N.D. Air Guard conducts activation ceremony in Minot

  • Published
  • By Capt. Penny Ripperger
  • 119th Wing Public Affairs
Minot, N.D. --  A goal and vision spanning more than a decade finally came to fruition today for members of the North Dakota Air National Guard with an activation ceremony officially recognizing the Air Guard detachment at Minot Air Force Base as the 219th Security Forces Squadron.

"The activation of the 219th Security Forces Squadron is the result of a strong partnership between the North Dakota Air National Guard and the Minot Air Force Base," said Gov. John Hoeven, who spoke at today's ceremony. "This innovative squadron is a first of its kind in the Air Force, and once again North Dakota is leading the way and helping shape the future of America's military operations."

The 219th SFS is unique because it is fully integrated within the active duty 91st Security Forces Group at Minot AFB. Guardsmen train and serve alongside active duty personnel in all aspects of missile field security operations.

"I am extremely proud of this monumental and historic accomplishment. The total force concept of integrating active duty with the Guard is the future platform for conducting military operations and that's exactly what we are doing. The opportunities and capabilities available to us are unlimited,"
said Maj.
Gen. David A. Sprynczynatyk, N.D. adjutant general.

Once fully staffed, the 219th SFS will be the largest SFS in the entire Air National Guard. The squadron began recruiting toward the 140 new positions in July 2007.

"There has never been an Air Guard presence in western North Dakota so getting the message out there of the incredible opportunities now available in this part of the state is a top priority," said Master Sgt. Tanya Augdahl, 219th SFS recruiter.

The 219th SFS is attached to the 119th Wing, the Air Guard base located in Fargo, N.D. Approximately 30 Air Guard members from the Fargo base recently moved to Minot to serve in the new squadron.