Tag Archive for: Air National Guard

F-35 Modernization and the Future of the 148th Fighter Wing

F-35 Modernization and the Future of the 148th Fighter Wing

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we meet leaders from the Minnesota National Guard and Minnesota Air National Guard to explore the 148th Fighter Wing’s mission and the case for F-35 modernization in Duluth. The conversation covers the wing’s current F-16 operations, the Air Force selection process, preparations for a potential transition, and the essential role of community support in shaping the wing’s future.

Guests:

The 148th Fighter Wing, based at the Duluth Air National Guard Base, currently flies the Block 50 F-16, the newest and most capable F-16 in the Air Force inventory. Its primary federal mission is Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD), locating and neutralizing enemy surface-to-air threats so other forces can operate freely. The wing also supports state missions and has maintained high readiness and manning levels for decades, with Airmen drawn from the local community.

Guests discuss why the Minnesota National Guard is pursuing F-35 basing now, even though aircraft would not arrive until approximately 2034. The Air Force is selecting two squadrons from nine F-16 Air National Guard units; four candidate bases are expected to be identified by the end of 2026, followed by site visits, a longer environmental impact statement process, and a final decision. The wing’s leadership highlights strengths that include unmatched training airspace, consistently high manning, top-tier maintenance, and a proven operational record. COL Statz brings direct experience from Wisconsin’s 115th Fighter Wing F-35 transition, including lessons on community engagement, infrastructure, and the conversion process.

Community and political support are described as decisive. The Duluth Military Affairs Committee, part of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and originally formed about 20 years ago when the base faced potential closure, has coordinated letters and resolutions from local governments, businesses, and civic organizations. The wing generates roughly $107 million in annual economic activity for the region, employs more than 1,000 military and civilian personnel, and operates the airport’s fire department. Minnesota has already invested $3.5 million in state bonding for design and infrastructure work to position the base for the future.

A successful F-35 mission would allow the 148th to continue its SEAD role with modernized aircraft while preserving the wing’s economic and community contributions for the next generation. Leaders emphasize that continued community advocacy and a unified message remain important as the selection process moves forward.

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Chaplains of the Minnesota National Guard: Service, Sacrifice, and the Legacy of the Four Chaplains

Chaplains of the Minnesota National Guard: Service, Sacrifice, and the Legacy of the Four Chaplains

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Wortham is joined by special co-host Tom Lyons and Minnesota National Guard chaplains:

The guests share their personal paths into chaplaincy, how their civilian experiences—from civil engineering and youth ministry to healthcare chaplaincy and veteran-focused research—strengthen their ministry, and the essential spiritual, emotional, and family support they provide to soldiers, airmen, and loved ones amid the demands of service, moral injury, and life’s hardships.

The episode also honors the powerful legacy of the Four Chaplains of World War II, whose interfaith selfless sacrifice aboard the sinking USAT Dorchester in 1943—giving away their life jackets and standing together in prayer as the ship went down—continues to inspire unity, faith, and service in military chaplaincy today.

 

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Minnesota National Guard 2025 Year in Review

Minnesota National Guard 2025 Year in Review

In this special Year in Review episode (recorded late 2025), retired Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Wortham sits down with the Minnesota National Guard’s command team:

They discuss leadership dynamics, 2025 accomplishments, domestic and international missions, and exciting plans for 2026.

Key Highlights from 2025

  • Force growth and high readiness levels (nearly 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen strong)
  • Domestic support: Wildfire response on the North Shore and cyber assistance in St. Paul
  • International partnerships: Deepened ties with Croatia (29 years) and Norway (including the 52nd troop exchange)

Looking Ahead to 2026

  • 53rd Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX) in February
  • 30th anniversary celebrations with Croatia, including joint training
  • Upcoming deployments and returns (e.g., 34th MP Company, 148th Fighter Wing)
  • Modernization: New C-130J aircraft arriving for the 133rd Airlift Wing
  • New facilities opening, including the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum

The leaders emphasized trust, community connections (“We live here, we work here, we serve here”), and pride in the Guard’s motto: Always Ready, Always There
Interested in joining? As CSM Rost says: “This is a great time to be part of this team—we need leaders for the next generation.”

For more information or to explore service opportunities: MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil

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The 20th Anniversary of 9/11

The 20th Anniversary of 9/11

This week we air a Special 9/11, 20th Anniversary Show, recorded live from the The Pentagon and get reflections on how 9/11 has changed our country over the last 20 years. Our special guests include the Adjutant General for the Minnesota National Guard, the Director of the Army National Guard, the Deputy Director of the Air National Guard and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau. Guests include:

 

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