GFAFB hosts Governor Appreciation Day

Published Jan. 15, 2010
By 2nd Lt. Anastasia D. Wasem
319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The Governor of North Dakota toured Grand Forks Air Force Base as part of the first annual Governor Appreciation Day, Jan. 14.

Gov. John Hoeven used the visit as an opportunity to see firsthand the top quality facilities the base utilizes and the programs the base implements as well as speak with and meet the Airmen of the base.

"The facilities here are incredible," said Gov. Hoeven. "The physical facilities are absolutely amazing."

During his tour, Gov. Hoeven visited the Department of Homeland Security facility which is housed on Grand Forks AFB. While there he learned the current mission and future plans of DHS. In addition, he toured the proposed space for the University of North Dakota Unmanned Aerial Systems Center of Excellence.

The level of technology of the UAS mission is amazing, said Gov. Hoeven. The governor said he believes that Grand Forks AFB will continue to develop as one of the premier centers for UAS in the world.

Gov. Hoeven was also able to see the beginning of renovations and improvements taking place around the base, including the new air traffic control complex and various base housing and demolition projects.

"I'm always so impressed with the men and women working on this base," said. Gov. Hoeven. "They're intelligent, they're well-trained, they're doing a fantastic job."