910th discusses possible local effects of sequestration Published Feb. 22, 2013 By Public Affairs 910AW/PA YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta sent a message on Feb. 20 to all Department of Defense personnel discussing the department's preparations for potential sequestration scheduled for March 1, 2013. DoD's plan includes possible unpaid furloughs for almost all of its 800,000 civilian employees for one day a week through the rest of Fiscal Year 2013, which ends September 30, 2013. According to Air Force guidance, this furlough could affect 409 civilian employees at YARS with an estimated cost of more than $3 million. "All affected employees would be provided at least 30 days notice prior to executing a furlough and your benefits will be protected to the maximum extent possible," said Panetta. "While the Department of Defense will drive the train on furloughs, the 910th will make every effort possible to circle our wagons around our priority missions," said Brig. Gen. Brian E. Dominguez, 910th Airlift Wing commander. Each work week being shortened by one day until the end of September would affect the air station's missions, projects, construction work and services should the furloughs be implemented. However, the extent of those effects is unknown. "We will also work hard to keep our personnel and the local community in the loop as we receive the latest information about this developing situation," said Dominguez. According to Air Force guidance, sequestration could also reduce baseline flying hours by 18%, limiting valuable training time for 910th aircrew members flying YARS' C-130H Hercules aircraft. The defense secretary also stated that the department would keep its personnel informed on the issue. "Working with your component heads and supervisors, the department's leader will continue to keep you informed. As we deal with these difficult times... rest assured that the leaders of this department will continue to fight with you and for you," said Panetta.