Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base

Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base is a United States Air Force installation co-located with Fort Wayne International Airport in Indiana. Established in 1941 as Baer Army Air Base, it was named after World War I flying ace Paul Baer. During World War II, it served as a major training airfield and aircraft processing base, particularly for C-47 Skytrain and C-46 Commando transport aircraft, equipping Troop Carrier squadrons and training their aircrews. After the war, the base was largely turned over to civil control in 1946, becoming Fort Wayne Municipal Airport, though the Air Force maintained control over a section for reserve and Air National Guard activities.

Since 1952, the base has been the home station of the Indiana Air National Guard's 122nd Fighter Wing. The 122nd Fighter Wing, known as the "Blacksnakes," is operationally gained by the Air Combat Command (ACC). The unit has operated various aircraft types, including F-51 Mustangs, F-84 Thunderjets, F-80 Shooting Stars, F-86 Sabres, F-84 Thunderstreaks, and F-16C/D Fighting Falcons. In 2010, the unit converted to the A-10 Thunderbolt II for a close air support mission. However, starting in January 2023, the 122nd FW began converting back to the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon, with 21 aircraft expected to be delivered by October 2023.

The base features three runways with asphalt/concrete surfaces: 5/23 measuring 3,651.8 meters, 14/32 measuring 2,439 meters, and 9/27 measuring 1,219.5 meters. The 122nd Fighter Wing's primary federal mission is to maintain operational readiness, providing trained and equipped combat-ready tactical units capable of global deployment and integration into the active Air Force for air offense, air defense, or joint actions. Additionally, the unit can assist local authorities in Indiana during disasters or emergencies.