Members of the Minnesota Air National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing gathered with local business and civic leaders to dedicate the wing’s new F-16 static display at the entrance of the wing’s headquarters at Duluth airport. “None of this could exist without the enthusiastic stalwart support of our community, the chamber, and our business and civic leaders that stand with us here today,” said Col. Frank Stokes, 148th FW commander, during the Oct. 19 dedication ceremony. The display features a retired F-16 Block 10 aircraft suspended in flight. More than $100,000 in donated funds from more than 35 local companies and community organizations made the display possible. “Our members are truly blessed every morning with its beauty,” said Stokes of the new display. The wing now operates F-16 Block 50 aircraft. (Includes Duluth report by TSgt. Scott G. Herrington)
Fresh off a meeting of the national armaments directors of NATO and the European Union, Pentagon acquisition and logistics chief William A. LaPlante said the allies and partners are moving toward not simply interoperable munitions, but “interchangeable” as well. The 45 directors met to discuss how they will provide military…