Grand Forks AFB, ND

Grand Forks AFB, ND 58205 | Base Operator: DSN: 362-3000, (701) 747-3000

Grand Forks AFB: Overview

Grand Forks Air Force Base (AFB) is the proud home of the 319th Air Refueling Wing of the Air Mobility Command’s Eighteenth Air Force. The mission of this unit is to expand the capability of airborne assets of the United States and allied nations by providing in-air refueling. The mission of Grand Forks AFB is to provide and maintain the infrastructure and facilities for the host unit and for the support elements of the 319th Air Refueling Wing.

Construction was completed on Grand Forks AFB in 1957 and it was originally designated as an air intercept base. One year later, the base inherited additional responsibilities, which included supporting the mission of refueling units and strategic bombers. During the Cold War, Grand Forks AFB supported a number of different units with missions that included air intercept, refueling, strategic bombing, and even strategic missile readiness. The operational mission that remains at the base is the refueling mission.

Grand Forks AFB: Education

Military members are provided with great education benefits, such as the Tuition Assistance (TA) Program and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Put these benefits to good use while stationed at Grand Forks AFB and attend an online school. Online schools align perfectly with your busy lifestyle. You can attend classes when you can from any location. So, you can be on TDY, deployment or even going through a PCS and there is no need to delay your degree progress. You may want to request information from a number of these schools. Start by clicking the "Find A School" button below:

Grand Forks AFB: Location

Grand Forks AFB is Grand Forks County and is only about 15 miles from Grand Forks, North Dakota. This location is in the eastern part of the state near the western border of Minnesota. The nearest geographic landmarks in the area include the Red River of the North and the Red Lake River. This area is known as the Heart of the Red River Valley. Other communities in the area include Grafton, ND, West Fargo, ND, West Fargo, MN, Fargo, ND, Moorhead, MN, Valley City, ND, Devils Lake, ND, Bemidji, MN, Jamestown, ND, and Wahpeton, ND.

Grand Forks AFB: Interesting Facts

Grand Forks AFB was originally established as a response to the escalation of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.
B-B2G's were replaced by the B-1B Lancer in 1987. However, the B-1B was transferred off of the base in 1994 ending the bombing missions stationed here.
The strategic missile mission was deactivated at Grand Forks AFB in 1998 and the last missile silo was imploded in 2001.