13 WTHR IndianapolisIndiana lawmakers seek to protect Fort Wayne base

Indiana lawmakers seek to protect Fort Wayne base

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FORT WAYNE -

The commander of Indiana Air National Guard's 122nd Fighter Wing says the base in Fort Wayne is awaiting word on whether it will be one of military bases the Pentagon closes.

The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports Colonel David Augustine said at a news conference Wednesday that all he's heard so far is media speculation. He says hopes to hear of a decision on Friday.

The base is completing a three-year conversion from the F-16 fighter jet to the A-10, used to support ground troops. But the Department of Defense is committed to the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

More than 1,200 people work at the base, including 314 full-time military personnel and 50 full-time state workers. He says the government spends more than $58 million a year on the base.

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