Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
08.24.21
Senator Outlines Efforts to Fund, Benefits of New 119th Wing Operations Center & Fargo Readiness Center
FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today marked two major milestones for North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) operations in Fargo, including:
- The groundbreaking for the new 119th Wing’s Operation Center.
- The grand opening of the Army National Guard’s Readiness Center.
As a member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee, Hoeven worked to fund both of these projects, having secured $17.5 million for the operations center and $32 million for the readiness center.
119th Wing Operations Center
“The 119th Wing’s operations provide critical support to missions around the world,” said Hoeven. “That’s why we funded this state-of-the-art facility, which is being purpose built with the advanced technology and equipment needed to support the MQ-9 mission and ensure the wing’s continued success. Moreover, we worked to ensure the wing will be able to seamlessly transition away from their current, outdated facility without mission interruption.”
Hoeven recently hosted Director of the Air National Guard Lieutenant General Michael Loh in North Dakota to review the 119th Wing’s mission and outline the plans for the new operations center. The facility is needed to support new advanced technology and equipment that is critical to the mission’s long-term success, while also preventing interruptions for the wing’s operations. The Air Guard anticipates moving into the new facility in fiscal year (FY) 2023.
At the same time, Hoeven is working to ensure a continued role in current and future Air Force operations for the MQ-9 Reaper, which is flown by the 119th Wing. To this end, Hoeven:
- Worked to secure $108 million in FY2021 for the purchase of additional MQ-9s.
- This will help maintain the aircraft’s production line and support the Reaper mission over the long-term.
- Encouraged General Loh and the Air Guard to continue to look for ways to maximize the value of the MQ-9.
- The senator is advancing opportunities to make the aircraft available to perform additional missions by serving as communications relays and command and control assets.
Army National Guard Readiness Center
The new Readiness Center will support the administrative, training and logistical needs of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, the 191st Military Police Company and the 112th Aviation Regiment. In addition to the 96,331-square-foot Readiness Center, the complex includes a 59,376-square-foot enclosed vehicle storage facility, an entrance facility, a helipad and other supporting facilities.
“Our Guard members fulfill a vital role in operations both at home and abroad,” said Hoeven. “This new Readiness Center will support hundreds of soldiers across three units, helping to provide the training and infrastructure they need to be successful in their missions.”
-###-