148th Fighter 2014 Annual Report From The Commander Vision 2014 saw the 148th Fighter Wing engaged around the globe and Legacy of Excellence challenged with mission change. We sent and Airmen to for the first time since our F-4’s went to Germany in 1987. The wing deployed Airmen to far away continents. We ended an Mission era of Alert, and embraced a new mission. And we did all this while maintaining nation-leading metrics of strength, readiness, and Provide ready Airmen to defeat America’s enemies and rapidly respond to state and aircraft availability. community needs.

The year began with the Bulldogs once again supporting our nation. In addition to individual taskings for the force support Federal Mission and operations support squadron, our civil engineers deployed to , and security forces and fire fighters did the same in Maintain well-trained, well-equipped units available for prompt mobilization during other parts of the Middle East. war and provide assistance during national emergencies (such as natural disasters or civil disturbances). From May 18 to June 24, the 148th FW enhanced our North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) partnership by deploying aircraft and personnel to Graf Ignatievo , and Amari Air Base, . The Bulldogs were thrust into the intense atmosphere State Mission of the crisis as they supported NATO exercises. Pilots trained against MIG-21 Fishbed, MIG-29 Fulcrum, SU-24 Frogfoot, Greek F-16, When Minnesota Air National Guard units are not mobilized or under federal control, British Eurofighter, Swedish Grippen aircraft, and Soviet Surface to Air they report to the governor of Minnesota, supervised by the Adjutant General. Under Missile systems (SAM’s). Deployed leadership hosted Gen. Gorenc, state law, the Minnesota Air National Guard provides protection of life, property and the Air Forces in Europe Commander, as well as the preserves peace, order and public safety. “To improve is to change; to be Bulgarian Chief of Defense and U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria; the perfect is to change often.” Estonian Prime Minister, Defense Chief, and Chief; the U.S. Ambassador to Estonia; and the base commanders from Graf Ignatievo Winston Churchill and Amari.

The wing ended an era of Alert after successfully executing its mission in Fresno, Calif. As that mission ended, the 148th embarked on a new one - “Distributed Training Operations Center (DTOC) Remote Capability (DRC) site.” The DTOC operation in Des Moines, Iowa provides simulat- ed training events for active, Guard, and Reserve pilots and Minnesota National Guard Priorities controllers. With demand exceeding 4,500 events last year, the DTOC • Competent, Ready Force expanded its capacity with a remote site in Duluth. We are excited for • Optimal Force Structure this new challenge and to watch the mission grow. • Sustainable Infrastructure • Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Our 2014 report card is “straight A’s.” We ended the year manned at • Diversify the Force 103% – the 14th consecutive year over 100%! The wing maintained a • Cyber Security and Response retention rate over 90%, an aircraft mission capable rate of 77%, and a pilot mission-ready rate of 96%. We led the mid-west region in med- ical readiness and 148th members performed over 4,700 hours of com- munity service.

2014 was certainly a year of change and challenge. As they always have, the Bulldog team embraced these challenges, tightened their grip on the bat, and knocked the ball out of the park. The Legacy of Excellence continues to shine.

Colonel Frank H. Stokes 148th Fighter Wing Commander Minnesota National Guard Priorities

Competent, Ready Force Optimal Force Structure

We will achieve and maintain the required personnel, equipment, training and resourcing levels that We will continuously assess and evaluate the right mix of people and equipment to leverage our ensure our success. Additionally, we will value, maintain and enhance our international partnerships. capabilities, while balancing the ideal composition for current and anticipated missions.

The 148th Fighter Wing flies In May through June of 2014, Other Missions: In 2014, the wing deployed over 175 members Inspection System (AFIS). the Block 50 F-16CM, the the 148th Fighter Wing joined in support of overseas contingency operations newest and most capable F-16 forces with Graf Ignatievo Air The 148th Fire Department including Southwest Asia, Norway, Croatia, The new inspection system is structured to in the U.S. Air Force fleet. Base in Bulgaria and Amari provides 24-hour Bulgaria and Estonia. report in accordance with four key areas of The 148th Fighter Wing is Air Base in Estonia, operations as the sole crash managing resources, leading people, one of only two Air National successfully completing and rescue force for the The 148th Fighter Wing continues its focus on improving the unit and executing the Guard wings tasked to several multi-lateral total Duluth International Airport. manning and retention by maintaining 103% mission by a process of continuous provide Suppression of force exercises including end strength – the 14th consecutive year over self-assessment and improvement. Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) Thracian Star, BALTOPS, and The 148th Explosives 100%. The wing also maintained a retention support for our nation. The Saber Strike. These events Ordnance Disposal (EOD) rate of over 90%, an aircraft capable rate of As part of the new AFIS, the wing now has wing continues to actively included training pilots to identifies and disposes of 77%, and a pilot mission-ready rate of 96%. four full-time and one traditional member support overseas Air execute the Suppression of explosives found within The wing flew over 3,400 hours in fiscal year making up the Inspector General (IG) team. Expeditionary Force (AEF) Enemy Air Defense mission the local area, providing the 2014 with ZERO aircraft accidents. The IG, along with the support of Subject and Expeditionary Combat and to maintain sovereignty only source with this Matter Experts (SME’s), will report on the Support (ECS) taskings in of United States and NATO capability in the region. 2014 also saw the implementation of the new health of each 148th Fighter Wing section support of the Global War on airspace. Commander’s Inspection Program (CCIP) and through inspecting programs and core capa- Terror. is now the foundation of the Air Force bilities.

