Final A-10 units inactivate at Davis-Monthan
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 355th Operations Group, 357th Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Generation Squadron and the 355th Training Squadron were inactivated during a ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 18, 2026, marking the official end of the A-10 legacy at DM.
U.S. Air Force Col. Jose Cabrera, 355th Wing commander, presided over the historic ceremony. Airmen, families, retired A-10 pilots, local civic leaders and community members attended the event to recognize each A-10 unit’s service and contributions.
Upon activation on May 1, 1992, the 355 OG was tasked with control of the flying units assigned to the 355th Wing. From 1992-2026, the group provided the capabilities of the A-10 Thunderbolt II for the missions of close air support, forward air control and combat search and rescue. The group also deployed personnel to support warfighters across the globe and oversaw all formal A-10 pilot initial qualification and requalification training.
“For decades, every single active-duty pilot, who flew into harm’s way, was built right there on this flightline,” said Cabrera. “For nearly 50 years, the A-10 Thunderbolt has occupied a sacred place in American air power. It was never just an airplane. It was a promise. Davis-Monthan was part of that promise.”
To signify the inactivation of each A-10 unit, the respective guidons were rolled and cased by their last commander and Cabrera.
“We say the word ‘attack’,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Rodney Dwyer, final commander of the 355 OG and 355 TRS. “We have a great amount of pride when we say that word because it’s not just the challenge or response. It’s a distinct mentality – that aggressive state of mind that means using the opportunity when conditions are chaotic.”
The audience responded aloud with a roaring “attack” to honor each commander that relinquished their duties moments before casing their former guidon.
Attendees also heard remarks from the pilot who flew the first A-10 aircraft into Davis-Monthan AFB, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. (Retired) Glen “Wally” Moorhead.
“Nov. 7, 1975 was when I first flew the A-10 at DM,” explained Moorhead. “In 1974, I was very fortunate to be selected as the last and youngest member of the A-10 testing at Edwards [Air Force Base] and with a follow-on assignment I knew I would come to be the first A-10 pilot at DM.”
The ceremony focused on the history of the units and the members who put their lives on the line to support 18-year-old service members on the ground. It concluded with a group photo for all former 355 OG members and a ceremonious two-ship A-10 flyover.
“This has been an incredible job and opportunity, but it’s also been heavy,” U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Rutter, final commander of 357 FS. “I think about my time as a wingman, my job was to learn. As an instructor pilot, it was to teach. And now my charge [as a commander] is to leave.”
To preserve and present the 50-year legacy of the A-10 at DM, important historical documents and memorabilia from 355 OG, 357 FS, 357 FGS, and 355 TRS are being packed into containers to send to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB.
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