Dakrats complete mission at Grand Forks AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Martinez
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing public affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 906th Air Refueling Squadron declared mission complete during a morning ceremony June 19 in the base's Northern Lights Club. 

The mission complete ceremony marked another chapter in the history of the 906 ARS, and yet another step toward Grand Forks AFB's future. 

The 906 ARS mission is to provide global aerial refueling in support of military operations and missions. 

"The tanker mission is a simple mission, a critical mission, 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Lt. Col. William Snyder, commander of the 906 ARS. 

The 906 ARS, also known as the Dakrats, began its mission in 1941, as the 16th Reconnaissance Squadron. The 16 RS was re-designated the 406th Bombardment Squadron a year later. 

In 1959, the 906 ARS were moved to Minot AFB, N.D. For 30 years, the 906 ARS was a major component of the nuclear triad. 

In 1994, the Dakrats moved to Grand Forks AFB. Over the years, the 906 ARS has been active in numerous refueling missions worldwide. 

Some of the refueling missions the 906 ARS has been involved with include Operations Desert Storm, Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
"It's not a closing, but a transition on to a new mission," said Colonel Snyder.

The 906 ARS mission complete is part of the Base Realignment and Closure Law of 2005. As part of BRAC, Grand Forks AFB will transfer out all of the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft to other bases and will gain unmanned aerial systems...

The Dakrats have earned numerous awards throughout the years. The 906 ARS has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards on a number of occasions throughout their history. In 2008, the 906 ARS was awarded the David C. Schilling Award for the most outstanding contribution in the field of flight.

The 906 ARS will continue their crucial mission from Scott Air Force Base, Ill. 

"Congratulations and a job well done," added Col. Henry Polczer, commander of the 319th Operations Group.