Title
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE SELECTION OF THE MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD’S DULUTH-BASED 148TH FIGHTER WING TO RECEIVE THE F-35 LIGHTNING II AIRCRAFT.
Body
BY PRESIDENT LYNN NEPHEW, VICE-PRESIDENT JANET KENNEDY, COUNCILOR ARIK FORSMAN AND COUNCILOR JORDON JOHNSON.
WHEREAS, the Minnesota National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing, based at the Duluth International Airport, is an integral part of Duluth’s, economy, national defense, and community; WHEREAS, the 148th Fighter Wing provides critical service to our nation through its mission of protecting and defending the United States, while serving as a source of pride for the city of Duluth and the surrounding region;
WHEREAS, selection of the 148th Fighter Wing to receive the F-35 Lightning II would provide the unit with a modernized mission and establish a long-term operational future for the base, strengthening its role in national defense for decades to come;
WHEREAS, the 148th Fighter Wing is one of the region’s largest employers, employing more than 1,000 military and civilian personnel and supporting families and businesses throughout the northland;
WHEREAS, in 2025, the 148th Fighter Wing generated an estimated $107.5 million in economic impact for the region, supporting local businesses, jobs, and economic stability;
WHEREAS, the 148th Fighter Wing Fire Department provides 24-hour emergency response as the sole fire and rescue service for the 148th Fighter Wing and the Duluth International Airport, while also providing mutual aid to the city of Duluth and surrounding communities;
WHEREAS, the 148th Fighter Wing provides explosive ordnance disposal capabilities to the local area, offering specialized expertise and response capabilities that contribute to the safety and security of our region;
WHEREAS, the 148th Fighter Wing Communications Squadron conducts domestic operations in support of State Active Duty by providing specialized emergency communications equipment that extends radio, cellular, and internet communication capabilities during emergencies and other critical operations;
WHEREAS, the Airmen of the 148th Fighter Wing demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the community, contributing approximately 5,000 hours of community service in the Duluth area during 2025;
WHEREAS, the continued presence and modernization of the 148th Fighter Wing support national security, local emergency response, regional economic vitality, and the strong partnership between the Minnesota National Guard and the communities it serves; and
WHEREAS, the city of Duluth recognizes the significant contributions of the 148th Fighter Wing and the importance of maintaining its mission, personnel, and capabilities at the Duluth International Airport.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Duluth city council hereby expresses its strong support for the selection of the Minnesota National Guard’s Duluth-based 148th Fighter Wing to receive the F-35 Lightning II aircraft.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Duluth city council recognizes the critical role the 148th Fighter Wing plays in national defense, regional economic development, emergency response, and community service, and affirms that its continued presence and future mission are important to the City of Duluth and the northland.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Duluth city council urges the appropriate federal and military decision-makers to select the 148th Fighter Wing as an F-35 Lightning II basing location, ensuring that the unit can continue its vital mission and serve our nation and community for generations to come.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Secretary of the Air Force, Minnesota’s congressional delegation, the Governor of Minnesota, the Minnesota National Guard leadership, and other appropriate federal and state officials to communicate the City of Duluth’s support.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to demonstrate Duluth city council support for Minnesota’s National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing, based at the Duluth International Airport, to be selected to receive the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The city council further urges the appropriate federal and military decision-makers to select the 148th Fighter Wing as the F-35 Lightning II aircraft basing location.