MANSFIELD –What does the 179th Airlift Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard mean to north central Ohio?
About $80 million annually, just in terms of economic impact through payroll, operations, and commodities (lodging and food during drill weekends) at Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport.
And even more when you consider what the 1,000-member unit means to the area in other, less measurable ways, including a pride that dates back more than seven decades.
That is what’s most troubling about a U.S. Air Force budget decision that has put the unit’s flying mission again into jeopardy.
The Air Force has announced plans to dial back the number of older C-130H models in its fleet, eight of which call Mansfield home as part of the Ohio Air National Guard unit.
If the divestiture of the older aircraft include the big, four-engine transports in Mansfield, a military flying tradition that began in 1948 with fighter aircraft could come to an end.
“It’s a ‘soft BRAC,'” said retired Brig. Gen. Rich Green, the former commander of the 179th who later served in the Ohio Adjutant General’s office in Columbus and then as the legislative director for the National Guard Association of the United States in Washington, D.C.
Green, the chairman of the Mansfield Military Affairs Council, told Richland Source the Air Force plans to make its changes through the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, which specifies the annual budget and expenditures of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Part of the Air Force plan is to supply some National Guard units with the newer C-130J model aircraft, but the 179th is not on that list.
The impact of the 179th doesn’t end at the gates of the military base on the city’s north side, a fact that has led to challenges of the Air Force plans from U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Rep. Troy Balderson, a congressman whose district includes part of Richland County.
“I am committed to ensuring the base and the Ohioans who serve there have the resources they need to keep us all safe,” said Brown, a Mansfield native.
Tim Bowersock, the City of Mansfield’s economic development director, knows too well what the 179th means to the area.
“I can’t imagine losing another 1,000 jobs, even (650) part-time,” Bowersock said. “We would survive it. But it would be another kick in the butt … another step back. We have had enough of that.”
In addition to the 179th Airlift Wing, its base at Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport has become a hub for local military operations, including the Air National Guard’s 200th RED HORSE Detachment 1, the 5694th, 295th and 296th Ohio Army National Guard Engineering Detachments.
The nearby Mansfield Armed Forces Reserve Center is home to the Ohio Army National Guard’s 1486th Transportation Company and Company F, 237th Support Battalion, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
At the center of that hub is the 179th, a unit that has literally flown around the world several times over in support of its nation.
Stephanie Beougher, public information officer for the Ohio Adjutant General, said the unit’s flying mission is ongoing, even as the unit is one of two national finalists to host an Air National Guard Information Warfare (Cyber) Wing (IWW), a decision that could come later this year.
“Maj. Gen. John Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general, and Maj. Gen. James Camp, Ohio assistant adjutant general for Air, have been working closely with Gov. DeWine and his staff to advocate to federal and military decision makers how the 179th Airlift Wing is relevant to our national security, the Ohio National Guard mission, and to the local community and economy,” Beougher said.
“The airmen of the 179th Airlift Wing are focused and ready to execute their current airlift mission. As a consistently exceptional organization that has already faced two mission changes in the last eight years, the 179th continues to meet challenges and excel whatever the task,” she said.
Richland County Commissioner Cliff Mears, a former Mansfield City Council president, said the 179th’s value to the region cannot be overstated.
“It’s a tremendous resource to the area,” Mears. “I see so much potential with the Airlift Wing, particularly to the upgrades at Mansfield Lahm. It’s a shining star in this region.”
Bowersock said the flying activity generated by the 179th plays a key role in earning Mansfield Lahm its regional airport status.
“They are the biggest users of the airport and its runways,” Bowersock said, pointing out the designation is essential in qualifying for the federal grants used to maintain and upgrade the airport.
“It gives the community a boost from a quality standpoint. With the Guard unit here, we can maintain the airport to the level we do,” he said.
As the city works to grow commercial and industrial developments around the airport, Bowersock said the 179th has been essential.
“The (179th) base gives us more credibility, especially with how long they have been there,” he said.
Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero said he has spoken to local military and economic leaders.
“I told them once they have determined the best course of action, they can count on my support,” he said.
