Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon Visits 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth

Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon recently visited the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth, Minnesota and experienced the full-workings of the facility, including a tour, safety and survival skills training. The visit culminated in a ride in an F-16 Fighter Jet. The Lieutenant Governor donned an anti-gravity suit, or G suit, and rode in the F16, experiencing complex aerial maneuvers – even taking the wheel at one point.

The Lieutenant Governor said she was impressed with “the precision, expertise and professional capabilities of both ground and air personnel” and that she feels “confident that Minnesota has a superior National Guard”.

Maj. Audra Flannagan said of the experience, “everyone at the 148th Fighter Wing took great pleasure in showing Lieutenant Governor Prettner Solon the capabilities of the 148th Fighter Wing”.

In addition to the rigorously practiced in-air flight maneuvers and barrel rolls, the entire crew dedicated to the safety and success of the 148th from the ground put their skills on display. The eye-opening experience provided a visual reminder of what it takes - both on the ground, and in the sky- to run an F-16 flight, and the 148th FW, every day.

The 148th   is available and prepared to protect and defend the U.S.A, as well as for disaster assistance.