U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown and George Voinovich announced the base will receive $1.1 million for a new combat communications training complex.

The facility will be used by the Ohio Air National Guard’s 269th Combat Communications Squadron and the 251st Combat Communications Group.

In a written statement, Brown said the guard units need modern equipment and facilities.

“Our guardsmen and women deserve the best equipment available to continue to do their jobs well and protect our country,” Brown said.

Voinovich said, “The Springfield-Beckley Air Base is in need of long-overdue updates to their 25-year-old communications system.”

The funding is included in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill.

The bill passed in committee and will go to the full Senate for a vote soon.

In 2005, the Springfield base was placed on the closure list by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

The facility remained open, however, when the Air Guard was able to continue using the base as a training center for pilots from the Netherlands.

Jim.otte@whiotv.com