St. Louis County Adds Support To 148th’s Efforts To Secure Long-Range Viability

The 148th Fighter Wing has a long history in Duluth and the Arrowhead region.  A recent action by the St. Louis County Board will help shore up the long-term viability of the base.

At its recent meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve a resolution of support for the 148th's efforts to secure the new F-35 aircraft; having that new aircraft at the base in Duluth is widely-seen as a way to guarantee the group's long range future.

The resolution comes as the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee - which includes business and civic leaders from throughout the region - get ready to travel to Washington, D.C. to encourage Congress and military leadership to support the continued advancement of the base by identifying them as appropriate recipients of the F-35 aircraft.  According to Colonel Rob Toy - Aircraft Maintenance Director for the 148th - "This push to get the F-35 is important for our continued sustainability.  It pushes us a lot further into the future which gives us more viability".

According to economic data cited by St. Louis County, the 148th is one of the largest employers in the area, providing an estimated $94 million annually of direct expenditure to the region.