MINNEAPOLIS— The U.S. Air Force has released photos of the collaboration between the Minnesota National Guard 148th Fighter Wing, in Duluth, and the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
The photos show an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flying in formation with an F-35 Lightning II from Arizona’s 62nd Fighter Squadron over several parts of the Duluth area.
US Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jason W. Rolfe
The military service said the last aircraft was flown by a member of the Royal Norwegian Air Force as part of a training program to strengthen relations with NATO members.
Arizona’s 62nd Fighter Squadron is based at Luke Air Force Base.
US Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jason W. Rolfe
Reg Chapman of WCCO and photojournalist Tom Aviles recently traveled to Norway to watch Minnesota National Guard troops train in Norway, part of an exchange program between Minnesota and Norway that has taken place for the past 50 years.
The Guard recently reported that the 148th Fighter WIng will be deployed overseas this summer, although they did not say where the deployment would take place for security reasons.
“The Air National Guard is a combat-ready reserve of the Air Force, providing mission-ready Airmen to protect the homeland and conduct global operations,” said Col. Nate Aysta, 148th Fighter Wing Commander. “The Bulldogs of the 148th Fighter Wing stand ready to provide a trained and equipped aviation package of pilots and aircraft to meet the needs of our deployment location.”
The 148th Fighter Wing has deployed several times in recent years, including in 2022 during Operations New Dawn and Inherent Resolve, when they were deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. They also flew several times during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
