Niagara Falls, NY (WBEN) Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta will be at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Thursday. He'll meet with AIr Force officials and the local congressional delegation.

One of the topics destined to come up during discussions is the search for a mission for the 107th Airlift Wing. Pentagon cuts earlier this year would have led to the elimination of the unit and the cutting of 845 jobs.

Last week, a Senate subcommittee approved a plan that would reverse Pentagon cuts.

“After working closely with Secretary Panetta over the past year, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to tour the Air Base with him personally. As the sole military installation in the area, the Air Reserve Station plays a vital role in protecting the security of our nation, our region, and our local community. I am looking forward to the opportunity to show the Secretary the strategic importance of the Niagara Air Base,” says Congresswoman Kathy Hochul.