148th Fighter Wing 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 aircraft and Airmen to Europe 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 squadron and operations support squadron, our civil engineers deployed to Afghanistan, 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 Air Base, Bulgaria and Amari Air Base, Estonia. The Bulldogs were thrust into the intense atmosphere State Mission of the Ukraine 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 United States 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 Air Force 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. 3 || 148th Fighter Wing || 2014 Annual Report 4 || 148th Fighter Wing || 2014 Annual Report Minnesota National Guard Priorities 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 180 days. strategies for home buying, Family Day celebration. 2015. 5 || 148th Fighter Wing || 2014 Annual Report 6 || 148th Fighter Wing || 2014 Annual Report Minnesota National Guard Priorities 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.