Economic Development News & Information

Tuesday, Congressman Rick Berg met with top Air Force officials at Langley Air Force Base to tour Air Combat Command (ACC) and discuss the use of Global Hawk aircraft at Grand Forks Air Force Base.

While visiting Langley Air Force Base, Congressman Rick Berg receives a briefing from Commander of the Air Combat Command, General Will Fraser (left) regarding the Grand Forks Air Force Base Global Hawk mission

Congressman Berg was briefed by the Commander of the ACC, General Will Fraser, regarding the mission of ACC and intelligence that will be eventually collected by the Global Hawks that will soon be stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base.

Congressman Berg and General Fraser discussed opportunities for growth and future development at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. General Fraser suggested that up to 240 active-duty personnel will be relocated to the Grand Forks Air Force Base to support the Global Hawk mission. The Global Hawk aircraft is set to arrive in Grand Forks late this summer.

“Grand Forks Air Force Base remains critical to the Air Force’s mission and will be key leader as the Air Force seeks to expand its unmanned aircraft capabilities,” Congressman Berg stated. “The arrival of Global Hawk aircraft and several hundred airmen and their families will be tremendously beneficial to both the Grand Forks Air Force Base and the Grand Forks community. It’s exciting to see our state gain continued support as a leader in unmanned aircraft and its continued development.”

Congressman Berg also viewed an F-22 Raptor with Captain Nate Somers, an F-22 fighter pilot based at Langley.

Congressman Berg was joined today by retired Air Force Major General Greg Power, a member of Minot’s Task Force 21.

The Air Force Distributed Common Ground System, or AF DCGS, weapon system is the service’s premier globally networked intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance weapon system. The DCGS produces intelligence information collected by the U-2, RQ-4 Global Hawk, MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator.

ACC operates more than 1,000 aircraft, 22 wings, 13 bases, and more than 300 operating locations worldwide with 79,000 active-duty and civilian personnel.