baltimore's Logan Field
Logan Field (Baltimore, Maryland)
Logan Field, also known as Dundalk Flying Field is a former airport located northeast of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, near Baltimore, in the town of Dundalk, Maryland.-Name:...
. In addition to Jennies, the 104th flew a variety of other aircraft during the interwar period, almost all of them two-seat biplanes.
Along with the rest of the Maryland National Guard, the 104th was mobilized for federal service on February 3, 1941. During World War II, the 104th flew anti-submarine patrols out of Atlantic City, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, and was awarded campaign credit for participation in the Anti-Submarine
Submarine
A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation below the surface of the water. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability...
Campaign. On October 18, 1942, the unit was inactivated and its personnel transferred to the 517th Bombardment Squadron.
The 104th was transferred without personnel or aircraft to Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama. The city is the county seat of Jefferson County. According to the 2010 United States Census, Birmingham had a population of 212,237. The Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area, in estimate by the U.S...
and reassigned to III Air Support Command. It was again reassigned to 3rd Air Force and reactivated at Ft. Myers, Florida in March 1943, now manned by Regular Army
Regular Army
The Regular Army of the United States was and is the successor to the Continental Army as the country's permanent, professional military establishment. Even in modern times the professional core of the United States Army continues to be called the Regular Army...
replacements. At the end of March, the unit was re-designated athe 104th Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance is the military term for exploring beyond the area occupied by friendly forces to gain information about enemy forces or features of the environment....
Squadron (Fighter) and transferred to Thomasville Army Airfield, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
, where it conducted flight training. In August 1943 it was redesignated as the 489th Fighter Squadron. The unit was deactivated in May 1944 and its members reassigned.
In 1946, the 104th was reactivated as the 104th Fighter Squadron at Harbor Field in Baltimore, equipped with P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft, later replaced by F-51 Mustangs. From 1955 to 1958, the unit was organized as a fighter-interceptor squadron and charged with defending the Baltimore-Washington area against possible Soviet bomber
Bomber
A bomber is a military aircraft designed to attack ground and sea targets, by dropping bombs on them, or – in recent years – by launching cruise missiles at them.-Classifications of bombers:...
attack. The unit soon converted to F-86 Sabrejets, and in 1957 relocated to the Glenn L. Martin Company Airport, whose longer runway was necessary to support jet operations.
When the 175th Tactical Fighter Group was established in October 1962, the 104th Tactical Fighter Squadron, which had heretofore operated as an independent squadron, became a part of the new group. Since then, it has remained a subordinate unit of the 175th (now the 175th Wing
175th Wing
The United States Air Force's 175th Wing is a composite fighter and tactical airlift unit located at Warfield Air National Guard Base at the Martin State Airport in Middle River, Maryland...
) and a part of the Maryland Air National Guard
Maryland Air National Guard
The Maryland Air National Guard is the air force component of the militia of the U.S. state of Maryland. As a dual-status organization, it is also considered a reserve component of the United States Air Force.-Mission:...
.
The squadron's first federal mobilization since World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
occurred in April 1968, when the 104th, along with the rest of the Maryland National Guard, was federalized during the Baltimore Riot
Baltimore riot of 1968
The Baltimore Riot of 1968 began two days after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968. Rioting broke out in 125 cities across the United States, and spread to the city of Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, April 6. The Governor of Maryland, Spiro T...
. The Maryland National Guard had already been on state active duty performing riot control duty, but was federalized to preserve unity of command when federal troops were sent into the city. The second mobilization took place from May to December 1968, when the 104th, along with maintenance elements and portions of the 175th Tactical Fighter Group headquarters, was called up in response to the USS Pueblo
USS Pueblo (AGER-2)
USS Pueblo is an American ELINT and SIGINT Banner-class technical research ship which was boarded and captured by North Korean forces on January 23, 1968, in what is known as the Pueblo incident or alternatively as the Pueblo crisis or the Pueblo affair. Occurring less than a week after President...
crisis in Korea. The squadron was stationed at Cannon AFB, New Mexico, where it trained active Air Force pilots in forward air controller duties. The unit did not deploy overseas.
In 2003 the unit was mobilized and deployed to Bagram
Bagram
Bagram , founded as Alexandria on the Caucasus and known in medieval times as Kapisa, is a small town and seat in Bagram District in Parwan Province of Afghanistan, about 60 kilometers north of the capital Kabul. It is the site of an ancient city located at the junction of the Ghorband and Panjshir...
Air Base, Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
. It remained there for six months conducting operations against al Qaeda and Taliban forces as part of the Consolidation I Campaign. It served longer at Bagram than any other United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
fighter unit. The unit was deployed to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, in 2007, where it was the first Air Force unit to fly the A-10C in combat. This deployment qualified the unit for credit for the Iraqi Surge Campaign. The 104th is also is notable for having won Gunsmoke
Gunsmoke
Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West....
'91, the Air Force Worldwide Gunnery Competition.
Major Command
- Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
/Air Combat CommandAir Combat CommandAir Combat Command is a major command of the United States Air Force. ACC is one of ten major commands , reporting to Headquarters, United States Air Force ....
(1992–present) - Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
/Tactical Air CommandTactical Air CommandTactical Air Command is an inactive United States Air Force organization. It was a Major Command of the United States Air Force, established on 21 March 1946 being headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia...
(1962–1992) - Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
/Continental Air CommandContinental Air CommandContinental Air Command was a Major Command of the United States Air Force responsible primarily for administering the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.-Lineage:...
