Tag Archive for: Duluth

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.

/by

Previewing the Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration in Duluth

Previewing the Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration in Duluth

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we preview the official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration taking place Wednesday, November 11 in Duluth, hosted by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). The conversation covers event details, community partnerships, tribal Veteran services, County Veterans Service Office support in northern Minnesota, and the message from this year’s keynote speaker.

Guests:

MDVA is rotating the state’s official Veterans Day observance outside the Twin Cities for the second year to meet Veterans where they live. After last year’s program in Mankato, this year’s free, open-to-all event (no RSVP required) is at the Duluth National Guard Training and Community Center on Airpark Boulevard. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for a free community breakfast; the official program begins at 10 a.m. A live stream will be available at MinnesotaVeteran.org/events, with video on demand afterward. Overflow parking and shuttle service are available from Arrowpointe Medical Center.

Partners include the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (bringing the drum and joining the Duluth Honor Guard for presentation of colors), the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldog Marching Band, St. Louis County and neighboring county Veterans Service offices, the Duluth Veterans Memorial Hall, and the Lake Superior County Veterans Club. Elected officials, including the mayor of Duluth, are also scheduled to take part.

The Fond du Lac Band shares how its Tribal Veterans Service Officer connects band members and surrounding-community Veterans with earned benefits and notes a concurrent free evening gathering at Black Bear Casino open to the broader community. The St. Louis County Veterans Service Office describes its free, confidential role helping Veterans, service members, and families with VA claims, appeals, survivor benefits, and community resources across offices in Hibbing, Virginia, Ely, and Duluth. Callers are reminded it is never too late to file claims; the office can be reached at (218) 725-5285.

This year’s keynote speaker, a Major in the Minnesota Air National Guard and Chair of Nursing at The College of St. Scholastica, discusses how military medical service and civilian nursing careers inform one another, the College’s support for Veterans transitioning into healthcare careers, and the message that military service is an important part of a Veteran’s identity but does not define what they can continue to contribute through leadership and community engagement.

Listeners can find full event details and the live stream portal at MinnesotaVeteran.org/events.

/by

Vietnam Veterans of America and 148th Fighter Wing Deployment

F16 Block 50This week we learn about the Vietnam Veterans of America Minnesota State Council and we hear about the recent deployment of the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota National Guards latest deployment.

Guests include:

/by

Minnesota National Guard at the Fair and Worldwide

Since 9/11, the Minnesota National Guard has deployed more than 18,000 troops to more than 34 countries. This week we’ll talk about the MInnesota National Guard’s unique roles in the War on Terrorism and here at home. We’ll also get a sneak-peek at an upcoming mission to war torn Afghanistan to boost agricultural development. Guests include:

/0 Comments/by

Navy, Marines and Coast Guard at the Fair

This week we hear from the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard based right here in Minnesota. We’ll also take a look at the Yellow Ribbon Recognition Program. Guests include:

  • Navy Capt. Jeffrey Davis, Commanding Officer Naval Operations Support Center Minneapolis
  •  Marine Lt. Col. C. J. Busch, Commanding Officer Marine Wing Support Squadron 471
  • Petty Officer 1st Class Garrett Kravitz of Coast Guard Station Duluth
  • Annette Kuyper, Director of Military Outreach for the State of Minnesota
/0 Comments/by