Fort Wayne, IN -- The Komets announced Friday that there will be a press conference Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 2:00pm, at Heritage Park, home of the Air National Guard, 122nd Fighter Wing. Heritage Park is adjacent to Fort Wayne International Airport on W. Ferguson road.

The press conference will be held to announce that the Komets will be known as the Fort Wayne Blacksnakes, in honor of the 122nd Fighter Wing during Military Appreciation Weekend at Komet home games Friday, Nov. 2, and Saturday, Nov. 3.



The Komets will wear special Blacksnakes jerseys during both home games of Military Appreciation Weekend, sponsored by Big City Cars. "The family at Big City Cars is honored to partner with the Fort Wayne Komets in celebration of Military Appreciation Weekend". Tim Duncan, Manager of Big City cars said. "This year’s jersey design, paying tribute to the Fort Wayne Air National Guard Blacksnakes, is simply awesome and we anticipate the fans of the Komets will be in full force supporting the jersey auction this year."

The Blacksnakes jerseys worn in this Friday and Saturday's games will be sold in a silent auction during the games. "For the 2nd year in a row we have selected Honor Flight Northeast Indiana as the recipient of our charity of choice," Duncan added. "This local organization does an outstanding job supporting our veterans by providing an opportunity to visit our Nation’s Capital and the many memorials to thank our Veterans and paying tribute to those who gave their life for our freedom."

The Blacksnakes are the proud men and women of the 122nd Fighter Wing, which traces its heritage back to the 358th Fighter Group that was activated in January, 1943 at Richmond Army Air Base in Virginia. Following the surrender of Germany, the group redeployed to the United States in July 1945. In May 1946, the group was redesignated as the 122nd Fighter Group, later became Fighter Wing, and was assigned with all honors and colors to the Indiana Air National Guard.

“The 122nd Fighter Wing is honored to participate in such a great event and have the Komets take on the Blacksnakes name during Military Appreciation Weekend! Fort Wayne is a fantastic community and we are extremely thankful for all of your support," said Col. Michael Stohler, Commander, 122nd Fighter Wing.

The 122nd Fighter Wing serves in the Air Expeditionary Forces deployment rotation, as well as deploying members to augment Air Force and Army units serving at home and abroad. The 122nd Fighter Wing has contributed multiple combat medical teams, security forces squads, vehicle drivers and pilots who are hand-picked for their outstanding combat flying skills and many individuals who are asked to serve on specialty teams in the Middle East. Combat Zone assignments include Afghanistan, Iraq, Oman, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Diego Garcia and many more areas.



In addition to representatives of the Blacksnakes, all Fort Wayne Komets players, coaches and management will be in attendance at the press conference Tuesday.

All Fort Wayne area media are invited to attend.