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http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123233797


The final KC-135 Stratotanker formerly stationed at Grand Forks Air
Force Base, N.D., performs a low approach, with its boom fully extended,
in one last salute to the men and women of Grand Forks AFB, after
taking off from the base Dec. 4, 2010, for the final time. The departure
of this aircraft signaled the end of the KC-135 air refueling mission at
Grand Forks AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Johnny Saldivar)


by Airman 1st Class Rachel Waller
319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

12/7/2010 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- The final KC-135 Stratotanker departed from here Dec. 4, signaling the end of the KC-135 air refueling mission here.

The plane was piloted to McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., by Lt. Gen. Vern M. Findley, the Air Mobility Command vice-commander, and Col. Don Shaffer, the 319th Air Refueling Wing commander.

"I started my career here in 1978, with the 905th Air Refueling Squadron," General Findley said. "I came back 20 years later, in 1999, as the wing commander. I am honored and privileged to be a part of this ceremony."

The first KC-135 arrived at Grand Forks AFB in May 1960, as a part of the 905th ARS.

"This base and its mission were a very critical role in our national defense," General Findley said.

"With this event, I think this puts the focus on the new (RQ-4) Global Hawk mission," General Findley said. "This command has been focusing on making this a smooth transition to the new mission.

"I think when you look at what is happening in the Air Force these days, the new mission is an extremely prominent role in what we, the Air Force, provide to the joint warfighter," he said. "As Grand Forks AFB turns the page, it will continue to play a critical role."

The first RQ-4 is scheduled to arrive in the summer of 2011.

Are the birds from Grand Forks going to the desert or are they being assigned to other squadrons?

Click Click D'oh wrote:Are the birds from Grand Forks going to the desert or are they being assigned to other squadrons?

From the way it looks to me in piecing this all together, the 319th is relocating from Grand Forks AFB to join the 344th, 349th, 350th, and 384th which are already based at McConnell AFB.