Cavalier AFS welcomes new security forces alert facility

SFS Alert Facility

CAVALIER AIR FORCE STATION, N.D. - Lt. Col. Michelle Kneupper, 10th Space Warning Squadron commander, and Airman 1st Class Craig Bellamy, 319th Security Forces Security Squadron response team member, cut the ribbon to the new security forces alert facility at Cavalier Air Force Station, N.D. Sept. 15. The $2.6 million renovation began Aug. 5, 2013, and replaced the former 40-year-old facility. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

Published Sept. 24, 2014
By 2nd Lt. Erica Sampayo

CAVALIER AIF FORCE STATION, N.D. -- Members of the 319th Security Forces Squadron will have a new place to sleep, as the official ribbon cutting for the newly-renovated security forces alert facility at Cavalier Air Force Station, N.D. took place Sept. 15.

The $2.6 million renovation began Aug. 5, 2013, and replaced the former 40-year-old facility. The project was completed June 11 and occupancy of this facility started June 19.

This facility provides the 319th SFS defenders with dormitory-like living quarters during their time at Cavalier AFS. The Defenders travel nearly 1.5 hours from Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. to Cavalier to provide 24/7 protection of the radar, assets, and personnel. Their time here requires much sacrifice as they work a rigorous four-day, 24-hour rotation with 12 hours on shift and 12 hours on standby, said Lt. Col. Michelle Kneupper, 10th Space Warning Squadron commander.

"Ensuring they have adequate quarters to obtain rest and relaxation during their time here is critical to mission success, and we are happy to provide them with a new facility," she said.

The security forces Airmen work hard, and they are enjoying the new facility.

"They are beyond nice," said Senior Airman Christopher Hicks, 319th SFS. "These are probably the best dorms I've had in my entire Air Force career."