The four C-27J planes at the Ohio Air National Guard's 179th Airlift Wing at Mansfield Lahm Airport appear to be on track to stay a while.

President Barack Obama and the Defense Department had plans to take them out of service, but both chambers of Congress have approved their versions of the National Defense Authorization Act, which keeps the planes in service. 

179th commander, Col. Gary McCue, says when lawmakers return from their holiday break, the House and Senate bill will be sent to a conference committee to iron out differences between them.

The final version would be sent to the President. 

There is concern President Obama could veto the bill, but Colonel McCue says that's out of his control, and all the base can do is continue its mission and be optimistic about the future.