VIENNA, Ohio (WKBN) – Senator Rob Portman met with the 910th Airlift Wing commander at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station Friday afternoon.
Their meeting focused on the wing’s vision for the future and possible upgrades to the C-130 fleet.
“One of the things they need are more modern airplanes. These airplanes are as old, older than many of the pilots that are flying them. SO they need new avionics and new engines, new propellers,” Portman said.
The current fleet of C-130 H’s is around 30 years old.
The plan is to upgrade those to the newer model, the C-130 J’s.
Portman also met with members of the Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission.
The senator has been a continued supporter of YARS, which employees more than 1,800 people. It is the number one employer in the Trumbull County.