The 130 members of the 319th communications squadron are busy preparing Grand Forks Air Force Base for two information technology projects: the High Frequency Global Communications System and a Combat Information Transport System upgrade.
The High Frequency Global Communications System links U.S. Air Force command and control aircraft to other airborne and ground-based command nodes via high frequency communication around the globe. It ensures that national leadership flying around the world will be able to communicate securely.
It's operated by communication technicians at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Last year, Air Mobility Command selected Grand Forks Air Force Base to take on responsibilities as the system's alternate control station, which will begin operating in 2009.
As the unit prepares for this mission, another Air Force program, known as the Combat Information Transport System, returns to install a significant upgrade to the base's existing communication lines and network equipment. Air Mobility Command recently selected Grand Forks as one of the first locations to receive the latest upgrade in 2009.
"This upgrade will add to the base's already sizable network infrastructure by extending and upgrading our high-speed fiber optic network to provide reliable and redundant voice, data and video links," Tech. Sgt. Joe Nash said in a press release. "This will help to minimize outages and prepare us for any mission the Air Force might send our way."
The two-year upgrade project begins with a site survey in December. Air Force network engineers will visit Grand Forks to review the base's current infrastructure, assess the supporting network equipment and make arrangements for the installation of the new equipment.
Honorary commanders
Local community leaders will be named honorary commanders during an induction ceremony at 10:30 a.m. today in the Northern Lights Club.
The annual event is part of an ongoing program designed to foster a long-term partnership between the base and local communities. Through the program, community leaders from the greater Grand Forks area are invited to become "honorary commanders" and participate in a variety of base functions and events while sharing their own thoughts and experiences. The list includes Diane Blair, Delore Zimmerman, Barry Wilfahrt, Cheryl Ramberg, Kevin Kouba, Phil Harmeson, Jerry Severson, Dave McFarlane, Scott Hasbrouck, Jerry Youngberg, Ken Towers, Justin Gram, Wade Pearson, Mark Rios, John Snustad, Don Fisk, George Berg, Dick Olson, Tim Horpedahl, Donna Wolfe-Sholes, Pat Berger, Dave Molmen, Jeff Westrem and the Rev. Karla Tuff.
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