Minnesota National Guard Fighter Jets to Perform Flyover at Twins Home Opener

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Thursday, F-16 fighter jets from the Minnesota National Guard’s Duluth-based 148th Fighter Wing will perform a flyover over Target Field in Minneapolis prior to the Minnesota Twins’ home opener.

“The Minnesota Twins are Minnesota’s hometown team and so are the Bulldogs of Duluth’s 148th Fighter Wing,” said Air Force Col. Nate Aysta, 148th Fighter Wing Commander. The flyover is scheduled on April 3 and will consist of two F-16 fighter jets. The F-16, known as the Fighting Falcon, is a multirole fighter capable of speeds of 1,500 mph and a range of more than 2,000 miles.

The 148th has performed flyovers at events statewide and nationwide. A military flyover is an up-close and powerful demonstration of our Air National Guard’s aerial strength and capabilities.

Military flyovers bolster patriotism, support recruiting endeavors, and offer a deterrent to our nation’s enemies. “This flyover over Target Field will give the Minnesota National Guard a terrific opportunity to showcase Minnesota fighter jets and their impressive capabilities to a broad audience of Minnesota Twins baseball fans,” said Aysta.

About the Minnesota National Guard: Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.

About the Air National Guard: Established in 1947, the Air National Guard has a federal and state mission with an authorized strength of 106,700 Airmen. The ANG provides more than 90 percent of the air defense alert sites in the U.S. and delivers almost half of the Air Force’s airlift and aerial refueling capabilities, combat communications, and aeromedical evacuations.

About the 148th Fighter Wing: Established in 1948, the 148th Fighter Wing is home to more than 1,000 Airmen who serve in 67 diverse career fields. The 148th flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon and is one of two Air National Guard wings providing Suppression and Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD/DEAD).