Keesler prepares for fiscal trimming

BILOXI, Miss. (AP) - The Air Force is transferring 10 C-130j aircraft from Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi to Pope Field near Fayetteville, N.C.

The planes are part of the 403rd Reserve Wing, and are being used primarily for tactical airlift missions locally and overseas.

Keesler officials say in a news release that the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, also known as the Hurricane Hunters, will remain at Keesler and will not lose any aircraft or personnel.

The Air Force plan calls for relocating the planes in fiscal year 2014, which starts in October. The transfer is part of an overall plan to trim $480 billion in defense spending.

Officials said no specific decisions have been made about personnel at this time, but full time employees will be leaving South Mississippi.