148th Fighter Wing makes an F-16 statement at Duluth base

A crowd of National Guard members joined the public Oct. 19 at the dedication ceremony of the F-16 display at the entrance to the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth. The project was years in the making and made possible by hours of labor, materials and more than $100,000 in donated funds from more than 35 companies and community organizations. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ralph J. Kapustka)

By news@duluthnewstribune.com

October 29, 2011 at 7:36 AM

One F-16 at the 148th Fighter Wing air base in Duluth isn't going anywhere.

A Block 10 F-16 "Fighting Falcon" suspended in flight graces the corner of Airport Road and Bulldog Boulevard after the display was dedicated this month.

Labor, materials and more than $100,000 was contributed by more than 35 local companies and community organizations, wrote Tech. Sgt. Scott G. Herrington on the 148th's website.

Col. Frank H. Stokes, fighter wing commander, credited the families and employers of 148th airmen, the community and particularly the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce's Military Affairs Committee for its support of the 148th.

The Military Affairs Committee led the project to display the F-16.

The dedication was mentioned several times at the chamber's annual dinner last week.

The 148th flew the Block 10s from 1990 to 2003, when it upgraded to Block 25s. It received Block 50s last year.

The F-16 is the second aircraft displayed in the vicinity. In 1990, Skyline Rotary coordinated the effort to place an F-4 fighter near the airport. The F-4 is the model the 148th flew between 1983 and 1990.

148th Fighter Wing makes an F-16 statement at Duluth base

One F-16 at the 148th Fighter Wing air base in Duluth isn't going anywhere. A Block 10 F-16 "Fighting Falcon" suspended in flight graces the corner of Airport Road and Bulldog Boulevard after the display was dedicated this month. Labor, materials...