FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Greater Fort Wayne Inc. recently contracted Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Community Research Institute to conduct a report detailing the direct, indirect, and induced economic impact of the Indiana Air National Guard’s 122nd Fighter Wing. The report measures the impacts of the air base within the economy of Allen County, Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District, and Indiana as a whole.
Within Allen County, the local spending of the 122nd is an estimated $63.5 million, and $94.1 million across the 10 northeastern counties of Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District. Statewide, the base’s economic impact is estimated to total $113 million. This spending includes operational expenditures such as employee payroll and benefits, utilities and maintenance, food, lodging, and education.
“With a mix of full-time and part-time personnel, the economic reach of the 122nd is centered in Fort Wayne but extends across northeast Indiana and the entire state.” said Rachel Blakeman, director of the Purdue University Fort Wayne Community Research Institute. “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. It is worth noting the economic impact of the 122nd Fighter Wing is likely much larger and dynamic than what the available data represents.”
According to the report, the 122nd supports over 1,100 jobs annually throughout the state of Indiana. In Allen County alone, the air base supports an estimated 672 employees – 60% of the total statewide jobs supported by the base.
“All too often, the Indiana National Guard and the Indiana Air National Guard are only looked at as a part-time employer. The 122nd Fighter Wing with 423 full-time military and civilian employees and 727 part-time military employees is a major employer in our community,” said John Urbahns, president and CEO of Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “It is important for the community to understand the role of the 122nd Fighter Wing as an economic driver in Indiana. While the wing prepares to receive new aircraft, the F-16 Fighting Falcon in the coming months, to maintain our national defense assets. The transition is also important to maintain their role as a major contributor to our local economy.”
The 122nd Fighter Wing dates as far back as 1942, originally the 358th Fighter Group. The transition to the F-16 continues not only military readiness, but also the economic benefits of the 122nd Fighter Wing in our community.
Click here to view the economic impact report.
About the 122nd Fighter Wing
The 122nd Fighter Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard stationed in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been a key element of military readiness since World War II and is prepared to be part of the Air Force’s domestic and international airpower for decades to come. For more information, visit 122fw.ang.af.mil.
About the Purdue University Fort Wayne Community Research Institute
The Purdue University Fort Wayne Community Research Institute (CRI) is a trusted partner of northeast Indiana’s business, government, and civic communities. CRI provides specialized services focused on economic, workforce and population data analysis. For more information, visit pfw.edu/cri.
About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its metro chamber alliance and primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc. focuses on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs, and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention, and community engagement.
