July 19, 2024 – First of New Fleet Brings Premiere Tactical Airlifter to 910th
By Tech. Sgt. Noah J. Tancer, 910th Airlift Wing
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The 910th Airlift Wing’s first C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft arrived at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, on July 16, 2024, as the unit begins its transition from its fleet of eight legacy C-130H Hercules aircraft.
“The 910th Airlift Wing’s tactical airlift and aerial spray missions require a capable, reliable and adaptable airframe,” said Col. Mike Maloney, 910th Airlift Wing commander. “Our C-130H Hercules aircraft have provided that for decades, and as we retire them from service at Youngstown Air Reserve Station we look forward to continuing their track record of success with a fleet of new C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft.”
Conducting its maiden voyage from its place of composition at the Lockheed Martin production facility in Marietta, Georgia, Maj. Gen. Melissa Coburn, 22nd Air Force Commander, piloted the new aircraft’s first journey to Youngstown ARS.
“The C-130J-30 Super Hercules is not just an aircraft,” said Coburn. “It is a symbol of our shared dedication to excellence, resilience and service. It embodies the spirit of the 910th Airlift Wing, and of the 22nd Air Force. A spirit that is rooted in courage determination and our relentless pursuit of excellence.”
From within the aircraft, the crew had front-row seats to the dynamic sound of the engines, capable of climbing faster and higher, flying farther at a higher cruise speed and taking off and landing in a shorter distance. Culminating its first tour with a flyover of its new home, the C-130J-30 landed at Youngstown ARS before a crowd of news media representatives, distinguished visitors and Citizen Airmen.
Bill “Shaggy” Andrews, Lockheed Martin vice president of air mobility and maritime missions domestic programs, spoke during the ceremony welcoming the C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft.
“This aircraft was constructed by a workforce who invested over 78,000 hours of committed labor to provide you, the warfighters, with a capable, versatile and combat-ready platform, specifically designed for your mission… to provide agile combat support and employment, tactical airlift and aerial spray,” said Andrews.
Sporting a rich history of C-130 aircraft, the 910th Airlift Wing first premiered C-130B aircraft in 1981 and has operated different variants for more than 40 years, including its tactical airlift and aerial spray missions. The wing’s current fleet of C-130H Hercules aircraft are models from 1989 to 1992. They were assigned to the unit when the 910th received its Airlift Wing designation in 1994. They’ve carried the unit through 30 years of mission effectiveness in the tactical airlift genre.
Representing one of Youngtown Air Reserve Station’s community partners, Josh Prest, the executive director of the Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission, took the stage to inform the local community of what the new planes mean to them.
“For those of you that don’t know this (the transition to C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft) will represent a nearly one billion dollar influx into our local economy adding on to the fact that this air base remains the second largest employer in the area and one of the pillars of our community,” said Prest.
The new C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft are valued at approximately $109.75 million per aircraft for a total investment of roughly $878 million for Youngstown ARS and the Mahoning Valley. At the same time according to the Air Force’s C-130J-30 fact sheet, the Super Hercules will save the 910th Airlift Wing long-term costs as the aircraft reduces manpower requirements, lowers operating and support costs and provides life-cycle cost savings over earlier C-130 models.
Closing with the Air Force Song, guests attending the event then walked through the C-130J-30 Super Hercules’ cargo bay and into the flight deck to witness where the newest music over the Mahoning Valley will be made.
Photo Credits: 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs office
May 6, 2023 – Col. Van Dootingh Retirement Ceremony
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February 24, 2023 – YARBCC President Rick Hale presents an $8,000 check from the Base Community Council to 910th Airlift Wing Commander Col. Jeff Van Dootingh to be used for the needs of the airmen and their families at the base.
December 22, 2022 – Youngstown ARS in Ohio selected as next Air Force Reserve location to receive C-130Js
Look who’s coming to Youngstown Air Reserve Station and it’s not Santa and his sleigh. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall selected Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, as the preferred location to replace its eight C-130Hs with eight C-130Js. #ReserveTransform #ReserveReady #ReserveCitizenAirmen
https://www.af.mil/…/youngstown-ars-in-ohio-selected…/
June 23, 2022 – Ron Carroll Speaks About YARBCC at Rotary Club in Austintown
August 31, 2021 – Base Community Council Members Meet with Congressman Bill Johnson, 6th Distract, at “Lagers & Legislators” in Columbus
July 24, 2021 – Sporting Clay Shoot
Our sporting clay shoot on July 24, 2021 was a sold out event!
