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912th Air Refueling Squadron deactivates

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GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 912th Air Refueling Squadron is scheduled to officially deactivate during a ceremony at Grand Forks AFB March 20 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure law of 2005. The deactivation ceremony is scheduled for 9:12 a.m. March 20 in the base's Northern Lights Club.

Anyone with base access is invited to attend this historical event.

The squadron's final KC-135 flight out of Grand Forks AFB is scheduled for March 16, landing on the 20-degree runway at about 2 p.m.

"It has been an honor and privilege to lead such an outstanding organization." said Lt. Col. Charles McDaniel, 912 ARS commander. "The Vipers have accomplished much over the history of the squadron."

"The event that I will most remember was the day the 912th was selected as [Air Mobility Command's] 2007 Spaatz Trophy winner for their performance as the command's best air refueling squadron. I will never forget the excitement around the squadron. Even with the closure looming over them, they have never stopped giving it their all for the squadron and the wing. I am proud of each and every one of these fine individuals," Colonel McDaniel recalled.

The 912 ARS dug its roots in Grand Forks AFB soil in 1994 as part of the 319th Operations Group. Since then, the "VIPERS" have been engaged in operations all over the world to include supporting Coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over the past three years, they have logged more than 71,000 flying hours of which 52,000 were in combat.

In addition to fighting the Global War on Terror, VIPERS have also supported countless refueling missions at home and abroad, aeromedical evacuation missions and distinguished visitor movements around the globe. The 912th was awarded the coveted General Carl A. Spaatz Trophy in 2007.

Col. Henry Polczer, the 319th Operations Group commander, added, "Although it is sad to see any unit depart our group, I'm am extremely proud of all VIPER Airmen and the noteworthy efforts of the 912 ARS. They have left a fine legacy, and extended the exemplary heritage of the unit ."

MEDIA NOTE: Media interested in covering the final flight should contact the 319th Air Refueling Wing public affairs office by e-mail (319arw.pa@grandforks.af.mil) or by calling 747-5023 by noon March 11. Media interested in attending the deactivation ceremony should contact public affairs by noon March 19.