Joyce Leads Ohio Delegation in Urging Air Force to Base New Squadron in Youngstown

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) led the entire Ohio Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, requesting that the Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS) receive full consideration as a basing location for the Air Force Reserve Command’s (AFRC) new 33^rd Combat Communications Squadron (CBCS).

The squadron would bring 22 full-time and 128 part-time Air Reserve personnel to YARS, strengthening the regional economy and expanding the base’s operational capabilities.

The letter was signed by Senators Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and Jon Husted (R-OH), as well as Representatives Michael Rulli (OH-06), Dave Taylor (OH-02), Max Miller (OH-07), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Jim Jordan (OH-04), Mike Carey (OH-15), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Troy Balderson (OH-12), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Bob Latta (OH-05), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mike Turner (OH-10), and Shontel Brown (OH-11).

“The Youngstown Air Reserve Station is a vital national security asset and a major employer and economic driver in the Mahoning Valley,” said Congressman Joyce. “YARS is the right operational fit for this new squadron. It has the facilities and resources to stand up the unit quickly and strengthen the Air Force’s readiness.”

The letter highlights YARS’ strengths and capabilities, stating: “YARS offers AFRC a rare combination of a modernized C-130J tactical airlift fleet, deployment-ready infrastructure, available facilities, proven logistics capability, an easy-to-recruit, easy-to-retain workforce, and room to grow. Basing the 33^rd CBCS at YARS would enable AFRC to build readiness quickly, deploy faster and more reliably, and expand the mission efficiently over time.”

Read the full letter here.

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