Senator Cramer, VCSO visit Grand Forks AFB, Cavalier SFS

Published May 8, 2025
By Senior Airman Anthony Nunez-Pellicer and Airman Emma Funderburk
319th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Mike Guetlein was joined on a visit of the Grand Forks area by U.S. Senator for North Dakota Kevin Cramer April 21-22 to observe and learn about the missions and partnerships in the region critical to securing the nation’s interests in, from and to space.

During the first day of their visit, Cramer and Guetlein toured the University of North Dakota, where they were escorted through the UND College of Engineering and Mines and John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. Space Development Agency Director Dr. Derek Tournear accompanied the visit.

They were briefed throughout the tour about space studies, aerospace sciences and research and economic development.

UND holds partnerships with both the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, allowing for civilian and military members the opportunity to work towards space development together.

“Space underpins the future of our military and our American way of life,” Guetlein said. “The Space Force prioritizes partnerships with academic institutions that share our vision to protect the space environment for generations to come.”

On the second day of his visit, Guetlein was greeted by Col. Bishane Whitmore, 319th Reconnaissance Wing deputy commander. The visit marked the beginning of a tour that emphasized the collaboration between Air Force and Space Force missions in the region.

He traveled to Cavalier Space Force Base, where he engaged with the 10th Space Warning Squadron. His visit included briefings on missile warning operations and space domain awareness capabilities, two integral functions of the Space Force’s core mission of space superiority.

VCSO visits Grand Forks AFB and Cavalier SFB — U.S. Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein observes aerospace technology development during a tour at the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks, N.D., April 21, 2025. During their visit to UND, Guetlein and Cramer were shown the many advances and research being done at John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Emma Funderburk)

Cramer and Tournear joined Guetlein at Cavalier SFB, where they received firsthand demonstrations of the station’s radar and detection systems.

Briefings highlighted both the strengths and areas for continued improvement in the current infrastructure, including upcoming plans for modernization through updated software and hardware.

“As the Space Force continues to develop into a warfighting service focused on the space domain, it’s important that we stay ahead of the threat through innovation and modernization,” Guetlein said. “One thing we will always rely on is our dedicated workforce. I continue to be impressed and inspired by the professionalism and readiness of the Guardians, Airmen and civilians performing these important missions.”

Guetlein also presented several coins to recognize high-performing personnel and met with Airmen from the 319th Security Forces Squadron, expressing gratitude for their unwavering dedication to base security.

The group then returned to Grand Forks AFB, where they received additional briefings on how the 319th Reconnaissance Wing supports the Space Development Agency.

“The buildup of ground-based capabilities at Grand Forks Air Force Base and the warfighting support offered by Cavalier Space Force Station are critical to our national security and security around the world,” Cramer said. “The University of North Dakota’s ability to educate students and prepare them for these rewarding jobs in the military, and to support our military, are really another competitive advantage our state has when it comes to attracting cutting-edge defense projects. Dr. Tournear and General Guetlein’s firsthand look at these evolving assets, and staying up with them, really keeps our capabilities in focus.”

The visit concluded with the group touring SDA’s Operations Center North for a hands-on experience with their operations staff.

Col. Timothy Monroe, 319th Reconnaissance Wing commander, saw Cramer and Guetlein off as they departed from Grand Forks AFB, wishing them farewell and thanking them for their visit.