Sen. Cramer Helps Break Ground on ND National Guard Operations Center in Fargo, Joins Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Readiness Center

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

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FARGO – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) member, attended a groundbreaking ceremony today at the Fargo Air National Guard Base for the North Dakota Air National Guard’s (NDANG) new Consolidated Operations Center. The center will be used by the NDANG 119th Wing, known as the “Happy Hooligans,” to operate the MQ-9 Reaper, an unmanned aerial vehicle controlled remotely by the Airmen in Fargo.

“The Happy Hooligans have long been a model for the Air Force of strong leadership and success. This new operations center will help them carry on that legacy by harnessing state-of-the-art technologies which they will use to continue their work of keeping America safe and secure,” said Senator Cramer. “I am grateful for all who answer the call to serve in the North Dakota National Guard and for the progress today’s groundbreaking represents in getting them the tools they need. I plan to work with our leaders to ensure this center gets completed on time and ready for their use as quickly as possible.”

Senator Cramer received a briefing and tour of the 26,000 square foot operations center following the groundbreaking. As a member of SASC, the senator helped write the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which authorized funding for this project. He announced those funds had been awarded for the center in July by the U.S. Army, which expects it to be completed by October 2022.

Senator Cramer has repeatedly used his seat on SASC to help support the North Dakota National Guard and intelligence efforts. The NDAA passed by SASC earlier this year includes $100 million for the Air Force to acquire additional MQ-9 Reapers which are flown by the NDANG 119th Wing.

Following the events at the operations center, Senator Cramer participated in a tour and ribbon cutting at the North Dakota Army National Guard’s Fargo Readiness Center. The 93,331 square foot facility with its 59,376 square foot vehicle storage building will be used by the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, the 191st Military Police Company, and the 112th Aviation Regiment.

“Part of what separates our military from the rest is the quality of our Guardsmen, and these units are among the first to be called to respond in times of duress,” said Senator Cramer. “The Fargo Readiness Center will ensure their efforts are properly coordinated and their equipment is efficiently stored and maintained. I am grateful this longtime project has been completed under budget and ahead of schedule, and I trust our Guardsmen will put it to good use.”

Senator Cramer advocated for funding for the Fargo Readiness Center as a member of the U.S. Representatives in 2018, and he participated in the groundbreaking in August 2019.