Grand Forks AFB Patch

[GlacierClipper]

Patch For Grand Forks AFB

 

[AngelFire91]

That's an awsome patch, I want one

But I have a question... Why does it have a B-1 on it when I didn't think they fly any B-1's out of that base?? I thought it was all KC-135's and such and other various tankers?

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[GlacierClipper]

I am not sure of the type of aircraft that is stationed at Grand Forks. I found the patch interesting and decided to post it.

 

[GlacierClipper]

May 26, 1994 the last of the B-1's left Grand Forks

I am not sure of the type of aircraft that is stationed at Grand Forks at the present time. I found the patch interesting and decided to post it.

Here is a link to the site on Air Force Patches

http://www.av8rstuff.com/b1page4.html

Information link on Grand Forks:

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/grand-forks.htm



With the departure of the B-52 in December 1986, came the arrival of the B-1B Lancer. The base received its first of 17 B-1B Lancers and newly re-engine KC-135s in October 1987.

The 42 Air Division gained operational command and control of Grand Forks AFB in June 1989. The move resulted in the inactivation of some missile wing units. Activated in their place were several 842 units. The move also placed the base under 8th Air Force.

In July 1991, the air division inactivated, making the 319th Bombardment Wing the host unit, activating several 319th units. In September 1991, the wing was renamed the 319th Bomb Wing.

On June 1, 1992, Grand Forks AFB, the 319th Bomb Wing and the 321st Missile Wing said goodbye to SAC and became part of the new Air Combat Command, as a result of major Air Force-wide reorganization. On July 1st, 1993 the 321st Missile Wing became part of the Air Force Space Command. On October 1, 1993 as part of the ongoing Air Force restructuring, the 319th Air Refueling Wing was activated and the base was aligned under Air Mobility Command. Grand Forks AFB is the first supertanker wing in the Air Force. On July 1st, 1994 the 321st Missile Wing was redesignated as the 321st Missile Group as a result of a command level reorganization.

On May 26, 1994 the last of the B-1's left Grand Forks AFB and the 319 Bomb Group was officially deactivated.

The 1995 Base Closure Committee placed Grand Forks AFB on the list of bases to be realigned. The 321st Missiles have been transferred to Malmstrom AFB, Montana. The process has been completed.

 

[scnnr]

Now I know I am a Canadian and all but if I am pretty sure up to a few years ago it used to be a missle base as well as a B1 bomber base. Then they switched to strictly refueling duties.

I used to always go down for annual Friends & Neighbors day every summer.

Randy

 

[jason_58201]

sadly, the only thing at gfafb now is just the tankers, it is still a standby site for minot afb, in case of bad weather in minot, b-52s are routed to gfafb. there even has been northwest airline flights routed to gfafb due to the runway length. a couple of years ago i believe, msp had to close down due to weather so they sent flights to fargo and grand forks, and gfafb. and then shuttled them to the airport terminal 10 miles away. they only did this for 747's.

if you ever nearby, take a swing through by the main gate, they have an incredible display of past planes and hardware that has served there, such as a b-52, kc-135, minute man 2 missle and the transporter for it and helicopters, and fighters that served there for the past 40 years. all display craft are real retired planes etc.

 

[AngelFire91]

I get the picture now, You'll have to forgive my ignorance I just recently have been going back and forth from Colorado to there. I've only been around GFK for about a year now, and only spend like 2 weeks every month there.

Thanks,
Kevin