The final KC-135 Stratotanker formerly stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., performs a low approach, with its boom fully extended, in one last salute to the men and women of Grand Forks AFB, after taking off from the base Dec. 4, 2010, for the final time. The departure of this aircraft signaled the end of the KC-135 air refueling mission at Grand Forks AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Johnny Saldivar)
The final KC-135 Stratotanker takes off Dec. 4, 2010, from Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. The departure of this aircraft signaled the end of the KC-135 air refueling mission at Grand Forks AFB. The plane was relocated to McConnell AFB, Kan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Johnny Saldivar)
by Airman 1st Class Rachel Waller
319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
12/7/2010 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- The final KC-135 Stratotanker departed from here Dec. 4, signaling the end of the KC-135 air refueling mission here.
The plane was piloted to McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., by Lt. Gen. Vern M. Findley, the Air Mobility Command vice-commander, and Col. Don Shaffer, the 319th Air Refueling Wing commander.
"I started my career here in 1978, with the 905th Air Refueling Squadron," General Findley said. "I came back 20 years later, in 1999, as the wing commander. I am honored and privileged to be a part of this ceremony."
The first KC-135 arrived at Grand Forks AFB in May 1960, as a part of the 905th ARS.
"This base and its mission were a very critical role in our national defense," General Findley said.
"With this event, I think this puts the focus on the new (RQ-4) Global Hawk mission," General Findley said. "This command has been focusing on making this a smooth transition to the new mission.
"I think when you look at what is happening in the Air Force these days, the new mission is an extremely prominent role in what we, the Air Force, provide to the joint warfighter," he said. "As Grand Forks AFB turns the page, it will continue to play a critical role."
The first RQ-4 is scheduled to arrive in the summer of 2011.
Comments
2/7/2011 2:13:40 AM ET GRAND FORKS WILL GET THIS JOB DONE JUST HAS ITS DONE IN THE PAST. THE PEOPLE ARE GOOD AND STRONG.
NOEL LARIVIERE, ALABAMA
12/31/2010 9:23:31 PM ET We closed K.I. Sawyer Airi Force Base , Mich., in 95 when strategicaly it should have been Grand Forks. We lost a great base and a squadron of the AFs finest scattered to the wind. It may have been an end to an era and our buffs in moth ball but we will never forget. C-Man.
POL, Conus
12/9/2010 2:47:58 PM ET I was fortunate enough to ride in that particular KC-135 during one of its last flights out of Grand Forks. You really can't describe the feeling you get when you see the boom refuel an F-16. Hopefully things will liven up in Grand Forks once the new missions arrives.
RZ, GF AFB
12/8/2010 10:56:53 PM ET This certainly brings back memories. In 1970 the remote weather observation site was on the west side of the runway. Standing on the catwalk when a KC-135 took off was deafening. I would clamp my hands tightly over my ears. You could feel your sternum vibrate as it roared by. At -20 degrees you could see a radio tower light over 20 miles out to the west like it was a half mile away. The northern lights could be awesome
Herbert Cowan, Idaho
12/8/2010 7:50:43 PM ET Lee...There were two on board...... thanks for highlighting the fact the enlisted aviators are often forgotten about and are crucial to the success of the air refueling mission.
SR, GFAFB
12/8/2010 5:01:49 PM ET I guess I should give up trying to get to Grand Forks. It sounds like it's as good as closed. That's too bad there's no place I'd rather go.Soon every base in the AF will be in the South.
LB, SD
12/8/2010 4:27:04 PM ET I agree with these posters... the BRAC process is critical to balancing our infrastructure needs. HOWEVER, the process is tainted by the politics in Congress thus leaving questionalbe bases like Grand Forks and Cannon open with no strategic value or worth.
TacAirlifer, Colorado
12/8/2010 3:28:31 PM ET Good luck with getting RQ-4s off the ground in the winter is all I can say. Agree with Jerry in Oklahoma does this make economic sense
MB, Edwards
12/8/2010 2:50:12 PM ET Why will GF stay open? Ever heard of politics? I don't know how or why but the North Dakota senators certainly have a lot of power to bring home--and keep--the pork.
Cynic, Wonderland
12/8/2010 8:57:21 AM ET Why is the Air Force keeping a base open with only the RQ-4 as a mission? Grand Forks was once a two-mission base with both a flying wing and missile wing, but it doesn't seem to make any kind of economic sense to keep it open now.
Jerry, Oklahoma
12/7/2010 7:40:04 PM ET Was there not a Boom Operator on board?
