Portman, Brown Praise Air Force Decision to Bring Advanced Flight Simulator to Rickenbacker

Statement

U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) today applauded the decision by the U.S. Air Force to bring a KC-135 air refueling tanker flight simulator to Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus.

"I am pleased that Rickenbacker will receive this new flight simulator," said Portman. "Adding the KC-135 simulator will enhance the training opportunities for our Air Guardsmen, increase cost-effectiveness, and put the base in a more competitive position to receive future missions."

"This is great news for Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base and the Ohio Air National Guard," Brown said. "This simulator will ensure that members of the 121st Air Refueling Wing have access to the best training available right here in central Ohio. Rickenbacker has rightly earned the reputation as a "center of excellence' within the National Guard and today's news will help secure that position."

NOTE: On March 31, 2016, the entire Ohio delegation -- both senators and all 15 House members -- sent a bipartisan letter on behalf of the Ohio Air National Guard urging General Carlton Everhart of the Air Mobility Command to locate a KC-135 air refueling tanker flight simulator at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus. Obtaining the simulator will help enhance combat readiness, secure and maintain future missions, and bring additional jobs to the Columbus.

Source