July 17, 2021 – 5K on the Runway
YARBCC Meeting Presentation
YARBCC meeting presentation by air base staff including Col. Jeffrey A. Van Dootingh, Commander, 910th Airlift Wing.
July 26, 2019 – Donovan Stringer Honored as Pilot For A Day
The 910th welcomed its newest member, Donovan Stringer, who was commissioned as an honorary second lieutenant and made a Pilot for a Day today. Donovan was treated for a rare form of liver cancer at Akron Children’s Hospital when he was seven years old. The 910th family got a huge morale boost from his great attitude and endearing charm as he spent the day with us! Thanks for joining our family, we’re honored to have you, Lt. Stringer!
July 6, 2019 – YARBCC Hosts 5k on the Runway
VIENNA, Ohio (WYTV) – The Youngstown Air Reserve Base Community Council (YARBCC) hosted its second annual 5K on the Runway on Saturday, July 6th.
The event was held at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport and included a course along the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, home of the 910th Airlift Wing.
There were 175 participants this year from six different age groups. Participants received a medal for running the race. The fastest male and female in each age group received additional gift cards and bragging rights.
Proceeds from the event enable the Youngstown Air Reserve Base Community Council to strengthen the future of Youngstown Air Reserve Station via the Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission (EOMAC), an advocacy organization under the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.
The Air Reserve Station pumps over $100 million back into the local economy each year.
June 14, 2019 – Retired Col. Joe Zeis Speaks at YARBCC Member Meeting
Retired Col. Joe Zeis was the guest speaker at the Youngstown Air Reserve Base Community Council dinner on June 14, 2019. Colonel Zeis was recently appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to the cabinet position of Senior Advisor for Aerospace and Defense. In this role Colonel Zeis is focusing on ways to protect and expand Ohio’s existing military and aerospace installations and assets, and work to attract new military business to the state. Zeis reports directly to the Governor and is identifying and seeking growth opportunities for the state’s military and aerospace installations, concentrating on economic development opportunities of defense industries, and working to advance the quality of life for service members and their families. One of his top priorities is to promote the placement of the proposed East Coast Missile Defense System at Camp Garfield in Portage County.
During his time at the YARBCC membership dinner meeting, Zeis spoke with Reserve Citizen Airmen and several residents of Youngstown in search of synergies between the mission of the 910th Airlift Wing and the surrounding community, which he defined as “entangling alliances.”
One example of such a relationship is through new technological advances in research and development of additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing—more commonly known as 3D printing—is the process of systematically outputting materials to make objects from 3D model data, usually layer upon layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing techniques which remove material from a larger sample. This method often reduces cost and time and has the capability to repair broken parts, resulting in reduced waste.
“We need to educate ourselves on what Ohio has to offer,” said Zeis. “What Youngstown has to offer. We can make Ohio more attractive to industry but we must be aggressively engaged. Switch from defense—protecting what we have—to offense and seeking out opportunities to expand.”
March 10, 2019 – Base Community Council Gets Insider View of 910th
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March 9, 2019 – 91th AW Welcomes New Command Chief
The 910th AW welcomes CMSgt. Christopher Williams to the YARS family. Williams became the 910th’s new Command Chief on March 9, 2019. “I feel that taking care of the Airmen has been a long calling of mine, and this has allowed me to be able to serve in a higher capacity.”
February 9, 2019 – 910th Airlift Wing Welcomes Col Joseph Janik As Its
27th Commander
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January 17, 2018 – A Commentary by the Commander by Col. Daniel J. Sarachene
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As a resident of the Mahoning Valley for nearly 30 years and commander of the 910th Airlift Wing and installation commander of Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio (YARS) for nearly one year, I wanted to take this opportunity to write to everyone who holds a stake in the future of our military installation.
On Veterans Day, across the United States and here in the Valley, Americans took a moment from our busy lives to stop and reflect upon the great sacrifices our Service men and women make in defense of our great nation. Every November, legislators, local leaders, and patriotic citizens alike hold receptions and recognition ceremonies to commemorate and honor America’s military heroes. A good thing – but, frankly, giving praise is not the same as providing the resources needed to preserve and fortify our local warfighters in the face of a daunting operational pace. There are fundamental issues that must be addressed soon to avoid regression of and, if at all possible, increase the critical military value of YARS.
