MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- Cuts to the U.S. Department of Defense budget prompted an announcement from the U.S. Air Force that it would retire older aircraft -- which could include seven of Maxwell Air Force Base's eight C-130H cargo planes.

The Air Force said Friday that the base's 908th Air Wing will remain operational, but the Air Force Reserve Command has not released future plans for the unit.

The 908th Air Wing has been an airlift unit for most of its 49-year history. Unit commander Col. Brett Clark says he expects additional announcements clarifying the future of the 908th.

The 908th Air Wing is Alabama's only Air Force reserve unit with approximately 1,200 officers and airmen.