Air Force kills Wright-Patt program

FAIRBORN, Ohio (WDTN) - The Air Force announced Nov. 8, 2012, it's cutting a program at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base which will cost the Miami Valley 170 jobs.

The Expeditionary Combat Support System (ECSS) was designed to streamline the Air Force's end-to-end supply chain to increase weapons systems capabilities and reduce costs.

According to a story published in the Dayton Business Journal , at one time ECSS was tied to nearly 600 jobs at Computer Sciences Corp. in Beavercreek but now it employs 115 contractors, who will be cut, and 55 civilian Air Force personnel, who will be reassigned.

The program was reportedly behind schedule and over budget. It's goal was to get the Air Force ready for a full financial audit by 2017, which is still a necessity.

Area leaders are hopeful whatever the Air Force does to reach that goal will lead to jobs in the Miami Valley.

"My understanding is this phase will be broken down into smaller contracts which could open up opportunities for smaller contractors in our area," says Congressman Steve Austria.