Closing a chapter at GFAFB

  • Published
  • By 319th Operations Group
  • 912th Air Refueling Squadron
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  A chapter of Grand Forks AFB history that began as the 22d Reconnaissance Squadron in 1942 at Barksdale Field, La., is ending as the 912th Air Refueling Squadron (dubbed so after consolidating with the 912 ARS, Heavy, which was constituted and activated Aug. 3, 1961) closes its doors at Grand Forks Air Force Base Friday. The inactivation could be seen as one of the most obvious steps in recent history toward the new mission at Grand Forks AFB.

"The final flight of the 912th Air Refueling Squadron kicked off the historical week," said Lt. Col. Brian McDaniel, 912 ARS commander. "It hasn't hit me yet that I'll be the last 912th commander at Grand Forks. I will say it's been an amazing experience, from winning the Spaatz Trophy in 2007 to now, when we focus on our accomplishments of the past and what the Vipers of the 912th have done for Grand Forks AFB and the Air Force."

The "fini" flight, as it's often referred, not only signified the last flight of the squadron, it also brought home about 47 deployed Airmen on a KC-135 Stratotanker, which the squadron has proudly flown since 1962.

In addition to the flight, the Vipers have also planned an open house for members of the base community. The open house is designed for Airmen and their families to learn more about the valiant lineage of the 912 ARS, which includes three Distinguished Unit Citations and four Outstanding Unit Awards, starting with the squadron's operations in Germany in 1943.

A ceremony scheduled for 9:12 a.m. Friday will commemorate the squadron's inactivation and officially end the squadron's mission at Grand Forks AFB.

"It's been a unique experience," said Colonel McDaniel. "I would not trade it for the world. I've focused on the fact that we are going to be the last individuals assigned to the 912th at Grand Forks. I want the squadron to press ahead and do their job to the best of their ability, and that's exactly what they've done to this point."

The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure law mandated Grand Forks AFB transition to an unmanned aircraft system mission by October 2010. The squadron is the second to inactivate at the base, with the 906th Air Refueling Squadron scheduled to inactivate in June.