MANSFIELD — On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) visited the 179th Airlift Wing based at Lahm Airport. Portman met with base leadership and with airmen serving at the base. The 179th Airlift Wing helps transport personnel and cargo throughout the United States and the world and participates in disaster relief efforts and other domestic emergencies.

This was Portman’s sixth visit on his five-day military facility tour.

“The 179th Airlift Wing in Mansfield is one our best-performing units in the Air National Guard,” Portman said. “I got to see that first-hand during my last visit in April and again today. Seeing the fleet and operations firsthand — including a ride in the cockpit of a C-130 today — helps gives me an understanding of how I can support them when I go back to Washington. It was inspiring to see all the great work they do here, and I will continue to fight to ensure the 179th has the resources it needs to carry out their mission with a more modern fleet that will benefit the safety and security of the American people.”

Portman’s representative said the Senator has worked on behalf of the 179th and its airmen to modernize the Air Force’s C-130 aircraft, back them in their mission to support overseas contingency operations, and support them in their participation in the State Sponsorship Program with our allies in Eastern Europe in support of NATO.

Portman says he is a strong supporter and advocate for Ohio’s military facilities and research institutions.

They provide significant jobs and economic impact across Ohio and directly influence the national security of our country. Forty-three of Ohio’s 88 counties are impacted by these types of facilities. Ohio Defense spending accounted for more than 66,000 direct jobs, more than $4 billion in salaries, and had had an economic impact of more than $14 billion.

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