MANSFIELD, Ohio – Over 30 new federal technicians will be sworn into duty by Col. Gary McCue at the 179th Airlift Wing, located at 1947 Harrington-Memorial Road, Mansfield, Ohio 44903 on Monday, Nov 4, 2013, at 10:00 a.m.
These 31 new employees are the first wave that will total 47 new hires by the end of 2013. The 179th Airlift Wing is growing in strength and numbers to support the new C-130H Hercules mission with a total eight aircraft that began arriving in May 2013. Some of the positions being filled include pilots, navigators, flight engineers, aircraft maintainers and various support function personnel.
Under aviation force structure changes in the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, the 179AW will reach approximately 300 full-time employees to maintain and operate eight C-130H Hercules aircraft.
The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. The C-130 operates worldwide throughout the U.S. Air Force, fulfilling a wide range of missions for both stateside and overseas operations.