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Sustainable Infrastructure Beyond the yellow ribbon

We must advance our environmentally sustainable infrastructure with regards to our facilities and The objective of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program is to improve the wellness and resilience of equipment statewide, continue to set the standard with our environmental initiatives and be good Servicemembers, their employers and military family members. stewards of our cultural resources.

The 148th Fighter Wing is on a • Worked to promote social Future Infrastructure Initia- Duluth Beyond the Yellow Rib- • Three childcare providers in Strong Bonds Marriage continuous mission to reduce awareness campaigns for tives: bon Program the Home Community Enrichment and Singles-Got energy consumption and to energy resource use reduc- Program (HCC) provided free Your Back. incorporate energy savings into tion. • Maintained the weapons • Hosted the “Sense of Com- childcare on drill weekends base operations. training facility as the munity”event at the Univer- to 311 148th children. • Offered three morale • Upgraded four facilities number one project for the sity of MN - Duluth. building/community • Received 13 Minnesota awareness opportunities, at Areas of Focus in 2014: to restore the buildings Minnesota Air National 148th Fighter Wing Airman & Military Family Foundation Enger Tower, the Lakewalk to their original operating Guard; it is currently 35% Family Readiness Program grants for Servicemembers and Bayfront Park. • Continued installation condition and to fix ineffi- designed and scheduled for and families in need. of LED retro fit lighting ciencies. construction in fiscal year • Presented the Transition • Practiced setting up an in existing facilities and 2017. Assistance Program (TAP) to • Assisted all branches with Emergency Family specified new LED or high • Reduced water consump- members preparing to retire. child behavior, personal and Assistance Center and efficiency light fixtures to tion by approximately 14% • Designed the jet engine work life issues, bankruptcy trained Key Volunteers on be installed in new since 2007 due to shop to meet Leadership in • Presented Transition Assis- and foreclosure resources, Psychological First Aid. projects. education, reduced use and Energy and Environmental tance Program-Goals, Plans and job searches. updating infrastructure. Design (LEED) standards and Success Workshop • Brought eight local and and is being awarded for (TAP-GPS) to Servicemem- • Offered workshops on wills, national universities to the construction in fiscal year bers preparing to deploy over trusts and estate planning, 148th during the annual 2015. 180 days. strategies for home buying, Family Day celebration.

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Diversify The FOrce Cyber Security and Response

We are committed to fostering an environment that truly represents the demographics of the We will mitigate threats and coordinate efforts to assist civil authorities in the event of a large-scale communities in which we serve. We must reflect those who we lead, serve and protect. failure of, or an attack on, one of Minnesota’s many vital computer systems. We must defend the Minnesota National Guard’s cyber network and be able to assist civil authorities in the event that an essential system is interrupted or degraded. The 148th Fighter Wing recognizes the value improving race relations at work, in the In 2014, the 148th Fighter Wing continued its • Completed wing wide recertification and that diversity brings to its organization and community, and with family and friends. focus on Cyber Security and Response and approval of Emission Security Controls the positive impact it has on accomplishing achieved the following: and operating standards. our mission. The wing is committed to • Continuing progress toward creating recruiting and retaining talented members to a culture that embraces inclusion and • Attained U.S. Air Force accreditation and • Maintained above average Air National reflect the community we serve and educating capitalizes on a diverse workforce. Our certificate to operate the Joint Worldwide Guard closure rates for all Information its force regarding the benefits of diversity. wing recruiters focus on college fairs and Intelligence Communications Systems. Assurance Vulnerability Measures. diversity events within our community. Diversity Actions and Involvement: • Planned for and completed the National In addition, the 148th Communications Flight • Members of the wing participated in a Guard Bureau’s Base Area Network continues to advance the command, control • The 148th Diversity Council meets three day Diversity Leadership Modification upgrade program. and training capabilities of the 179th Fighter regularly and identifies areas for further Challenge Program with colleagues from Squadron performing a critical function in the attention. Some of these include: entry the 133rd Airlift Wing, Saint Paul, Minn. • Implemented Very High Frequency dual establishment of the Battlefield Operational into service, service related barriers to This program aims to increase awareness band Advanced Encryption Standards Support System, the Distributed Training retention, and upward progression. and understanding of the dynamics of throughout the wing’s voice network. Operations Center’s (DTOC’s) Remote Capabil- diversity and addresses cultural issues ity (DRC) and the Air Combat Maneuvering • Members of the wing attended “It’s Time within the organizations. Instrumentation System. to Talk: Forums on Race” focusing on

