122nd Celebrates Victory
By: Robert Bumsted
Updated: January 3, 2013
Fort Wayne's 122nd Fighter Wing is celebrating a victory. Thursday morning, President Obama signed a new defense budget, and with that came the preservation of Fort Wayne's fighter jets -- as well as dozens of local jobs.
Back in February 2012, the threat of new budget cuts from Washington put the 122nd's fighter jet program on the chopping block.
Since then, officials at the 122nd have worked with lawmakers to reverse the defense department's decision.
"We've been fighters now for 65 years," says Col. David Augustine, commander of the 122nd. "The Air National Guard is only 20 cents on the dollar so it really comes down to efficiency -- it's some challenging times out there."
Augustine says he's also looking into future upgrades for the base. In the coming years, the 122nd plans to add up to 50 active duty members. They're also pushing to get the air force's newest fighter, the F-35
Back in February 2012, the threat of new budget cuts from Washington put the 122nd's fighter jet program on the chopping block.
Since then, officials at the 122nd have worked with lawmakers to reverse the defense department's decision.
"We've been fighters now for 65 years," says Col. David Augustine, commander of the 122nd. "The Air National Guard is only 20 cents on the dollar so it really comes down to efficiency -- it's some challenging times out there."
Augustine says he's also looking into future upgrades for the base. In the coming years, the 122nd plans to add up to 50 active duty members. They're also pushing to get the air force's newest fighter, the F-35
