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Grand Forks transitions from tankers to UAVs

  • Published
  • By Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON --  The primary mission at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., is transitioning from KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft to support for launch, recovery and maintenance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or UAVs. The transition will begin with the departure of the base's final KC-135 in December 2010. The new mission to support UAVs will begin in mid-2013.

In preparation for the RQ-4 Global Hawk, a Battlefield Airborne Communications Node Mission Control Element will be transferred to Grand Forks AFB in the Fall of 2011 based upon the completion of an Environmental Impact Statement. The Mission Control Element will establish RQ-4 synergies and maintain the workforce skill-sets required in anticipation of the Global Hawk's arrival after initial operational test and evaluation has been completed.

Although there is about a two-and-a-half-year gap between the tanker and UAV missions, Air Mobility Command officials said Grand Forks AFB will remain a viable, active military installation even after the final KC-135 departs.

AMC officials said the Air Force is committed to basing the RQ-4 Global Hawk at Grand Forks AFB.

Officials also said the decision to provide this mission is the result of a deliberate, measured and transparent process, and the Air Force looks forward to working with the Grand Forks AFB community to ensure any concerns are addressed.