The 122nd Fighter Wing, flies the A-10 Thunderbolt II out of the Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Fort Wayne International Airport is adjacent to the base and is also known by its original name, Baer Field. Baer Field was named for 1st Lieutenant Paul Baer, a World War I veteran and Fort Wayne native.
Throwback Thursday .... These historical photo boards were expertly created for the opening of Baer Field Heritage Air Park, the park has been open to the public for almost two years in May. It is open to share our heritage and our mission with the public from 9 A.M. to dusk daily. We have a rich heritage with, Fighters at the Fort, and want to share this heritage with Fort Wayne as we have done here, at Baer Field since 1946 - Thank you Fort Wayne. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpboAmXBHgA
The 122nd Fighter Wing is currently converting from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the A-10 Thunderbolt, also known as the Warthog. from New A-10s arrive at Fort Wayne Courtesy Story July 6, 2010 at National Guard.mil.
Baer Field Heritage Air Park by 122nd Fighter Wing, Home of the Blacksnakes May 16, 2013 on YouTube The 122nd Fighter Wing cut the ribbon, opening the Baer Field Heritage Air Park for the public to enjoy 18 May. The park is located adjacent to the main gate of Indiana Air National Guard's 122nd Fighter Wing at Fort Wayne International Airport.
Currently on display in the park are the F-100, F-4, F-84, F-16 and the A-10 Thunderbolt II. The F-100 was flown at the unit from 1971 to 1979, the F-4 was flown at the unit from 1979 to 1992, the F-84 was flown at the unit from 1958 to 1971, and the F-16 was flown at the unit from 1992 to 2010, the unit currently flies and maintains, the A-10. Future plans include the addition of a P-51 Mustang and a T-33 jet trainer.
The 122nd Fighter Wing brings an estimated $113 million in economic impact to the state of Indiana according to a new report by the Purdue Fort Wayne Community Research institute.
"The 122nd Fighter Wing is extremely proud of our positive economic impact on the local and statewide communities we love and share," said Col. Joshua C. Waggoner, 122nd Fighter Wing commander. "We now stand poised to promote enduring positive impact thanks to our conversion to the F-16 fighter aircraft, which will continue to grace the skies above Indiana for years to come."
Check out this amazing oil painting by Charles Andrew Wurst, aviation artist and life-long Fort Wayne resident! Thanks for the beautiful tribute, Charles!
The painting is titled, "Blacksnakes: Changing of the Guard."
We're taking it #waybackwednesday to 1779, when our new motto "Storm Hell" gained its roots!
Amid the Revolutionary War, George Washington instructed General "Mad" Anthony Wayne to attack Stony Point, a British position in New York deemed impenetrable. Upon hearing this directive, Wayne is quoted as replying to Washington, "Issue the orders, sir, and I will storm hell!" On July 16, 1779, Wayne and his troops successfully besieged Stony Point, earning much praise and helping bring America one step closer to victory.
Discover the true economic impact of Indiana’s 122nd Fighter Wing! From generating $113 million statewide to supporting over 1,100 jobs, this unit is a major force in local and regional economies. And with the transition to F-16 aircraft, the future looks even brighter. There is no doubt that defense initiatives fuel economic growth. #AllenCountyEconomy#122ndFighterWing
BAE Systems, a community partner and defense company, recently toured the 122nd FW to learn more about our mission, technology and capabilities! Thank you for stopping by!
Civil engineer Airmen from the 122nd Fighter Wing are at Fox Island in Fort Wayne, removing storm-downed logs as part of a crucial training exercise. They're practicing clearing debris to ensure emergency vehicles can get through when it matters most. And they’re also cleaning the park! Win win.