(1955-??)
Previous Designations
- 104th Observation Squadron (1921–1942)
- 104th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter) (1942–1943)
- 489th Fighter Squadron (1943–1944)
- 104th Fighter Squadron (1946–1952)
- 104th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (1952–1955)
- 104th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (1955–1958)
- 104th Tactical Fighter Squadron (1958–1992)
- 104th Fighter Squadron (1992–present)
Bases Stationed
- Logan Field, BaltimoreBaltimoreBaltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
, MarylandMarylandMaryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
(1921–1941) - Detrick Army AirfieldFort DetrickFort Detrick is a U.S. Army Medical Command installation located in Frederick, Maryland, USA. Historically, Fort Detrick was the center for the United States' biological weapons program ....
, FrederickFrederick, MarylandFrederick is a city in north-central Maryland. It is the county seat of Frederick County, the largest county by area in the state of Maryland. Frederick is an outlying community of the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is part of a greater...
, MarylandMarylandMaryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
(1941–1942) - Atlantic City Municipal Airport, Atlantic City, New JerseyNew JerseyNew Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
(1942) - Ft. Myers, FloridaFloridaFlorida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
(1943) - Thomasville Army Airfield, GeorgiaGeorgia (U.S. state)Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
(1943–1944) - Harbor FieldBaltimore Municipal AirportBaltimore Municipal Airport is a former airport and United States Air Force military airfield located about 6 miles southeast of Baltimore, Maryland on an artificial peninsula. Construction began in 1929 and was completed in 1941. It was closed on 30 December 1960...
, BaltimoreBaltimoreBaltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
, MarylandMarylandMaryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
(1946–1957)- Split operations with some aircraft based at Friendship Airport, MarylandMarylandMaryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
and Andrews Air Force BaseAndrews Air Force BaseJoint Base Andrews is a United States military facility located in Prince George's County, Maryland. The facility is under the jurisdiction of the United States Air Force 11th Wing, Air Force District of Washington ....
, MarylandMarylandMaryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
, (1955–1957)
- Split operations with some aircraft based at Friendship Airport, Maryland
- Warfield Air National Guard BaseWarfield Air National Guard BaseWarfield Air National Guard Base is the home base of the Maryland Air National Guard 175th Wing.-Overview:Martin State Airport, MD, is home to the 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard, itself composed of the 135th Airlift Group and the 175th Fighter Group...
, BaltimoreBaltimoreBaltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
, MarylandMarylandMaryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
(1957–1968) - Cannon Air Force BaseCannon Air Force BaseCannon Air Force Base is a United States Air Force Base, located approximately southwest of Clovis, New Mexico. It is under the jurisdiction of Air Force Special Operations Command ....
, New MexicoNew MexicoNew Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
(1968) - Warfield Air National Guard BaseWarfield Air National Guard BaseWarfield Air National Guard Base is the home base of the Maryland Air National Guard 175th Wing.-Overview:Martin State Airport, MD, is home to the 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard, itself composed of the 135th Airlift Group and the 175th Fighter Group...
, BaltimoreBaltimoreBaltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
, MarylandMarylandMaryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
(1968–present)
Aircraft Operated
- JN-4 Jenny (includes JN4D, JN4H and JNS)(1921–1927)
- TW-3 (1925–1930)
- O-2C (1926–1927)
- PT-1 (1927–1933)
- O-11 Falcon (1928–1932)
- O-17 Courier (1928–1933)
- BT-1 (1929–1934)
- O-38 (1930–1937)
- O-49 Vigilant (1935–1942)
- O-46 (1937–1941)
- O-47A (1938–1942)
- O-47B (1940–1941)
- BC-1A (1940–1941)
- P-40 Warhawk (1943–1944)
- P-39 Airacobra (1944)
- AT-6 Texan (1946–1955)
- C-47 Skytrain (1946–1959)
- B-26A-26 InvaderThe Douglas A-26 Invader was a United States twin-engined light attack bomber built by the Douglas Aircraft Co. during World War II that also saw service during several of the Cold War's major conflicts...
Invader (1946–1950) - L-5 Sentinel (1946–1950)
- P-47 Thunderbolt (1946–1951)
- F-51 Mustang (1951–1955)
- T-33 Shooting StarT-33 Shooting StarThe Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star is an American-built jet trainer aircraft. It was produced by Lockheed and made its first flight in 1948, piloted by Tony LeVier. The T-33 was developed from the Lockheed P-80/F-80 starting as TP-80C/TF-80C in development, then designated T-33A. It was used by the...
(1954–1970) - C-45H Expeditor (1954–1956)
- F-86E Sabre (1955–1957)
- F-86H Sabre (1957–1970)
- C-54D Skymaster (1967–1968)
- C-131A Samaritan (1972–1977)
- A-10AA-10 Thunderbolt IIThe Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is an American single-seat, twin-engine, straight-wing jet aircraft developed by Fairchild-Republic in the early 1970s. The A-10 was designed for a United States Air Force requirement to provide close air support for ground forces by attacking tanks,...
Thunderbolt II (1979–2007) - A-10CA-10 Thunderbolt IIThe Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is an American single-seat, twin-engine, straight-wing jet aircraft developed by Fairchild-Republic in the early 1970s. The A-10 was designed for a United States Air Force requirement to provide close air support for ground forces by attacking tanks,...
Thunderbolt II (2007–present)