Duluth / Minnesota / United States
The Minnesota Air National Guard is comprised of the state headquarters and two flying wings: the 133rd Airlift Wing, located at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, and the 148th Fighter Wing, located in Duluth, Minn. The 148th flies the F16C fighter jet in general purpose missions. The unit has won a number of awards, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in 1979, 1988 and 1999. Of the statewide strength of 2,500 Air Guard personnel, approximately 1,000 people are members of the 148th Fighter Wing, making it one of Duluth s largest employers. There are more than 140 Air Guard units throughout the U.S. and its territories. While missions vary from unit to unit, some interesting ones include pararescue missions, modular airborne firefighting support, combat communications and air traffic control.
