Cramer Visits North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing, Highlights Key ISR Mission Supporting U.S. Airpower

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FARGO, N.D. - The North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing, nicknamed the "Happy Hooligans," is flying global missions from the plains of North Dakota. Flying MQ-9 Reaper missions around the clock, the wing delivers real-time intelligence and precision strike capability to commanders across the globe. From surveillance to combat support, its work sits at the heart of modern warfare and is quietly shaping outcomes far beyond U.S. borders.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, met with airmen during a visit which included operational briefings and updates on the wing's expanding Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission.

"Excellence has always been the Hooligans' legacy, no matter the mission," said Cramer. "Everyone knows the things they do, even if they don't know who does them. They are the often-unsung heroes whose missions are covert, quiet, and lethal. The airmen of the 119th Wing are an essential part of the national security mission, bringing professionalism and precision to their work every day. I appreciated the opportunity to spend time with them today."

The demand for MQ-9 capabilities is only accelerating. Throughout Operation Epic Fury, the aircraft has provided persistent ISR coverage, tracking adversary activity, monitoring maritime movement, and executing precision strikes in high-risk environments.

Cramer has advocated to strengthen the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) mission in Washington. He introduced the CARE for RPA Crews Act to ensure remotely piloted aircraft crews receive formal recognition for combat operations, helping improve access to vital mental health services as airmen transition within or beyond military service. He also secured report language in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act requiring the U.S. Department of War to outline a plan to establish a combat status identifier or equivalent recognition for RPA crewmembers, reinforcing their role in the fight.

Beyond legislation, Cramer has pressed defense leaders to preserve airborne ISR capabilities amid proposed cuts and has led bipartisan efforts across multiple administrations to protect these platforms.

He has also brought key military leadership to North Dakota to see the state's innovative defense ecosystem up close. In June 2024, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General Kenneth Wilsbach joined Cramer in visiting Grand Forks Air Force Base and the North Dakota Air National Guard, highlighting the state's growing role as a hub for next-generation ISR and unmanned aircraft operations.