The Grand Forks Air Force Base will be getting a modernized face-lift of sorts in the coming years in order to develop and train crews in support of future Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance missions.
The announcement by the U. S. Air Force on Thursday includes an expansion in the number of operational units under the command of the 319th at the GFAFB.
- S. Senator John Hoeven says the plan means Grand Forks will play a major role in future I-S-R actions in order to meet national defense priorities.
Senator Kevin Cramer says the additional mission is good for Grand Forks and it’s good for national defense.
Much of the construction and renovation at the local base will occur during the 2023-26 time period.
The plan includes expanding the number of operation units under command of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing in Grand Forks including the E-11 Battlefield Airborne Control Node aircraft mission at the Robins Air Force Base (GA) starting in 2022.
Cramer says with construction scheduled to take place between 2023-2026 this is far from a shutdown.
As the new missions take shape the GFAFB will continue to operate RQ-4 Block 40 aircraft through the late 2020’s.
Full USAF statement:
The Department of the Air Force announced today it will conduct infrastructure planning in 2022 for construction and renovation projects at Grand Forks AFB, projected to begin in 2023.
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall approved the plan, which will provide the construction and renovations necessary to enable the 319th Reconnaissance Wing to develop and train crews in support of future Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance missions.
The announcement comes as the Air Force looks to restructure ISR capabilities to meet national defense priorities and support joint all-domain command and control capabilities.
“We’re excited to provide vital strategic capabilities to the Joint force,” said Col. Timothy Curry, commander of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing. “Grand Forks AFB will remain central to the Air Force core ISR mission today and in the future.”
The Air Force plans to budget for construction and renovation projects to occur during 2023- 2026 to support future 319th RW missions.
The plan includes expanding the number of operational units under the command of the 319th RW that are involved in next generation missions, such as E-11 Battlefield Airborne Control Node aircraft mission at Robins AFB, Ga., starting in 2022 and a second geographically separated unit in the future.
The Department of the Air Force’s fiscal year 2022 budget request is seeking the divestment of the Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System and RQ-4 Block 30 aircraft, to fund modernization and increase capability to counter threats posed by near peer competitors like China and Russia.
Divested aircraft can be transferred to other military components or federal agencies if there is a requirement.
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