Duluth's 148th to be named active wing

DULUTH, Minn. - Sen. Amy Klobuchar says the U.S. Air Force has decided to name the Duluth-based 148th Fighter Wing an active association wing.

Klobuchar said Friday that the designation means that active duty personnel can train and work with National Guard airmen at the base.

There were some concerns the 148th might be targeted for cuts after the Defense Department proposed several billion dollars in expense reduction. But Klobuchar said with the designation, that no longer should be a concern for the 148th.

The Minnesota Democrat said the designation "makes it very clear the 148th is here to stay."

Klobuchar said the designation also will help increase economic activity in Duluth.