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Cravaack Tours 148th Fighter Wing

By KBJR Manager

Credit: MN Air National Guard

Members of the 148th Fighter Wing, board a C-17 bound for Tyndall Air Force Base, FL. from Duluth Minn. to participate in training exercise Combat Archer January 22, 2010. Combat Archer will be the first operational test of the new Block 50 F-16 Falcons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Acton/released)

February 1, 2011 Updated Feb 1, 2011 at 2:34 PM CDT

After just one month in office, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack toured the 148th Fighter Wing. While at the 148th, Rep. Cravaack toured its maintenance facility, an F-16 fighter jet, met with Airmen, and attended a mission briefing, according to Maj. Audra Flanagan.

Rep. Cravaack, a 24-year retired Navy Captain and former airline pilot, received a briefing on the 148th's flying mission as well as it's 24/7 Air Sovereignty Alert Mission. Rep. Cravaack, was recently appointed to two subcommittees on the House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee and three subcommittees on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The 148th Fighter Wing is the ninth largest employer in Duluth with just over 1,000 members. In addition to its flying mission, the 148th provides Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) also known as bomb squad support to local law enforcement in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. The 148th provides 24-hour fire, crash and rescue support to the Duluth International Airport.

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