7 || 148th Fighter Wing || 2014 Annual Report 8 || 148th Fighter Wing || 2014 Annual Report Deployments & Exercises Alert Mission

On Oct. 1, 2014, the 148th Fighter Wing concluded its nearly 55 years of performing the North Amer- ican Aerospace Defense Command’s (NORAD) Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) mission. Assum- ing the Air Defense mission in 1959, the wing flew F-89 “Scorpion” (1959-1966) (Top) five different and supported over F-102 “Deuce” (1966-1971) (Bottom) ten different sites in support of the alert mission.

Highlights:

• In 1948, the 179th Fighter Squadron was activated at the Duluth Municipal Airport and The 148th Fighter Wing maintains mission 10 countries including Canada, , began flying the Air Defense mission in 1959. readiness through exercises, hands-on and Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, F-102 “Deuce” (1966-1971) (Bottom) computer-based training, training deployments, Poland, and the United • In 1976, the wing changed to the Reconnais- F-101 “Voodoo” (1971-1976) (TOP) and inspections to ensure the wing is fully trained States. sance role until 1983 when the unit converted and capable to deploy and perform its federal and back to the Air Defense mission. state missions. • The 148th Fighter Wing provided maritime interdiction and dissimilar air combat train- • From 1987 to 1990, the wing supported alert International Training Exercises ing in the BALTOPS joint training exercise sites overseas and stateside including Germa- enhancing multinational maritime capabilities ny, Maine, Arizona and California. In 1990, Thracian Star- Graf, Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria: and interoperability, and improve involvement the wing began alert at Tyndall Air Force F-101 “Voodoo” (1971-1976) (TOP) in the larger Baltic region Theater Security Base, Florida until September 2001. • The 148 Fighter Wing sent eight F-16’s and Cooperation (TSC) strategy; Twelve countries RF-4C “Phantom II” (1976-1983) (BOTTOM) over 110 Airmen comprised of 20 different and approximately 1,300 U.S. Servicemembers • On Sept. 11, 2001, the 148th responded to the career fields to participate in the Bulgarian participated in the 42nd annual BALTOPS terrorists’ attacks performing alert in Duluth training exercise to enhance interoperability exercise. and Minneapolis, Minn. and later supporting with Bulgarian, Hellenic, and Romanian Air alert at Langley Air Force Base, Va. Forces and bolster readiness to conduct com- Deployments bined air operations. This is the first year the • In 2007, the wing assumed the ACA mission Bulgarian Air Force has included the United In 2014, more than 175 members deployed F-4D “Phantom II” (1983-1990) (TOP) at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii due to a F-16 Block 15 ADF “Fighting Falcon” (1990-2003) States in its yearly interception and air overseas. Some significant mission long-term grounding of the Air Force’s F-15 combat training since joining NATO in 2004. accomplishments include: fleet; the unit was the first to conduct this mission outside of the Hawaiian Air National Saber Strike and BALTOPS- Amari Air Base, • Civil Engineering Squadron repainted over Guard since World War II. In February 2008, Estonia: 40,000 lineal feet of airfield markings and personnel and jets moved from Hickam to installed five airfield signs, ensuring safe Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska and was • Five days following the conclusion of aircraft movements at the busiest combat air the first F-16 unit to intercept a Russian Bear Thracian Star, the same wing members de- logistics hub in the Department of Defense. Bomber off the coast of Alaska. ployed to Amari Air Base, Estonia to Over 500 construction and maintenance work F-16 Block 25 “Fighting Falcon” (2003-2010) participate in two joint training exercises orders for 210 facilities were completed with • On June 30, 2013, the 148th concluded its which ran concurrently June 9-20, 2014. the construction of a facility allowing home station ACA and transitioned to Fresno the relocation of $550,000 worth of Air Force Air National Guard Base, Calif. in September, • 148th members participated in Saber Strike; a assets. to help augment and mentor their alert mis- long-standing, multilateral, multifaceted U.S. sion, while Fresno converted to the F-15. On Europe-led training exercise focusing • Security Forces Squadron provided Oct. 1, 2014, the conversion was complete and on command and control, and interoperability installation security for over 800 personnel thus ended the 148th Fighter Wing Aerospace highlighting joint, multi-national training to and 500 buildings through entry control Control Alert mission. improve operational capability. The exercise points and foot patrols, continuously deterring involved approximately 4,500 personnel from emerging threats. F-16 Block 50 “Fighting Falcon” (2010-2015) 9 || 148th Fighter Wing || 2014 Annual Report 10 || 148th Fighter Wing || 2014 Annual Report ECONOMIC IMPACT

