The Air Force announced today 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 March 4 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 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. Col. David Augustine, 122nd Fighter Wing Commander, said, “Our strategic goal remains to bring the JSF to Fort Wayne.  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.”

Gov. Mike Pence said, “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 70 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 Stutzman. “Thanks to Governor Pence, General 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.”

The Wing has deployed during six major overseas deployments since 9-11. Maj. Adjutant General of the State of Indiana Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, said, “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.”

“Without the great support of Governor Pence, Congressman Stutzman, Senator Donnelly, Senator Coats, Mayor Henry, our state delegation and the Fort Wayne Base Community Council, this opportunity would not have been possible,”  Umbarger said. “It takes a team to ensure everyone understands the true value of the 122nd Fighter Wing at Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base.”

In fact, recently, through the leadership of Scott Hinderman, executive director of airports, a program called the Airport Overlay District was approved that formalizes the inputs on local zoning, preparing the airport for the arrival of not only the F-16 but in the future, the Joint Strike Fighter.  It is clear, the Fort Wayne community, the Fort Wayne International Airport and the 122nd Fighter Wing are ready for the future.