Sen. Klobuchar promotes Active Association at 148th Fighter Wing

DULUTH, Minn. -- U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar paid a visit to the 148th Fighter Wing Aug. 5, 2011 as part of her efforts to secure approval from the Air Force to designate the 148th as an active associate wing.

"Active association would strengthen the long term future of the 148th," said Klobuchar.

Klobuchar had an active association meeting with 148th senior leadership along with business and community leaders from the Duluth area. Immediately following, she took time to meet with several members of the 148th Fighter Wing prior to holding a press conference.

Active association would bring approximately 40 to 60 active duty Air Force members to the area, which Klobuchar said, "would be a great economic boost to the Duluth area."

Klobuchar recently wrote a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley urging him to "consider active association at Duluth as a means to reduce costs while improving the mission readiness of active duty Airmen."

This isn't the first initiative that Klobuchar has worked towards promoting the longevity of the 148th; in 2010 she aided in obtaining Block 50 F-16s and she is also actively working toward securing the F-35 Lightning II for the 148th.

According to Klobuchar, the decision to make the 148th an active association unit likely wouldn't be made within the next year.

However, as 148th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Frank H. Stokes said, "We're ready now."