(AP) — Former Nebraska State Treasurer Shane Osborn will be in Grand Island on Thursday to kick off his Republican candidacy for U.S. Senate and a campaign tour of the state.

Osborn is seeking to replace outgoing GOP Sen. Mike Johanns, who is not running for re-election in 2014.

Osborn will be introduced Thursday by his wife, Stacie. Speakers will include two crew members from Osborn’s 2001 surveillance mission, when a Chinese fighter jet collided with Osborn’s plane. Osborn successfully landed his crippled plane on a Chinese island, and he and his 23 crew members then spent 11 days in captivity before being released.

Following his Grand Island appearance, Osborn will travel to Columbus and Norfolk before touring other communities across the state in the coming days.