Last A-10 to Leave Depot, Maintenance Squadron to Deactivate
Air & Space Forces Magazine • • world
Key Points:
- The Air Force will deactivate the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Hill Air Force Base this month, ending depot maintenance for the A-10 Thunderbolt II and signaling a step toward retiring the close air support jet.
- Despite depot closure, the A-10 remains active and is currently engaged in operations in the Middle East, including providing close air support during a recent exercise in the Arabian Gulf.
- The A-10 has faced repeated retirement attempts by the Air Force since 2014, citing its aging design and the availability of newer aircraft like the F-35, but Congress has consistently blocked full divestment due to the jet’s combat effectiveness and lack of a replacement.
- Budget cuts have reduced depot maintenance funding for the
