Issue link: http://savannah.uberflip.com/i/1542376
37 22 Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce 2026 Economic Trends Industry: Military and Federal Government The federal government presence in southeastern Georgia is a substantial and steadying component of the regional economy. In additional to the notable military presence in the region, additional federal government agencies are present including the U.S. District Court, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Census Bureau, and Internal Revenue Service. Ft. Stewart, located in the Hinesville MSA immediately south of the Savannah metro region, and Hunter Army Airfield (AAF) in the City of Savannah generate substantial economic activity in the Savannah CSA. Ft. Stewart and Hunter AAF have an annual financial impact of $6 billion. Ft. Stewart is the largest military installation east of the Mississippi River and covers nearly 288,000 acres with another 6,000 acres at Hunter Army Airfield. Additionally, about 13,000 military retirees live in the region. In 2025, total active duty military employment in the Savannah and Hinesville MSAs was approximately 29,000 while federal civilian employment was 6,700. Military and Federal Government Employment in Savannah and Hinesville MSAs Military Personnel Federal Civilian Workers Employment Compensation (Billions) Compensation per Employee Employment Compensation (Millions) Compensation per Employee 2023 NA $2.3 NA 6,588 $719 $109,138 2022 22,611 $2.2 $97,000 6,579 $666 $101,300 2021 22,552 $2.1 $94,700 6,645 $660 $99,400 2020 21,962 $2.0 $90,400 6,804 $643 $94,500 2019 21,695 $1.9 $87,000 6,719 $632 $94,100 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Tables CAINC6N and Georgia Department of Labor, Industry Mix Tables . Note. Compensation includes wages and salaries as well as benefits. Fully updated data for 2024 and 2025 were not available as of printing. The Savannah Air National Guard Base is at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Based there are the 165th Airlift Wing and the Air Dominance Center. The 165 th 's mission focus is Air Mobility - flying the C-130J Super Hercules cargo aircraft - delivering global air transportation of equipment and supplies during times of war and natural disasters. The Air Dominance Center (ADC), a Combat Readiness Training Center, plays host to units from across the country benefiting from the tremendous airspace and facilities supporting the world's most technologically advanced fighter aircraft. After a 19-year hiatus, the ADC hosted William Tell, the world's largest fighter competition in September 2023 and will host the event again in March 2026. Notably, funding for a $26 million dining facility is being worked to support the Airmen who train annually at the ADC. The direct expenditures of both units are $135 million, 86% of which is compensation and allowances to military and civilian personnel. In 2025, the total economic impact was $230 million. Air National Guard 165th Airlift Wing FY 2025 Military/Civilian Pay and Allowances $116,273,087 Goods and Services $19,134,562 Direct Expenditures $135,407,649 Economic Impact Multiplier 1.7 Total Economic Impact $230,193,003 Source: Georgia Air National Guard, 12/25.