Sen. Raphael Warnock visits Robins Air Force Base to discuss new missions

WARNER ROBINS, Ga.—Senator Raphael Warnock took a trip to the mid-state today to visit Robins Air Force Base.

Just last week, Senator Warnock, Senator Jon Ossoff, and Air Force Secretary John Roth announced they would be phasing out the J-Stars program at Robins Airforce Base for new missions.

MORE: J-STARS phasing out, new missions coming to Robins AFB

“Technology is changing every day and so it has been an incredible platform and resource over the last 25 years or so. The world is changing, the threat environment is changing, and the technology is changing. The good news is that we can continue to advance,” says Warnock.

Senator Warnock goes on to say there is a legacy of engagement at Robins Air Force Base. He adds he believes it has positioned them well to be a part of the transition.

John Kubinec President and Chief Executive Officer of the 21st Century Partnership also shares that the Air Force is looking to the future to change mission sets to counter new threats.

He says that thankfully, they are including Robins Air Force Base in those plans and thanked the congressmen that have worked to help Robins Air Force Base advance.

21st Century Partnership works to assure the sustainability of the base.

"This is a testament to the workforce at Robins and the Middle Georgia community," said Kubinec.

According to Air Force Secretary John Roth, there will be 4 new missions that will come to Robins.

“We have plans to bring new aircraft and new missions to Robins Air Force Base beginning next year. But in order to make way for these new missions we need to begin retiring the so-called J-Stars aircraft fleet,” says Roth.

Senator Warnock says this is a great example of how the military works hand in hand with the civilian population.

“This base located right here in Middle Georgia plays such an important part in our military operations. Keeping our country safe, is for me a lifelong Georgian, a source of real pride,” says Warnock.

The transition for the J-Stars program to phase out will take a little bit of time.

J-Stars will be at Robins Air Force Base until at least 2030.