148th Fighter Wing to Deploy This Summer

MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release
May 22, 2024

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing will deploy personnel and aircraft overseas this summer as part of a regularly scheduled deployment. “The Air National Guard is a combat-ready reserve of the Air Force, providing mission-ready Airmen to safeguard the homeland and execute global operations,” said 148th Fighter Wing commander, Col. Nate Aysta.

“The Bulldogs of the 148th Fighter Wing are ready to provide a trained and equipped aviation package of Airmen and aircraft to meet the needs of our deployed location.”

The deployment location is not releasable at this time. The 148th has previously deployed overseas in support of the below missions:

• 2005 – Joint Base Balad, Iraq – Operation IRAQI FREEDOM
• 2007 – Joint Base Balad, Iraq – Operation IRAQI FREEDOM
• 2009 – Joint Base Balad, Iraq – Operation IRAQI FREEDOM
• 2012 – Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan – Operation ENDURING FREEDOM
• 2016 – Osan Air Base, South Korea – Theater Security Package
• 2018 – Ahmed al-Jaber Air Base, Kuwait – Operation INHERENT RESOLVE
• 2022 – Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabi – Operations NEW DAWN and INHERENT RESOLVE

Editor’s Note: Members of the media are invited to attend a press conference hosted by the 148th Fighter Wing Commander, Col. Nate Aysta, regarding the upcoming deployment at the 148th Fighter Wing on Weds, May 22, 2024, at the 148th Fighter Wing, 4687 Phantom Drive, Duluth, Minn. at 12:45 p.m. Media should RSVP to Audra Flanagan at (218) 788-7365 or audra.flanagan.1@us.af.mil by 12 p.m. for security purposes.

– 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). The 148th provides mission-ready Airmen and equipment to meet state and federal taskings while promoting critical partnership.

– 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.