So what does this mean? It means certain groups with ties to the Youngstown-Warren metropolitan area must step up and answer the call to ensure that your air station is resourced and supported in a way that will allow it to be viable and dependable. Action must be taken by our federal, state and local elected leaders to set YARS up for future success regarding any further Air Force programmatic changes or from, what many view as an inevitability, another Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round.
To the residents of the Mahoning Valley, please accept a heartfelt thank you for your continued support of our YARS family. Whether you are attending a public event at the installation such as an air show or just saying “Thank you for your service” in passing at a local store, restaurant or gas station, know that your kind thoughts and deeds mean the world to everyone serving at the 910th. If I could humbly make one request, it would be to urge each for you to let our elected officials know how important our installation is to you, to the Mahoning Valley and to the national defense by calling their offices, sending an email or writing them a letter.
To our federal delegation, your vocal support and attendance at events is appreciated and welcomed. But your efforts can’t end at the microphone. The United States of America, the most prosperous nation on planet Earth, has been dangling on a financial shoestring via a series of continuing resolution for more than eight years and under a budget sequestration since March 2013. For a federal installation such as YARS, this absence of a set annual budget severely limits our operational ability.
Government inaction at the federal level has handcuffed the U.S. military. For nearly a decade, the new norm is that our military units are given indicators that funds will be available but seldom is there a forecast of when these crucial resources will be received. It’s nearly impossible to provide the type of critical performance we expect from the finest fighting force in the world when we are not able to properly plan or execute the mission. Congress must pass a budget allowing the military to do the job we are sworn to do. Fiscal responsibility, reduced budgets and doing more with less is one thing. As adaptive leaders and Service members, we will get the job done no matter the circumstances. But to face a financial “great unknown” every few months is, without question, the largest challenge we face in getting the job done for the American people.
To our state delegation, thank you for supporting recent local and state efforts to unify and present a single voice in Columbus regarding our military assets in Eastern Ohio and across the Buckeye State. When the Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission was formed at the behest of a past YARS commander, a majority of Valley representatives heeded the call. But like our federal delegation, our state delegates must continue the fight and make real progress to unify Ohio in the way we have seen 36 others states do it: through state-level, long-term advocacy plans that reach from the governor’s office to the state House and down to the local level. For example, since the 2005 BRAC round, the state of Connecticut has dedicated 40 million of their state budget dollars to prevent encroachment and build military value surrounding their U.S. Navy installations. In 2017 alone, the state of Texas allotted $20 million of their state budget dollars to ensure the continued well-being and future growth of their defense communities.
While the state legislature has recently dedicated dollars to a few programs, a plan for annually allocated budget dollars to solidify the footing fiscal footing of Ohio’s military assets does not exist. When dollars do enter the budget, they are often pigeonholed for exclusive use by larger installations in the state, installations that should be invested in, but realistically do not face closure from a BRAC round. A loss of a single mission at a place like Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will not devastate Dayton’s local economy. However, the closure of YARS and the loss of the installation’s $100 million annual economic impact and its role as one of the area’s top employers would absolutely devastate the Mahoning Valley. As our voice in Columbus, your advocacy has never been more critical than now regarding the future of YARS.
Finally, to our local civic leaders, the time is now to show pride in your hometown military installation. If you haven’t visited YARS lately or participated in an organization like EOMAC or the Youngstown Air Reserve Base Community Council, you need to. We host numerous events throughout the year that seek to engage leaders from local communities, and we welcome you to come out and take pride in what we have here in the Valley. Rest assured, your constituents want and need that support. We have over 1,600 reserve citizen airmen calling YARS their military “home” – more than 1,100 of these Service members live less than 70 miles from the air station. We welcome each of you, as their elected representatives, to visit YARS. You can contact us by phone at 330-609-1236 or via e-mail at 910aw.pa@us.af.mil to make arrangements to do so.
At the end of each and every day, you can rest easy knowing that the men and women of the 910th Airlift Wing are doing their jobs with excellence and pride and without fail, all while being good stewards of the resources at our disposal. What we need, however, to reach our vision of providing unrivaled tactical airlift, aerial spray and agile combat support and being always ready to answer our nation’s call are those things mentioned above to be thoughtfully considered and acted upon if at all possible. After all, actions do speak louder than words and the cost of inaction, in this case, could be more than all of us who hold a stake in the future of Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio can endure.
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