Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***
WASHINGTON – At a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing on President Biden’s proposed budget for the Air Force this week, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Space Force Chief of Space Operations General John Raymond discussed the status of Space Force’s efforts to stand up a University Partnership Program. The senator began by referencing a recent University of North Dakota (UND) faculty visit to the Air Force Station in Cavalier.
“I really appreciate all of the efforts that you’ve put in – in the last year and a half, but really from day one – to involve universities in providing not only technological assistance, but a well-educated and hopefully prepared workforce,” said Senator Cramer. “I was really happy to see that ten University of North Dakota facility made a visit to Cavalier to the radar station. It was very cool and I really appreciate it.”
Senator Cramer then questioned General Raymond on what Congress can do to help Space Force make progress on forming a more formal relationship with universities like the University of North Dakota (UND) which have expressed interest in doing so.
“Do you think Space Force’s outreach and involvement with universities is where it needs to be? What can we give you to strengthen you in that regard?”asked Senator Cramer.
“I think it is where it needs to be. We’ve developed a University Partnership Program. It’s focused on doing research together, developing people together, and recruiting talent together,” said General Raymond. “I think it’s going to provide us with a great advantage, and we appreciate very much the University of North Dakota’s partnership with us.”
“As always, let us know how we can be helpful,” concluded Senator Cramer.
The senator hosted General Raymond’s first official trip as the leader of Space Force, where he visited UND’s School of Aerospace and the Cavalier Air Force Station.