Location
Grand Forks Air Force Base is located 15 miles west of the City of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and 75 miles north of Fargo, North Dakota. Grand Forks has a population close to 50,000 and is home of the University of North Dakota. It is located in the Heart of the Red River Valley at the junction of the Red Lake River and the Red River of the North. The quality of life in this community has been ranked by Money Magazine as one of the top communities in the nation.
History
In 1954, the Department of Defense chose Grand Forks as the site for an Air Defense Command base. Sixty-five thousand dollars were donated by community-minded citizens towards the purchase of a 5,400-acre tract of land. The actual construction of the base began in February 1956. By 1960, the Air Force had stationed the KC-135 and the F-101 B fighter interceptor. Two years later, the first B-52 bomber arrived and by the end of the decade, Minuteman II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile became operational. Over the next few decades, the base saw the departure of the fighters and the switch from B-52's to B-1 bombers. Some of the biggest organizational changes included the inactivation of the Strategic Air Command and the re-designation of the base's Bomber Wing as the 319th Air Refueling Wing in the early 1990's. In 1998, all the Minuteman III missiles were shipped to other locations and the silos were imploded, leaving aerial refueling as the base's primary mission. The Warriors of the North at Grand Forks Air Force Base support 48 KC-135 Stratotankers under the Air Mobility Command, making it the first supertanker wing in the Air Force.
Mission
Grand Forks Air Force Base plays a central role in the nation's defense. It is home to the 319th Air Refueling Wing, one of only three "super tanker" wings in the United States Air Force and guarantees global reach and engagement for the U.S. and its allies through robust air refueling and aircraft capabilities.
Population Served
On Base: Active Duty, 1,185; Family: 2,562; Total: 3,747
Off Base: Active Duty, 1,657; Family: 1,391; Total, 3,048
Marital Status: Officers: 66%; Enlisted: 53%
Gender: Male, 83%; Female, 17%
Ethnic Group: Caucasian, 82%; Black, 10%; Other, 8%
Average Age: Officer, 32; Enlisted, 28; Civilian, 46
Personnel: Officer, 370; Enlisted, 2,500; Civilian, 370
Sponsorship
Your sponsor will provide you with a Sponsor Packet containing a CD with extensive info on Grand Forks AFB and the community, as well as area maps. If you do not hear from your sponsor, you can contact the Family Support Center for assistance (701) 747-3241, DSN: 362-3241. If your sponsor does not meet you upon arrival, the 24-hour check-in point is the Warrior Inn of Grand Forks (701)-747-7200; DSN 362-7200. The Warrior Inn is also the POC as the Base Locator on the weekends. Detailed check-in procedures can be found in the "Check-in Procedures" topic within the "Installation" section of SITES. Upon receiving PCS orders, contact the local base Postal Service Center and complete an AF Form 624 for a change of address. The temporary mailing address for Grand Forks is: Rank/Name, PSC 1 Box (1-200), General Delivery, Grand Forks AFB ND 58207.
Temporary Quarters
Incoming military and DoD civilians who need temporary lodging facilities on base can make reservations far in advance. A 30-day maximum occupancy is allowed for incoming PCS members, although extensions may be granted depending on the situation. All reservations must be accompanied by a copy of your PCS orders or order number, date of orders, and issuing headquarters. Reservations are conditional until orders are provided or information confirmed. Priority is based on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the lodging office at the Warrior Inn, 701-747-7200; DSN: 362-7200, for current rates and availability.
Relocation Assistance
There's a multitude of resources and services offered by the Family Support Center and other base agencies that will help you to make a smooth transition. A Newcomer's Orientation is offered on the first Tuesday of every month for all newly assigned personnel and their dependents. The orientation is a great way to find out all the do's and don'ts of living in the North Country. The Loan Closet is stocked full of household items available for checkout until yours arrive. At the Family Support Center, newcomers can receive vouchers for up to 20 hours of free child care funded by the Air Force Aid Society. Spouse employment and education assistance is available for spouses seeking employment or continuing their education. The computer Resource Center has computers with Internet access to check your e-mail. Budgeting assistance and the Air Force Aid Society are available for unexpected expenses due to PCS. For more detailed information, call the Family Support Center at DSN 362-3241; (701) 747-3241.
Critical Installation Information
The biggest and most recent change was the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round that called for the realignment of the base's tanker mission by the end of 2010. BRAC also called for the establishment of an unarmed aerial vehicle mission to be carried out by a joint active duty/Air National Guard associate unit.
Winter Driving: During December, January and February, it is strongly recommended that you prepare your car for the winter weather, to include a block heater, prior to departure. Failure to do so may result in expensive repair and towing costs, lots of frustration, and a poor first impression of a very nice place.
Pets are not allowed in lodging at the Warrior Inn. Alternate arrangements will need to be made in advance.
Child Care information: If you desire on-base child care, you (or your sponsor) should check with the Child Development Center for availability. Recommend you do this in advance of your departure from your current location.