FOX 21: Northland Lawmakers Push for F-35 Joint Striker Mission for 148th in Duluth
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Representative Rick Nolan, Wednesday continued their push for a F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Mission within the 148th Fighter Wing of the Minnesota Air National Guard at Duluth International Airport.
In a letter to the Secretary of the Air Force, the lawmakers said modern base facilities, the current F-16 Block 50 SEAD mission, Active Association, extensive training airspace, and community support would form a critical foundation for the F-35 Mission.
“We are committed to sustaining the long-term viability of Minnesota’s Air National Guard. Minnesota has a strong tradition of military support and we would be proud to welcome a F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Mission to the 148th Fighter Wing,” the lawmakers wrote. “As you review eligible fighter wings for F-35 placement, we respectfully urge you to strongly consider the 148th Fighter Wing.”
Klobuchar fought to make sure the 148th received new F-16s and also worked to bring active association to the 148th as part of a long-term plan to strengthen our national security.
She also worked to secure investments in the Duluth International Airport so the region has the resources to support the F-35.
Senator Franken has been a strong supporter and advocate for the 148th Fighter Wing.
He helped the Bulldogs becomes the first Air National Guard unit to secure F-16 Block 50 aircraft in 2010, and in 2012, he successfully pressed the Secretary of the Air Force to secure Active Association for the Bulldogs.
Sen. Franken has also heard from the Minnesota National Guard about why they are uniquely situated to house the F-35s.
Nolan has long been an enthusiastic advocate for the 148th Fighter Wing.
He played a crucial role in securing $11.7 million for the extension of Runway 3/21, leading a delegation from the 148th and the City of Duluth to the Pentagon, to the FAA, and then back to the halls of Congress to make the case for funding critical to future operations of the 148th and the ability of next generation aircraft to use the airport.
The full text of the lawmaker’s letter is below.
Dear Secretary James:
We write to express our support for a F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Mission within the 148th Fighter Wing of the Minnesota Air National Guard at Duluth International Airport. As you review eligible fighter wings for F-35 placement, we respectfully urge you to strongly consider the 148th Fighter Wing.
The 148th Fighter Wing is an ideal placement for the F-35. Modern base facilities, the current F-16 Block 50 SEAD mission, Active Association, extensive training airspace, and community support would form a critical foundation for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Mission. Duluth Airport features a 10,162 foot instrumented, arresting-gear runway for all-weather operations and over $100 million in construction has been dedicated to the 148th Fighter Wing facilities over the past 15 years, including a new fire hall and consolidated maintenance facility. Additionally, the 148th Fighter Wing owns and operates extensive airspace nearby where crews can maximize training and minimize transit time. The substantial size and proximity of the training airspace would have a direct and positive impact on F-35 mission success.
In addition to modern facilities and abundant airspace, the 148th is well-positioned to host an F-35 mission because it has a track record of accomplishment with a conversion of mission to suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD), and destruction of enemy air defense (DEAD). Not only has the 148th been tasked with a new mission, it has simultaneously taken on a new aircraft – the “Block 50” F-16. Pilots and maintenance crew have excelled with the conversion proving that the men and women on the 148th Fighter Wing will excel at the challenge of mastering the F-35. Finally, the 148th crew routinely has high recruiting/manning levels, mission capability, mission readiness, and pilot readiness scores. In addition, the 148th has led the Air National Guard with employment of cutting-edge air tactics and simulations. The men and women at the 148th are well-prepared to execute the mission of the F-35.
We are committed to sustaining the long-term viability of Minnesota’s Air National Guard. Minnesota has a strong tradition of military support and we would be proud to welcome a F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Mission to the 148th Fighter Wing.