Gen. Guetlein, SDA Director Tournear to Visit Grand Forks Air Force Base, Cavalier Space Force Station

***Click here to download audio.***

BISMARCK, N.D. - U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced Space Development Agency (SDA) Director Derek Tournear and General Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations for the United States Space Force, will join him in visiting the University of North Dakota (UND), Grand Forks Air Force Base, and Cavalier Space Force Station.

"The buildup of ground-based capabilities at Grand Forks Air Force Base and the warfighting support offered by Cavalier Space Force Station are critical to our national security and security around the world," said Cramer. "The University of North Dakota's ability to educate students and prepare them for these rewarding jobs in the military, and to support our military, are really another competitive advantage our state has when it comes to attracting cutting-edge defense projects. Dr. Tournear and General Guetlein's firsthand look at these evolving assets, and staying up with them, really keeps our capabilities in focus."

"The greater Grand Forks community has been extremely welcoming to Team SDA as we prepare for operations of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture and strengthen our relationships in the region," said SDA Director Derek Tournear. "The SDA Operations Center-North has been completed and will be fully operational in time to support the operations of our first Tranche 1 satellites that will launch later this summer. Additionally, our new Technology Acceleration Center is progressing. Once complete it will serve as a satellite support facility to onboard future tranches and as an operating location for future advanced satellite capabilities."

"We are thrilled for this opportunity to strengthen our relationships with the U.S. Space Force and the Space Development Agency," said UND President Andy Armacost. "As a University, one of our missions is to support these tremendous organizations by producing a highly educated workforce and creating innovations through research that enhance their missions. We want to thank Senator Cramer for making it possible for Director Tournear and General Guetlein to tour our campus and to see first-hand what the University of North Dakota has to offer."

The group will host a media availability on Monday, April 21 at 4:15 p.m. CT in the Robin Hall Atrium, 4275 University Ave, Grand Forks, ND 58202.