(130th General Assembly)
(House Concurrent Resolution Number 4)


CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
To urge the Congress of the United States to maintain operation of the 179th Airlift Wing at Mansfield-Lahm Regional Airport in Mansfield, Ohio.

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Ohio
(The Senate concurring):

WHEREAS, The United States Air Force 179th Airlift Wing is a military airlift organization assigned to the Ohio Air National Guard and stationed at Mansfield-Lahm Regional Airport; and

WHEREAS, Due to its superior record, the 179th Airlift Wing received a mission to operate the C-27J Spartan aircraft, a twin turboprop aircraft with short takeoff and landing capabilities, ideal for the nation's current military needs and for providing rapid response support for homeland emergencies; and

WHEREAS, The United States Air Force has published proposed personnel actions associated with plans to retire more than 300 aircraft nationwide, including the C-27J; and

WHEREAS, The United States Air Force has plans to move personnel positions among states to mitigate the impact of the reductions; and

WHEREAS, The United States Air National Guard, including the 179th Airlift Wing, is responsible for homeland defense, and the C-27J is an important tool in accomplishing this mission; and

WHEREAS, The 179th Airlift Wing has made United States Air National Guard history by deploying the C-27J in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom; and

WHEREAS, Closing the Air National Guard Station at Mansfield-Lahm, relocating its personnel, and diverting or retiring its C-27J aircraft would create discontinuity and weaken national defense and homeland disaster readiness; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Congress of the United States is urged to maintain operation of the 179th Airlift Wing at Mansfield-Lahm Regional Airport to ensure Ohio and our nation will continue to benefit from the unique experience and capabilities of its personnel and the region; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit duly authenticated copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, to the President Pro Tempore and Secretary of the United States Senate, to the Speaker and the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, to the members of the Ohio Congressional delegation, and to the news media of Ohio.