Grand Forks AFB

Grand Forks Air Force Base is an Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) Base.

319^th Reconnaissance Wing Mission:

• Provide decisional advantage to our warfighters and national leaders through support of our Nation’s Global Hawk High Altitude ISR mission
• Ensure strategic command and control through operations of the Nation’s High Frequency Global Communication System
• Afford Combatant Commanders mission-ready Airmen anytime, anywhere
• Provide Airmen and families of the Grand Forks AFB team, to include geographically-separated units, with responsive, tailored, and mission-focused support

Mission: 

To provide combat-ready Airmen and airpower to the fight.

Vision:

Innovative Airmen delivering warfighter advantage now and creating enduring advantage for America's future.

Desired End State:

A combat-credible force, ready and able to defeat threats identified in the National Defense Strategy, most especially China and Russia.

USAF Connect App

Grand Forks AFB is now on the USAF Connect app.  Just add "Grand Forks AFB" to your favorites.  The app is available for free download in the Apple App Store and Google Play.  Get up to date information, notifications and resources for GFAFB and the surrounding communities.  

Winter Weather Preparation

Grand Forks Air Force Base is a northern tier base subject to severe winter weather. To lessen stress, prior to the arrival of winter (December, January and February), it is strongly recommended that privately owned vehicles are prepared for winter weather. Failure to do so may result in unexpected repairs.

Stock your vehicle with the following provisions:

• Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper 
• Abrasive material such as sand or cat litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow 
• Jumper cables, flashlight and warning devices such as flares and markers
• Blankets for protection from the cold, extra warm clothing
• A cell phone with charger, batteries, water, high energy snacks and any necessary medicine

Childcare

If you need childcare, you or your sponsor can create an account with militarychildcare.com, a Defense Department program where you will find comprehensive information on child care programs, conduct a customized search and submit a request for care. We recommend you do this well in advance of your departure from your current location. If you are a single parent this is especially important.

Passports and Visas

Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Members and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.

These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families.

Military ID & DEERS

Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12) and Federal Identity Processing Standard (FIPS-201) requires two forms of identification documents for initial issue and replacement of ID cards.

Lost or stolen CACs are accountable government property. A statement of lost or stolen ID must be provided before a replacement CAC can be issued. Lost or stolen CACs must be reported to 319 SFS, Law Enforcement Desk, 463 Steen Blvd.

For initial issue or renewal of any type of military ID card (CAC, dependent, or retiree etc.), all DEERS eligible customers must have two forms of ID to include other specific items for the type of DEERS update being requested. One must be a valid state or federal issued photo ID. The second form of ID can be a social security card, birth certificate, or valid passport. All documents must be original or certified true copies.

Note: The sponsor is always required to be present for any DEERS update unless a Power of Attorney (POA) has been issued specifically authorizing the ability to update DEERS.

Housing

If you are considering living on Grand Forks Air Force Base, contact the Balfour Beatty Communities (BBC) Housing Office at  701-594-8000 to request an advanced housing application.

Telephone Access

Grand Forks AFB is in the 701 area code. Commercial base numbers have the prefix of 747. The DSN prefix is 362. The base operator can be reached at 701-747-1110 or DSN 362-747-1110.

Vehicle drivers will not use hand-held communication devices such as cell phones, two-way radios, or electronic devices such as personal data assistants (PDAs) while driving a vehicle on base. Vehicle drivers may operate these devices only once the vehicle is safely stopped and the vehicle placed in park. This policy applies to all military and civilian personnel who operate a privately owned motor vehicle, government owned vehicle or Government Service Administration vehicles.

Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions

The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DOD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the 701 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial (701) 747-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred. The DSN for GFAFB is 362.

Attention incoming Airmen:

Grand Forks Air Force Base no longer offers temporary lodging facilities (TLF) on base.  Please contact your sponsor or utilize the USAF Connect app for information about hotel accommodations downtown.  

Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions

The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DOD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial 701-747-1110. The DSN for GFAFB is 362.

Other relevant information

DOD Civilians and retirees are eligible to apply for privatized base housing at Grand Forks AFB if space is available. Contact Grand Forks AFB Homes at 701-594-8000.

Childcare can be difficult to secure on base and expensive off base. The CDC typically has a waitlist so please begin preparing as soon as you receive orders.

Weather: October to April features everything from blizzards and black ice on the roads (watch for ice patches on bridges, ramps, etc.) to freezing rain and snow, (you may have to scrape your windshield in the morning). Winter driving requires diligence, speed reduction and lengthening space between vehicles. Please see the GFAFB Cold Hard Facts on the USAF Connect App for more information on winter safety and winter driving.

May to September brings a wide range of temperatures, from the 50’s in May to 80+ in August. During this time, be prepared for seasonal allergies (mold, pollen, etc.). The Grand Forks area has a pretty short growing season. Mosquitoes & ticks (active in temps over 40 degrees) are problematic. You and your pets should be protected. Ticks are found in tall grasses, so check everyone over after outdoor activities. It can help to wear light colored clothing. Protect yourself and family members between dusk to dawn from mosquitoes. Stay indoors or check out over the counter products such as mosquito spray.