Grand Forks Air Force Base

Branch: U.S. Air Force
Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
Installation Type: Air Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Grand Forks Air Force Base is located approximately 16 miles west of Grand Forks, North Dakota, near the border with Minnesota. Home of the 319th Air Base Wing, Grand Forks specializes in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) training, and remotely piloted aircraft operations. The base has a unique history that includes serving as a Strategic Air Command bomber and ICBM base during the Cold War. Today it serves as a critical node in Air Force ISR operations and a hub for RQ-4 Global Hawk training.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Conduct and support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations; develop and train RPA/UAS operators and sensor operators for worldwide deployment.
Major Units: 319th Air Base Wing (host wing); 69th Reconnaissance Group (RQ-4 Global Hawk and other ISR platforms); 319th Operations Group; 348th Reconnaissance Squadron
Tenant Units: Air Force Research Laboratory detachments; UAS test and evaluation elements; University of North Dakota (UND) aviation program liaison

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Grand Forks, ND – approximately 16 miles east; Fargo, ND – approximately 80 miles south; Winnipeg, Canada – approximately 150 miles north
Nearest Commercial Airport: Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) – approximately 20 miles; Fargo’s Hector International Airport (FAR) – approximately 80 miles
Gate Access: Main gate; CAC/military ID required; visitor passes at Visitor Control Center

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 3,000
Family Members: Approximately 3,500
Civilian Employees: Approximately 1,000
Total Installation Population: Approximately 7,500

Key Facilities

Medical: 319th Medical Group Clinic; primary care, dental, behavioral health; specialty referrals to Altru Health System in Grand Forks or Fargo Sanford/Essentia Health centers for complex care
Commissary: Yes – commissary on base
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes – AAFES exchange and facilities
Fitness & Recreation: Fitness centers; indoor pool (critical given climate); bowling; auto skills; winter sports programs; Grand Forks city has limited but growing recreation options
Schools: Grand Forks Public Schools serve most military families; University of North Dakota (UND) located in Grand Forks; no DoDEA schools
Childcare: Child Development Center on base; waitlists common especially in winter when outdoor options are limited; register early
Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility on base; wellness and preventive care
Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal Assistance Office; appointment-based

Housing

On-Post Housing: Privatized housing on base; mix of family and unaccompanied housing; on-post housing is popular given harsh winter climate
Average Wait Time: Generally available; on-post housing demand increases in winter
Off-Post Housing: Grand Forks city offers affordable housing; average rent approximately $1,100-$1,700/month for 3-bedroom; East Grand Forks, MN (across the Red River) is also an option; housing is affordable by any standard
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at Defense Travel Management Office (dtmo.mil)

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Contact gaining unit; 319th ABW sponsorship program
In-Processing: 319th Wing in-processing center; typically 2-3 days; extreme cold weather orientation and safety briefings required; cold weather gear procurement guidance provided
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Airman and Family Readiness Center; enrollment required; Grand Forks has Altru Health System with reasonable specialty coverage; Fargo has more extensive specialist options

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Humid continental; one of the coldest regions in the continental U.S.; average January low -14F/-26C; average July high 82F/28C; extreme wind chill regularly below -30F in winter; heavy snow possible November through March; strong summer thunderstorms; very short but beautiful summer season
Cost of Living: Very low; North Dakota is extremely affordable; no state income tax on military pay; low housing costs; utilities elevated due to extreme heating requirements in winter
Nearby Attractions: University of North Dakota events and facilities; Red River Valley; camping and fishing in summer; Fargo (80 miles) for additional entertainment; Canada border for international day trips; birding and wildlife watching in the prairies
Spouse Employment: Limited job market in Grand Forks; University of North Dakota is the largest employer; Altru Health System; government-related employment; remote work increasingly important; A&FRC assists

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.grandforks.af.mil
Main Installation Phone: (701) 747-3000
MWR Website: Verify current URL at https://www.grandforks.af.mil
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), Grand Forks AFB; (701) 747-5854; relocation, financial readiness, employment, family support

Last updated: 2026-02-23
Sources: https://www.grandforks.af.mil; https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/in-depth-overview/grand-forks-air-force-base; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GrandForksAirForceBase, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law