GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Airmen with the 319th Air Base Wing braved arctic air mass temperatures this winter as they continued supporting base missions through an average temperature of 25 below zero – which felt like negative 61 with wind chill.
While local businesses and schools closed, the base was prepared with necessary winter gear and equipment to ensure operations were not impeded without compromising personnel safety. Maintaining safety is a year-round team effort, and in the frigid-winter months, each unit ensures they implement necessary precautions and procedures specific to their work centers. Not only do base units care about their work centers, but the community of Airmen as well.
The 319th Operations Support Squadron weather team works continuously to alert the base of adverse weather conditions while providing safety tips based on the current circumstances. This communication is crucial for the success of all base missions.
Base personnel can also always rely on the 319th Security Forces Squadron. They practice winter safety while remaining vigilant against all threats at the base gates and throughout the base. “Regardless of whether the base is closed or not, defenders stand ready and vigilant no matter the weather conditions,” said MSgt Daniel Cable, 319 SFS first sergeant. “They are the first ones you see when you enter the base and the last ones you see when you leave.
Grand Forks Air Force Base has a long history of continuing mission support despite negative temperatures and winter dangers, due to the Airmen who help the base stay prepared. With the 319 OSS weather team attentively watching our local weather and striving for the most accurate forecast possible; the 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron keeping the flightline and base streets plowed, while also providing free winter inspections for Airmen and families’ personal vehicles; the 319th Civil Engineer Squadron maintaining utility functions throughout base facilities; and many other essential agencies, the mission keeps moving.
The 319th Public Affairs office shared a video in which an Airman dawns his cold-weather uniform gear to continue working. The video ends with the quote, “Uniforms may change, but the mission remains. We are warriors of the north.”