The State Journal-Register - 183rd Receives One-Year Mission Extension

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183rd Receives One-Year Mission Extension

The State Journal-Register

Deanna Poole

The 183rd Fighter Wing will continue to maintain F-16 jet aircraft at Springfield's Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport for at least another year, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin's office announced Thursday.

The one-year extension means the airport will keep its National Guard firefighter unit, and about 18 full-time employees will keep their jobs through at least September 2010.

In a news release, Durbin's office said Gen. Harry Wyatt, director of the Air National Guard, informed Durbin of the temporary extension, which also allows more time to find a permanent flying mission at Springfield.

"This continuing maintenance work will allow Capitol Airport to maintain the National Guard firefighters and firefighting equipment for another year," Durbin said in the release. "This is welcome news, as these highly skilled firefighters are critical to Springfield's ability to handle an emergency.

"I will continue to work with the Air Force, the National Guard and the State of Illinois to see that good-paying jobs remain in our state and these important emergency response capabilities are not lost," Durbin said.

Without the extension, the firefighters were scheduled to leave Springfield's airport Oct. 1.

Kevin Schott, senior union firefighter with SEIU Local 73, called the extension "very good news."

"We're extremely excited," Schott said. "We're going to continue in our efforts to secure a flying mission for the 183rd that would make it permanent … and ensure the longevity of this base."

Last year, Durbin and then-Sen. Barack Obama got a one-year year extension for the firefighting unit.

Securing a permanent flying mission for the 183rd has been a top priority for the city as well.

The last of about 17 F-16 fighter jets left the Illinois Air National Guard base at the Springfield airport last fall as part of a federal base realignment. The unit has since picked up an engine-repair mission.

Through his spokesman, Davlin said the city is grateful for Durbin's efforts.

"This is great news for Springfield, those who use our airport and for the 183rd Firefighters," Davlin said. "By extending the maintenance mission, we will have a greater opportunity to solidify support for the assignment of a new permanent flying mission for the 183rd."

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