The Lemoore Naval Air Station contributed an estimated $654 million to the economies of Kings and Fresno counties in 2007-08, according to a report distributed Wednesday.
The report issued by the U.S. Navy said the 49-year-old base -- headquarters for its West Coast fleet of strike-fighter aircraft squadrons -- is responsible for more than 12,000 jobs in the two counties.That includes 6,100 military personnel, more than 1,000 civilian government employees, about 400 civilian contractors and other jobs associated with the base's spending in the region.The figure for the federal fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, 2008, includes spending by base personnel and their families -- as well as by more than 19,000 short-term military visitors who come to the base for training -- on goods and services in Lemoore and neighboring communities.