Maryland is in talks with the District of Columbia to potentially acquire the Air National Guard squadron currently based at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This development comes as part of a deal for the District to take control of the RFK Stadium campus. This move would secure Maryland’s access to an important asset in the event of a local emergency or natural disaster.
The discussions are still in the early stages, and it remains unclear whether the transfer of the Air National Guard squadron will come to fruition. A spokesperson for Maryland Governor Larry Hogan stated that they are exploring all options to ensure the safety and security of Maryland residents. The talks also include the possibility of relocating the squadron to a nearby facility.
Currently, the Air National Guard squadron, which includes F-16 fighter jets, is based at the Joint Air Defense Operations Center at the Reagan National Airport. The squadron plays a crucial role in protecting the airspace in the Washington, D.C. region, and its relocation would have significant implications for national security. The Maryland Air National Guard already operates a unit at Martin State Airport, which could potentially house the squadron if the deal goes through.
Both Maryland and the District of Columbia are working closely to finalize the terms of the RFK Stadium campus transfer, which would allow for the redevelopment of the site into a sports and entertainment complex. The potential relocation of the Air National Guard squadron is just one element of this larger agreement.
Overall, the discussions between Maryland and D.C. underscore the importance of cooperation and coordination between neighboring jurisdictions to address shared challenges and opportunities.
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