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GRAND FORKS – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), delivered remarks at the 17th annual Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Summit at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. He highlighted North Dakota’s ability to generate one of the most diverse and critical defense ecosystems in the nation.
“Grand Forks Air Force Base has evolved from fighters, bombers, missiles, tankers, and now unmanned aircraft. Its latest military missions involve cutting-edge drone and space technologies that keep our defense capabilities relevant against peer adversaries like China,” said Senator Cramer. "The boundaries they pushed brought praise from conventional and special operations forces around the world.”
Senator Cramer also highlighted the innovation of the University of North Dakota as well as commercial entities leading the way in combating emerging and potential threats.
“GrandSKY has landed the likes of Northrup Grumman, General Atomics and others who came because of runway access, radar feeds, and a UAS-friendly airspace created through the Northern Plains UAS Test Site which was funded by the state,” added Senator Cramer. “When you add in the university’s efforts to train the next generation of UAS pilots and develop cutting edge technologies, you start to see our recipe for success.”
Senator Cramer then introduced Acting Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General David Allvin, ahead of his keynote speech. Allvin currently presides over the Air Staff and is responsible for the organization, training, and preparation of 689,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas.
Prior to the UAS Summit, Senator Cramer and General Allvin attended a breakfast with University of North Dakota (UND) President, Andrew Armacost, who began his tenure as the UND’s 13th President on June 1, 2020. He previously served as Dean of the Faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, retiring at the rank of Brigadier General in 2019.
During their visit to UND, Senator Cramer and General Allvin met with Army and Air Force ROTC students to discuss their role in the future of our nation’s defense, and answer questions. Additionally, Senator Cramer and General Allvin attended a lunch with faculty from UND.
“Students, ROTC cadets, engineers, and airmen have a genuine interest in getting involved, pushing the limits, and making our nation better,” said Senator Cramer. “ I look forward to helping further our state’s leadership in all aspects of air and space.”
The day wrapped with a tour of GrandSKY, the nation’s first commercial UAS-focused park. Senator Cramer and General Allvin met with Northrup Grumman and General Atomics to discuss their growing airfield operations and capabilities as well as future growth and partnership opportunities.
Background:
On Saturday, Senator Cramer penned an op-ed in the Grand Forks Herald highlighting North Dakota’s robust defense ecosystem and Grand Forks Air Force Base (AFB)’s capabilities and transitions to meet our nation’s emerging threats such as Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.