Grand Forks Air Force Base

Constructed in 1957 in response to the Cold War, the Grand Forks Air Force Base has acted as an Air Defense Operation and an Anti-Ballistic Missile Site. Originally the home to the 4133d Strategic Wing until the unit was renamed the 319th Air Base Wing. This unit operated a massive squadron of B-52 Bombers as support aircraft. The base named after the city of Grand Forks has also had a massive economic impact on the local economy such as providing jobs and supplying labor. This impact was a major reason why the base was not closed down by the US Defense Department in the early 1990's. 

The Cold War was time of strain for the US Military due to the uncertainty and unpredictability of the Soviet Union. The decision was made by the United States Defense Department to establish an Air Force Base in the northern part of the country as a data collection center and a defense unit. Grand Forks was selected as an ideal location because its northern location allowed the US to intercept Soviet attack and support bombing runs to Russia if need be. The ground radar system used at Grand Forks was vital for warning of Soviet aggression. During the 1960s and 70s Anti-Ballistic Missiles Systems were built and used for defense purposes. Nuclear weapons along with the large array of B-52H bombers was the base's central focus during the highs and lows of the Cold War.

Following the construction of the base in 1957, the first unit assigned to the new base was the 4133d Strategic Wing. The unit consisted of several B-52 bombers and smaller support aircraft which acted as a quick response defense team to Soviet threat. Later in 1963 the 319th Bombardment Wing was reassigned to the air base. This unit channeled its focus on midair refueling, reconnaissance missions and nuclear configuration training.

Once the Cold War and its tensions ended in the early 1990s, talk about the closing of the base became relevant. The nuclear system was deactivated, and the US Defense Department felt no need for the base to still be operating. This led to the 1993 Realignment Commission testifying to the Defense Department on continuing to keep the base operational. Local and National individuals testified including Colonel Charles Fox USAF, Mayor Michael Polovitz and Senator Kent Conrad. Following the impactful testimonies of so many individuals and an economic report on the base, the US Department of Defense to close the nuclear sector of the base but kept the base running for surveillance and mid-air refueling operations.

"The Grand Forks Air Force Base is vital to the strategic security interests of the United States."^[1]

In the rear of the Realignment process and operational changes, the base took on a new position of service as the War on Terror began to unfold. By the 2000's the Grand Forks Air Force base the 69th Reconnaissance Group was outfitted with Unmanned Aircraft at the base. The base acted as a main hotspot for unmanned aircraft until 2019 when the group was inactivated. At present day the base is still fully functional and staffed.

The base not only had an impact throughout the Cold War and into the more modern warfare seen through the 2000's but it also had a great impact on the local economy. Just a year after the base was finished being built the employment of Grand Forks increased by 14%, and the overall finical economy increased by 19.6%.^[2] The benefit that the base provided both for national security and local economies was the main reason why the base survived being shut down. The Grand Forks Air Force Base stands as a true landmark and key part of Grand Forks.

[1] Rowny, Edward L. Grand Forks Air Force Base. Presentation to Realignment Commission. Published June 2nd, 1993. UND Special Collections.

[2] Voller, Lothar. Master's Thesis, The Economic Impact of Grand Forks Air Force Base on The City and County of Grand Forks, North Dakota. 1970 UND Special Collections.

Wallace, Joe. “Grand Forks Air Force Base.” Military Base Guide, https://militarybase.net/grand-forks-air-force-base/. 

“Grand Forks AFB, ND.” Grand Forks AFB, ND | History, Post Housing INC., https://www.grandforkshousing.com/history#:~:text=Grand%20Forks%20AFB%2C%20ND%20History,-Grand%20Forks%20AFB&text=Ongoing%20Cold%20War%20tensions%20led,and%20constructed%20over%201956%2D57.

“Quick Links.” About Us: Grand Forks Air Force Base, Defense Media Activity, https://www.grandforks.af.mil/About-Us/.