Youngstown to lose planes, people with AF structure changes

Published Nov. 20, 2013
By Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr.
910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- The 910th Airlift Wing here will lose four aircraft and approximately 50 full time and 150 part-time positions during Fiscal Year 2014 as a result of Air Force structure changes.

On Oct.1, the wing permanently transferred two C-130s to training facility at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., leaving the wing with 10 primary inventory aircraft.

Two additional aircraft are scheduled to transfer out by March 31, reducing the wing's aircraft inventory to eight C-130s. The air wing will also lose approximately 50 full-time and 150 part-time positions associated with the reduction of the permanent aircraft inventory. The position reductions will take place throughout the fiscal year which ends September 30, 2014. The eight remaining aircraft include six C-130s modified to carry out the Department of Defense's only large-area, fixed-wing aerial spray mission.

Col. James Dignan, 910th Airlift Wing commander, said while the wing could not control changes to the Air Force structure; the unit would make every effort to keep its personnel informed about what the future could hold for them.

"We will do everything possible to let our Citizen Airmen and DOD civilians know what changes lie ahead and how they will be affected," said Dignan. "We will assist in any way we can to make these transitions as painless as possible in these uncertain times."

In addition, the commander said the 910th would do everything possible to keep people in the valley and beyond informed about the mission and capabilities the air wing and installation provide to the nation.

"We have a duty to the American people and Congress to keep them informed about how tax dollars are spent here. We have many assets unique to our installation and we will continue to spread the word about what the 910th and YARS provides to the national defense," Dignan said.