BISMARCK — U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) member, announced today the U.S. Cavalier Air Force Station (AFS) will officially become part of the U.S. Space Force (USSF) effective July 30.

“Aside from the obvious need for it, one of the reasons I helped create Space Force in Congress was the potential for North Dakota to contribute to bolstering America’s dominance in space, and Cavalier becoming part of Space Force is the first of what we hope to be many steps in formalizing that relationship between our state and the newest branch of the U.S. military,” said Senator Cramer. “Cavalier will now be able to use its capabilities to effectively monitor our adversaries’ space activities and ensure we keep our country safe. I look forward to working with General Raymond to ensure this transfer is successful and Cavalier maximizes its potential.”

USSF was officially created in December 2019 through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which Senator Cramer helps write as a member of SASC. Since then, Senator Cramer has been working to demonstrate to top military leaders how North Dakota can help USSF and its mission. The first official trip for USSF Chief of Operations General John “Jay” Raymond was to North Dakota and was hosted by Senator Cramer. On that trip, they toured the University of North Dakota (UND) School of Aerospace and visited Cavalier AFS, where General Raymond announced an additional pay stipend for those stationed at the base.

The senator has also been a firm supporter of Cavalier AFS. This week he helped secured additional support for the base in this year’s NDAA, which SASC passed on Wednesday.