House Passes Legislation to Support 179th Airlift Wing in Mansfield

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Marilyn John (R-Richland County) today announced that the Ohio House has approved House Concurrent Resolution 7, legislation that urges Congress and the U.S. Department of Defense to keep the 179th Airlift Wing in Mansfield and to utilize its expertise in support of the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft while awaiting a decision on the Air National Guard Cyber Wing.

The 179th Airlift Wing was organized in Mansfield on June 20, 1948. In 1976, the 179th closed its tactical fighter mission, and the unit converted to the C-130B Hercules aircraft. Since then, the 179th Airlift Wing has been supporting variations of C-130 aircraft for over forty years. 

Recently, the United States Air Force did not include Mansfield in the possible locations for support of the C-130J Super Hercules, the newest version of the C-130, and the only model still in production.

“Over the past 73 years, the men and women of the 179th Airlift Wing have honorably served the United States through many missions and countless deployments, home and abroad,” said John. “They have proven to be a great community partner for Richland and Ashland counties and an economic driver in our region.”

John also noted the 179th Airlift Wing has been recognized for numerous awards and has participated in humanitarian efforts around the world, including Restore Hope in Somalia, Operation Provide Promise in Bosnia, UN relief efforts and Operations Joint Guard and Forge in support of NATO operating out of Rhein-Main and Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as well as relief to those affected by hurricanes Hugo, Andrew, and Katrina.

“Given the unique history, personnel, facilities, and capacity of the 179th Airlift Wing, I strongly believe it should be kept in Mansfield and continue to support the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft or the Air National Guard Cyber Wing,” added John. “I sincerely thank my colleagues in the House for passing this important legislation.”

The resolution now heads to the Senate for consideration.