180FW might get $7.3M security complex

SWANTON, Ohio (WUPW) - U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio said Friday the Senate Appropriations Committee passed $9.3 million in federal funding for projects in Ohio that will enhance preparedness for the men and women serving our country in the Ohio National Guard.

The funding, which was secured by Brown, was included in the FY2011 Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

The 180th Fighter Wing in Swanton will receive $7.3 million of that funding for a new Security Forces Complex.

This project would construct training and operations space for the base’s security forces. It would replace outdated and under facilities that do not meet current requirements.

"These funds will provide support for our troops while creating jobs in the process," Sen. Brown said. "Defense research and development does not only support our military, it enhances the commercial viability of new technologies. The funding in this bill will help Ohio institutions to lead the way in developing better equipment for our service members and new technology for our nation."

The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process assigned three additional aircraft to the 180th Fighter Wing to conduct an Air Sovereignty mission. This mission requires aircraft to be ready to respond within minutes. For mission readiness, the base requires adequately sited, and configured security police complex to support 18 PAI F-16 aircraft.

The Ohio National Guard's Blue Ash Air National Guard Station is slated to receive $2 million that will go toward renovating the base's primary maintenance shop. The building houses all of the communications equipment and vehicles of the 123rd.

The bill must be passed by the full Senate and conference with the House before heading to the president’s desk for signature.