It’s time once again for Valley to rally in support of AF base

When the federal government sought to reduce defense spending in 2005 by closing military installations, residents of the Mahoning Valley rallied with a grass-roots campaign called SOAR (Save Our Airbase Reservists) to keep the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna Township off the list. And when General Motors Corp. was looking for a plant in which to build the Chevrolet Cavalier and the Pontiac Sunfire, then the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac GS 5 and, finally, the Chevrolet Cruze, the private and public sectors again came together to let state government and the auto maker know that this region was totally committed to the Lordstown assembly plant.

When called upon, the residents of this region will rally in support of major employers. This year, they will again be asked to let their voices be heard as the Defense Department’s Base Closure and Realignment Commission begins its evaluation and research as part of the decision-making that will occur in 2013-14. While the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, home to the 910th Airlift Wing and Navy and Marine units, is in a stronger position this year than it was in 2005 to avert closure, nothing can be left to chance.

Tom Humphries, chief executive officer of the Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber, has issued the clarion call, just as he has done in previous years.

“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 recently.

His comment followed an announcement by the Pentagon that the number of transport and cargo C-130 airplanes stationed there will be reduced from 12 to 10. The reduction will be achieved by replacing six older-model aircraft with four newer ones. That should give the Valley the impetus to launch an aggressive campaign to keep the facility off the closing list.

“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,” said Congressman Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, who has been the leading advocate for the base. “But news like this reminds us of Youngstown’s resiliency and ability to come up with the best in difficult situations.”

The federal government has invested heavily in the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, including $34.5 million for a construction project.

Economic impact

The economic impact of having the base in the Mahoning Valley has been well publicized. There are 2,400 reservists, civilians and contractors in full-time and part-time positions. The facility pumps $100 million into the region’s economy.

The transfer of the four newer models to the Youngstown base will allow local reservists to train on advanced-technology aircraft and ensure that the facility has access to the same cutting-edge instruments throughout the Air Force, according to Ryan.

The Youngstown Air Reserve Station is the second largest military installation in Ohio. While the residents of the Valley participate in another SOAR campaign, we would expect Gov. John Kasich to join with Ryan and other local officials in making the case to the Pentagon for not only keeping the base off the closing list, but to ensure future investments.