148th Fighter Wing Serving Pacific Air Force at Kadena Air Base, Japan

MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release
July 10, 2024

DULUTH, Minn. – Airmen and F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Minnesota National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth, Minn., arrived for temporary deployment to Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Fighting Falcons will join deployed F-22 Raptors to ensure a steady-state fighter presences in the region during the phased departure of Kadena’s fleet of F-15C Eagles.

The U.S. routinely evaluates readiness and repositions forces as needed to ensure we are presenting the appropriate capabilities necessary to meet obligations in the regions. This deployment demonstrates the continued U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“This deployment is part of the 148th Fighter Wing’s regularly scheduled deployment cycle,” said 148th Fighter Wing commander, Col. Nate Aysta. “It is our second deployment to the Indo Pacific Command in recent years, as the 148th deployed to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea in 2016.”

The United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) area of responsibility (AOR) encompasses nearly half the earth’s surface, stretching from the waters off the west coast of the U.S. to the western border of India, and from Antarctica to the North Pole.

Kadena Air Base is the largest U.S. installation in the region. Kadena is home to the 18th Wing who operates a fleet of combat-ready aircraft to perform air superiority, aerial refueling, airborne warning and control, and combat search and rescue functions.

The 148th Fighter Wing deployed approximately 30% of assigned personnel, or 300 Airmen, for roughly three months.

Editor’s Note: Media can direct further questions to Audra Flanagan, 148th Fighter Wing’s Chief of Public Affairs, at (218) 788-7365 or audra.flanagan.1@us.af.mil.

– About the 148th Fighter Wing –
Established in 1948, the 148th Fighter Wing is home to more than 1,000 Airmen who serve in 67 diverse career fields. The 148th flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon and is one of two Air National Guard wings trained to provide Suppression and Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD/DEAD)

– About the Minnesota National Guard –

Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.