Grand Forks Air Force Base
Updated: August 22, 2023
Written by Veteran.com Team
Grand Forks Air Force Base (AFB) is vital to the U.S. Air Force in northeastern North Dakota. It supports the 319th Reconnaissance Wing (319 RW), which flies E/RQ-4B Global Hawk drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
Base Operator:
701-747-5070
Address:
344 Tuskegee Airmen Blvd
Grand Forks AFB, ND 58205
Grand Forks Air Force Base History
Established on December 1, 1955, Grand Forks AFB initially played a role as an Air Defense Command base during the Cold War. Over time, it housed B-52 bombers, KC-135 tankers, and Minuteman missiles. The activation of the 478th Fighter Group in 1957 marked a significant moment for the base. The base saw multiple transitions, including a Sentinel Anti-Ballistic Missile site in 1967 and, in 1987, the introduction of the B-1B Lancer.
Grand Forks Air Force Base Housing
Balfour Beatty Communities manages over 540 private family housing units on base. Off-base housing also exists, giving families more choices around Grand Forks AFB.
How to Apply For Housing
To apply, contact the Grand Forks AFB Temporary Lodging/Billeting office at 701-747-7200. They will guide you through the process, including providing application forms. After filling out the form, await approval.
PCS and TDY Lodging
No on-base temporary lodging is available at Grand Forks AFB. Call 701-747-7200 from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily for accommodation options.
What is the BAH for Grand Forks Air Force Base?
Check to see what the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is in North Dakota.
GRAND FORKS, ND BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: ND190
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,233 | $924 |
| E02 | $1,233 | $924 |
| E03 | $1,233 | $924 |
| E04 | $1,233 | $924 |
| E05 | $1,440 | $1,080 |
| E06 | $1,719 | $1,287 |
| E07 | $1,740 | $1,308 |
| E08 | $1,749 | $1,500 |
| E09 | $1,818 | $1,575 |
| W01 | $1,737 | $1,305 |
| W02 | $1,746 | $1,497 |
| W03 | $1,758 | $1,584 |
| W04 | $1,848 | $1,716 |
| W05 | $1,956 | $1,734 |
| O01E | $1,743 | $1,434 |
| O02E | $1,752 | $1,560 |
| O03E | $1,860 | $1,710 |
| O01 | $1,482 | $1,113 |
| O02 | $1,716 | $1,371 |
| O03 | $1,755 | $1,614 |
| O04 | $1,992 | $1,722 |
| O05 | $2,163 | $1,737 |
| O06 | $2,178 | $1,740 |
| O07 | $2,193 | $1,761 |
For more information, look at BAH rates by state or calculate your exact BAH rate.
Grand Forks Air Force Base Surrounding Area
Grand Forks AFB is north of Emerado and 16 miles west of Grand Forks. The area boasts plains and rural landscapes perfect for hiking, fishing, and hunting. Emerado and Grand Forks are neighborhood towns rich in amenities and cultural sites. The region’s charm includes vast wheatlands and proximity to the Canada-Minnesota border.
Healthcare
The Grand Forks AFB clinic, located at 1599 Jones Street, Building 109, operates from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. Services include dental, family health, immunizations, mental health, optometry, pharmacy, and more. Note: No emergency services are on base; those suffering from an emergency should go to Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.
Childcare
Grand Forks AFB offers diverse childcare options:
- The Child Development Center (CDC): Open Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Grand Forks AFB Family Child Care: Provides full-day and extended care for various age groups.
- Grand Forks AFB School Age Care: Features school year care and a summer camp.
Schooling
Grand Forks AFB boasts a low teacher-student ratio. School District #140, established in 1990, collaborates with Grand Forks Public Schools District #1. Other districts include Emerado, Larimore, Hatton, Thompson, and Northwood. Nathan F. Twining Elementary and Middle School on the base serves K-8 students. High school students attend Central or Red River High School.
Registration requires immunization records, birth certificates, social security numbers, and previous school records. Busing services are available. The Grand Forks Youth Commission offers various programs for the young, ensuring multiple educational and extracurricular opportunities in the region.
