Study outlines impact of 122nd Fighter Wing
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
A new report from Purdue University’s Community Research Institute shows the Indiana National Guard’s 122nd Fighter Wing generates an estimated $113 million in economic impact for the entire state.
The study was commissioned by Greater Fort Wayne Inc. (GFW) to detail the impact of the Fort Wayne-based fighter wing on local, regional and statewide levels.
The 122nd Fighter Wing was originally established in 1943, when it was known as the 358th Fighter Group out of Richmond Army Base in Virginia. It was re-designated the 122nd Fighter Group and assigned to the Indiana Air National Guard in 1946.
Rachel Blakeman, director of the Community Research Institute, says with a mix of full-time and part-time personnel, the economic reach of the 122nd extends across the entire state.
The report estimates that local spending of the 122nd is an estimated $63.5 million, and $94.1 million across the 10 counties that make up Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District.
The spending includes employee payroll and benefits, utilities and maintenance, food, lodging and education.
“While the community may be familiar with the military readiness component, especially with the switch over to the F-16s this month, the 122nd Fighter Wing’s operations at Fort Wayne International Airport should not be overlooked as a driver of economic activity locally, in the 3rd Congressional District, and statewide,” Blakeman said in a news release. “It is worth noting the economic impact of the 122nd Fighter Wing is likely much larger and dynamic than what the available data represents.”
GFW President and CEO John Urbahns says the 122nd has 423 full-time military and civilian employees and 727 part-time military employees.
In January, the Indiana Air National Guard announced the Fort Wayne base would transition from the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft to the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, which previously flew at the base from 1991-2010.
“With over 1,000 Citizen-Airmen members living and working here in the Hoosier heartland, the 122nd isn’t just part of the community, we are the community,” said Col. Joshua C. Waggoner, 122nd Fighter Wing Commander. “We are extremely excited to not only continue having a positive impact on Indiana’s economy, but also to continue providing decisive fire power to combatant commanders around the globe.”
You can connect to the full Purdue Fort Wayne report by clicking here.