FORT WAYNE – The U.S. Air Force announced Tuesday that the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base, was selected to receive 18 F-16 Block 40 Fighting Falcons to replace the A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft they currently fly and maintain. The Pentagon’s proposed budget for 2015 includes cutting the A-10, leaving the F-16 as its replacement. The 122nd Fighter Wing previously flew the F-16 at Fort Wayne from 1991 until 2010, when it was replaced by the A-10C. Returning to the F-16 allows the 122nd to remain in fighters until the unit can vie for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, according to the announcement. “Our strategic goal remains to bring the JSF to Fort Wayne,” said Col. David Augustine, 122nd Fighter Wing commander. “Although we’ll hate to see our A-10s depart, this is the right mission at the right time to bridge us to the Joint Strike Fighter. Our rich history in the F-16 will once again return.” The 122nd has deployed during six major overseas operations since Sept. 11, 2001. Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, adjutant general of Indiana, said in the announcement, “The 122nd Fighter Wing is ready, willing and able 24/7 to answer our state and nation’s call. It is clear, the F-16 bridge mission to the Joint Strike Fighter is the right solution for our Air Force and the Indiana Air National Guard.” Gov. Mike Pence is quoted as saying in the announcement, “I’m determined to focus our energy on the future of the 122nd Fighter Wing and the men and women that serve our state and our nation. The F-16 is a perfect bridge mission to the Joint Strike Fighter, which Indiana is determined to bring to Fort Wayne.” “For nearly seventy years, Fort Wayne has been home to fighter planes and I’m proud the F-16’s will keep it that way,” said U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman in the announcement. “Thanks to Gov. Pence, Gen. Umbarger and Hoosier leaders, we made the case that the 122nd Fighter Wing’s battle-tested capabilities are a cost-effective and strategic asset. I’m pleased that the Air Force agrees.”
