Peace Garden News

GRAND FORKS– U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), attended a Change of Command ceremony at Grand Forks Air Force Base as Colonel Timothy Curry formally relinquished command of the 319th Reconaissance Wing to Colonel Timothy Monroe. 

“A Change of Command ceremony is one of the richest traditions in the military, and I am always inspired when I attend them. Whether leading a squadron, a battalion, a wing, or an entire strategic force or service, the responsibilities are great, and the passing of the torch is appropriately impressive,” said Senator Cramer. “It was a special honor to witness Colonel Timothy Curry saluting his troops for the last time. "Beef," Jenny, and their beautiful children have been a blessing to the Grand Forks community and will continue to be. I was honored to welcome Colonel Monroe, his wife, and his family to North Dakota and pledged my continuing support to the airmen of the Grand Forks Air Force Base, which is growing in people and mission. It is impossible to exaggerate its importance to the defense of freedom in the United States and throughout the world.”

As the first North Dakotan to ever serve on SASC, Senator Cramer has used his seat on the committee to highlight the Grand Forks Air Force Base to the nation’s top military leaders. He’s also hosted several of them on trips to the base, including Chief of Space Force Operations General Raymond, Space Command Commander General Dickinson, and most recently, Air Force Chief of Staff General Brown.

Background:

The 319th Reconnaissance Wing operates E/RQ-4B Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft, delivering surveillance and reconnaissance to combatant commands. The wing comprises three groups, 14 squadrons, and three global detachments. The 319th maintains one of two high-frequency global communication systems in the Air Force, providing constant and secure command and control in support of the Department of Defense, Executive Branch, and Department of Homeland Security.

It also supports the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Air and Marine–North Dakota Air Branch and its National Air Security Operations Center,which operates MQ-9 Reapers out of Grand Forks AFB.

Original source can be found here.