B-1 Bomber visits Grand Forks in preparation for upcoming move [Video]

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A B-1B Lancer bomber visited Grand Forks Air Force Base in preparation for the upcoming move of the aircraft and related personnel from Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Grand Forks Air Force Base is set to begin housing 17 of the aircraft starting next year, and this week’s visit was made to test the base’s fueling systems and facilities to ensure the bomb wing can be adequately accommodated during the temporary relocation.

Senator John Hoeven serves as a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, through which he has worked to fund and advance the relocation effort, having made the case for Grand Forks to serve in this role to the head of the Air Force Global Strike Command General Thomas Bussiere and Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall. This comes as part of the senator’s long-term efforts to strengthen North Dakota’s role in the …