IN National Guard leader to address 122nd future in Fort Wayne Wednesday

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The future of flying fighter aircraft missions for the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne are hanging in the balance.

Recent announcements by the U.S. Air Force on structure changes included eliminating 20 A-10 fighter jets from the Fort Wayne base and replacing them with about nine to 11 MC-12s.

The move, if approved by Congress in the Air Force budget proposal, would eliminate fighter-missions that the Fort Wayne base has done for over 60 years.

The current A-10C are known as tank-busting fighter jets. The MC-12 is much smaller, and is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft.

The MC-12s primary objective is providing surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence to troops on the ground. It is equipped with sensors and cameras that can relay real-time video to troops on the front lines.

The A-10C is a single pilot aircraft, whereas the MC-12 has room for a crew of four: two pilots and two sensor operators. Because the Fort Wayne base would likely get around 10 MC-12s, it's not expected that additional pilots will be needed at the base.

In response to the proposed plans, the commander of the Indiana National Guard, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger is scheduled to address the conversion at the base Wednesday afternoon.

According to Col. David L. Augustine, 122nd Fighter Wing Commander, "Maj. Gen. Umbarger will pursue on behalf of Gov. Daniels, our congressional delegation and the Fort Wayne Base Community Council, the ability to keep the A-10 Warthog fighter jet at Fort Wayne."

The current proposal calls for the A-10s to be phased out this fall. The MC-12 aircraft wouldn't arrive until Oct. 2013.

All of the base changes are a result of military budget cuts ordered by the Department of Defense. Specifically, the Air Force budget will need to be approved by Congress and signed by the president before any changes can happen.

The debate on Capitol Hill has already become heated. Many congressional leaders oppose downsizing the military at any level. It isn't known when the budget will land in Washington for a vote.

The Fort Wayne base employs about 1,200 people. It's estimated annual economic impact is around $58 million, according to a 122nd FW statement.