The 148th Fighter Wing is the seventh expenditures of nearly $21.4 million, the largest employer in Duluth with over wing created indirect jobs close to $14.3 1,000 members; more than 450 are full- million. This translates into home, vehi- time employees. cle and other purchases positively impact- ing our local community and businesses. In fiscal year 2014, the 148th Fighter The economic impact is also an important Wing had an economic impact over $90.1 indicator of how the 148th Fighter Wing million. With personnel wages totaling enhances the Duluth area. more than $54.4 million and operating

Fiscal year 2014: $90.1 Million Community Support

In 2014, 148th members devoted more than 4,700 hours of support to our local community. Members participated in blood drives, fundraisers, environmental support, were mentors and commu- $26,998,344.46 nity board members, and supported local community projects and events. Some examples include: Military Pay $21,373,177 • John Beargrease Sled Dog • Combined Federal Cam- • Boy Scouts of America Marathon paign Indirect Jobs Created 14,278,734.04 • Adopt-a-Highway clean-up • Twin Ports Thanksgiving • Supported the Northland project Operating Expenditures $27,452,831.71 Buffet Honor Flight Civilian Pay • Habitat for Humanity • Supported six volunteer fire • Duluth Air Show departments • Red Cross • Veterans of Foreign Wars • Civil Air Patrol (VFW) • Salvation Army Toy Drive 11 || 148th Fighter Wing || 2014 Annual Report 12 || 148th Fighter Wing || 2014 Annual Report Worldwide Virtual Training- DRC Highlights & Future INitiatives

PHOTO: ©2014 JOHN M. DIBBS

Highlights The 148th Fighter Wing took on a new mis- generating frequent, small-scale, team level sion in 2014 as a new Distributed Training tactical scenarios. • Enhanced international and NATO partnerships, deploying eight F-16’s and more than 110 Operations Center (DTOC) Remote Capabil- Airmen in support of three international training exercises in Bulgaria and Estonia. ity (DRC) site providing simulated training For example, as pilots at Vermont Air Nation- events for active, Guard and Reserve pilots al Guard Mission Training Center sit inside • Established a new Distributed Training Operations Center (DTOC) Remote Capability (DRC) and controllers around the world. their simulators, event controllers from com- site providing simulated training events for active, Guard and Reserve pilots and control- puter consoles in Duluth, Minn. populate the lers around the world. With the demand for simulator training simulator environment with hostile, friendly, exceeding 4,500 events in 2014, the DTOC and neutral aircraft, surface-to-air missile • Deployed over 175 Airmen to seven countries and continued to actively support overseas expanded its capacity from the DTOC opera- systems and real-time radio communications. Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) and Expeditionary Combat Support (ECS) taskings in sup- tions in Des Moines, Iowa to include a remote port of the Global War on Terror. site in Duluth, Minn. The DRC is essentially These simulator events are based upon user a franchise of a large networked-training hub. requests and may free-flow for an entire 1 • Concluded nearly 55 years of NORAD Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) on Oct. 1, 2014. It provides a tactical civilian employment op- hour 30 minutes or be stopped periodically portunity for the Minnesota National Guard’s for part-task debrief in order to optimize the Future Initiatives traditional combat aviators and increases user’s training efficiency. • Welcome Active Associate Airmen their proficiency and currency in F-16 multi- role tactics techniques and procedures while Benefits of the Mission: • Extend Runway 3/21 at the Duluth International Airport training the Combat Air Force (CAF). Virtual training is the future of training and • Continue to improve the campus Mission: securing this opportunity not only increases • Consolidated Logistics Readiness Squadron Facility wing pilot proficiency and currency, but di- • Weapons Load Training Facility The DRC’s mission is to remotely increase versifies the 148th Fighter Wing’s integration • F-16CM Simulator Training Facility event capacity of the DTOC and provide with the CAF and increases its sustainable realistic, relevant training opportunities by infrastructure. • Prepare for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

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PHOTO: ©2014 JOHN M. DIBBS