43
910th avoids major cuts
VIENNA
The 910th Airlift Wing at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station is not among the reserve and active-duty facilities slated for closure or serious reduction in 2013.
However, under an Air Force restructuring plan announced Friday, the 910th will lose six older-model C-130 Hercules transport and cargo planes and gain four newer C-130s.
The restructuring plans are contained in the Air Force’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget request.
The 910th is currently authorized and assigned 12 Lockheed C-130H2s, which would result in a net loss of two planes under the restructuring.
U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, said the restructuring plans will impact 60 installations in more than 33 states, and some 227 aircraft will be retired or canceled in fiscal-year 2013, including the six C-130s at the 910th.
The transfer of these newer model C-130s to the Youngstown facility will enable local reservists to train on advanced- technology aircraft and ensure that Youngstown has access to the same cutting-edge instruments deployed throughout the Air Force, Ryan said.
“As we move forward with Congress’ plan to cut half a trillion dollars from the defense budget, everyone will be asked to make a little sacrifice. But news like this reminds us of Youngstown’s resiliency and ability to come up with the best in difficult situations,” he said.
Despite the overall positive news about Youngstown Air Reserve Station, which is economically important to the area, Thomas Humphries, president of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, said the area needs to gear up for another Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) campaign.
During the last BRAC process, the chamber, area elected officials and others mounted a campaign to save the Youngstown Air Reserve Station from possible closure.
The BRAC decisions will be made in 2013, but the evaluation and research will be done this year, said Humphries, indicating now is the time to have input in the process.
“I believe if we focus on the 910th aerial-spray mission, which is unique in the Air Force, and the quality of the facility, we can make a good case for the 910th,” Humphries said.