Military Bases in North Dakota
Helping military families thrive in North Dakota.
Air Force Bases
Grand Forks AFB
Located in Grand Forks Afb, North Dakota
Grand Forks AFB in Grand Forks Afb, North Dakota, is a key U.S. Air Force installation known for its role in unmanned aerial systems and global surveillance. The base supports the RQ-4 Global Hawk mission, offers on-base housing, and is near quality schools and local amenities.
Minot AFB
Located in Minot Afb, North Dakota
Minot AFB sits near Minot Afb, North Dakota and serves as a key installation for the U.S. Air Force. The base is home to the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing, supporting both B-52H Stratofortress bombers and Minuteman III ICBMs. Families find on-base housing options, access to local schools, and essential amenities, but the remote location and harsh winters are well known.
North Dakota’s Strategic Air Strongholds
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to North Dakota, Grand Forks Air Force Base and Minot Air Force Base are pivotal Air Force installations, anchoring the state’s role in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence. Located in the Red River Valley and northern plains, these bases support critical global missions. This guide to military bases in North Dakota offers insights into their roles, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in the Peace Garden State.
Historical Foundations
North Dakota’s military presence grew during the Cold War. Grand Forks Air Force Base, established in 1955, became operational in 1957 as a Strategic Air Command (SAC) bomber and missile base, hosting B-52s and Minuteman ICBMs. Minot Air Force Base, approved in 1956 and opened in 1957, served as an Air Defense Command fighter-interceptor base before transitioning to SAC in 1961 with B-52Hs and Minuteman missiles. Both bases were key to nuclear deterrence, with Grand Forks later shifting to aerial refueling and ISR missions. Their strategic northern location made them vital for U.S. defense.
Economic Impact
North Dakota’s bases contribute over $2 billion annually to the state’s economy, employing 10,000 personnel. Minot Air Force Base, with 5,500 active-duty members and 5,580 family members, generates $1.2 billion in Ward County, supporting Minot’s retail and dining. Grand Forks Air Force Base employs 3,800 personnel, adding $800 million to Grand Forks County’s economy. Families at both bases access 1,200 housing units, DoDDS schools (Minot Public Schools, Grand Forks Public Schools), and TRICARE clinics. MWR programs, including 2025 Minot Scandinavian festivals and Grand Forks bike trail outings, enhance community life.
Key Military Facilities
Grand Forks Air Force Base (Emerado): Hosts the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, operating RQ-4B Global Hawk drones for ISR missions, with 3,800 personnel.
Minot Air Force Base (Minot): Home to the 5th Bomb Wing with B-52H Stratofortresses and the 91st Missile Wing with 150 Minuteman III ICBMs, supporting 5,500 personnel.
Camp Grafton (Devils Lake): A National Guard training center for the 164th Regional Training Institute, hosting 1,500 trainees annually for engineering and logistics.
Strategic Importance
North Dakota’s bases are linchpins for U.S. strategic operations. Grand Forks Air Force Base’s 319th Reconnaissance Wing conducts 1,000 annual RQ-4B Global Hawk missions, providing 25% of Air Combat Command’s ISR data for global operations. Minot Air Force Base’s 5th Bomb Wing operates 27 B-52Hs, executing 2,000 sorties yearly for nuclear deterrence and global strike, while the 91st Missile Wing maintains 150 Minuteman III ICBMs, transitioning to LGM-35A Sentinels by 2030. Camp Grafton trains 1,500 Guard members for domestic and NATO missions. In 2024, Minot enhanced B-52 capabilities, and Grand Forks expanded ISR operations.
Notable Distinctions
Minot Air Force Base, at 5,577 acres, is one of three U.S. bases hosting both B-52Hs and Minuteman III ICBMs, with a 2025 Sentinel transition marking a modernization milestone. Grand Forks Air Force Base is the Air Force’s only RQ-4B Global Hawk base, spanning 5,400 acres. Camp Grafton is North Dakota’s largest Guard training site, with 1,300 acres. The bases offer 1,200 housing units, school partnerships, and MWR events like Grand Forks’ 2025 air shows and Minot’s downtown art walks, fostering a supportive environment for families.
U.S. service members on PCS to North Dakota or TDY in North Dakota will find mission-critical roles and close-knit communities at Grand Forks and Minot Air Force Bases. From Grand Forks’ university town energy to Minot’s Nordic charm, North Dakota’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and unique cultural experiences for military families.