Grand Forks Air Force Base

The incoming commander of the 69th Maintenance Squadron (right) salutes Brig. Gen. Paul McGillicuddy, commander of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing (left), during the 69th Reconnaissance Group activation-of-command ceremony on Sept. 19. The 348th Reconnaissance Squadron and the 69th MXS joined together to become the 69th Reconnaissance Group. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Suellyn Nuckolls)

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The incoming commander of the 69th Reconnaissance Group (right) receives the guidon from Brig. Gen. Paul McGillicuddy, commander of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing (left), during the 69th RG activation-of-command ceremony on Sept. 19. The 348th Reconnaissance Squadron and the 69th Maintenance Squadron were also activated under the 69th RG. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Suellyn Nuckolls)

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The incoming commander of the 348th Reconnaissance Squadron (right) receives the guidon from Brig. Gen. Paul McGillicuddy, commander, 9th Reconnaissance Wing (left), during the 69th Reconnaissance Group activation-of-command on Sept. 19. The 348th RS and the 69th Maintenance Squadron were activated and fall under command of the 69th RG. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Suellyn Nuckolls)

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Brig. Gen. Paul McGillicuddy, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander, speaks at the activation-of-command ceremony at Grand Forks Air Force Base on Sept. 19. The 348th Reconnaissance Squadron and the 69th Maintenance Squadron were also activated under 69th Reconnaissance Group. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Suellyn Nuckolls)

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An RQ-4 Global Hawk is moved on the flight line at Grand Forks Air Force Base on Sept 19. The Global Hawk covers intelligence collection capability to support forces in worldwide peace, crisis and wartime operations. The capabilities of the aircraft allow more precise targeting of weapons and better protection of forces through superior surveillance capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Suellyn Nuckolls)

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An RQ-4 Global Hawk is moved on the flight line at Grand Forks Air Force Base on Sept 19. The Global Hawk covers intelligence collection capability to support forces in worldwide peace, crisis and wartime operations. The capabilities of the aircraft allow more precise targeting of weapons and better protection of forces through superior surveillance capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Suellyn Nuckolls)

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Grand Forks stands up new group

Published Sept. 20, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The U.S. Air Force helped solidify its Global Hawk mission at Grand Forks Air Force Base by "standing-up" the 69th Reconnaissance Group on Sept. 19.

Established as a tenant unit under the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, located at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., the 69th RG also assumed command of two squadrons during the ceremony, the 348th Reconnaissance Squadron and 69th Maintenance Squadron.

"With the stand up of these three commands today, we have now established the core functions necessary to support Global Hawk operations here in Grand Forks," said the incoming 69th RG commander. "Together, we are now a core function of the Air Force reconnaissance community and are stepping up to take this mission forward into the different theaters of the world to support worldwide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance."

Presiding officer and commander of the 9th RW, Brig. Gen. Paul H. McGillicuddy declared the ceremony a historic event and a day of celebration.

"This is a historic milestone for the Air Force to bring this weapon system here and diversify the capabilities and reach of the RQ-4," said General McGillicuddy. "Adding Grand Forks to our all-star ISR team brings dynamic new capabilities to support war fighters and leaders in our 24/7 operations worldwide."