Keesler to lose planes, squadron

BILOXI, Miss. -- The Air Force Reserve Command has decided 10 C-130Js from Keesler Air Force's 403rd Wing will be transferred to Pope Field, N.C., and the base's 815th Airlift Squadron will shut down. Keesler officials made the announcement Wednesday, according to the Sun Herald. The newspaper reported that a press release from Keesler said the base will lose the aircraft in October, the beginning of the 2014 fiscal year. (Source: Sun Herald, 03/20/13) The 815th "Flying Jennies," a tactical airlift unit that has been at Keesler since 1973, is responsible for delivering cargo to combat zones and provides humanitarian relief in disaster areas.