Duluth air base passed over for new fighters

Duluth's Air National Guard base will not be home to the newest generation of military fighter jets.

On Wednesday, Air Force officials announced a list of potential bases for their F-35 fighters, and despite efforts by Minnesota lawmakers, Duluth is not on that list.

Senators Amy Klobuchar, Al Franken and U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan all lobbied to bring the new F-35s to the 148th Fighter Wing base in Duluth. They hoped the new fighters would ensure the Duluth base, which contributes millions of dollars to the local economy, stays viable for years to come.

The three lawmakers sent a letter to Air Force Secretary Deborah James in June arguing, "the 148th Fighter Wing is an ideal placement for the F-35."

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The letter cited $100 million in recent improvements to the base and easy access to training airspace.

Air Force officials will choose two of the top five bases vying for the aircraft.

That list included bases in Alabama, Idaho, Florida, Michigan and Wisconsin.

According to an Air Force statement, the F-35s will begin arriving in 5 to 10 years.