Sen. Hoeven Working to Strengthen North Dakota National Guard Operations

Hoeven secures funding and facilities to support the state's Guard members and their missions.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Senator John Hoeven discussed his efforts to ensure the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) has the training, equipment and facilities needed to succeed in their missions. As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has worked to strengthen NDNG operations, advance construction of new facilities, and enhance benefits for Guard members.

Why it matters

The NDNG plays a critical role in supporting military missions both at home and abroad. Hoeven's work to secure funding, new facilities, and improved benefits helps ensure the NDNG can continue to recruit and retain top talent to carry out their wide-ranging responsibilities.

The details

Hoeven's efforts include bringing the Technology Readiness Experimentation (T-REX) event to Camp Grafton to test counter-UAS technology, securing over $100 million for the Grand Forks region's high-tech aerospace ecosystem, supporting the 119th Wing's MQ-9 mission in Fargo, and establishing the Line of Communications Bridge (LOC-B) Training Site at Camp Grafton. He has also worked to advance construction of new facilities in Jamestown, Fargo and Dickinson, and is sponsoring the Air Guard STATUS Act to establish a permanent federal tuition assistance program for Air Guard members.

  • The T-REX event will be held during the last two weeks of August, with additional events to follow.
  • The LOC-B Training Site at Camp Grafton is set to open this summer.

The players

Senator John Hoeven

A member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee who has worked to support the North Dakota National Guard.

North Dakota National Guard (NDNG)

The National Guard unit of the U.S. state of North Dakota, which Hoeven is working to strengthen through his efforts.

Department of War

A partner with the NDNG in the T-REX event to test and evaluate counter-UAS technology.

119th Wing

The Air National Guard unit based at Hector Field in Fargo, North Dakota, which Hoeven is working to support.

Camp Grafton

A North Dakota National Guard training site that is home to the T-REX event, the Regional Training Institute, and the new Line of Communications Bridge (LOC-B) Training Site.

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What they’re saying

“North Dakota has the finest National Guard in the U.S., and they are in the fight every day. We're working to support their continued success in the wide range of missions they take on, both at home and abroad.”

— Senator John Hoeven (NewsDakota.com)

What’s next

The Line of Communications Bridge (LOC-B) Training Site at Camp Grafton is set to open this summer, providing a new facility to support National Guard and law enforcement training.

The takeaway

Senator Hoeven's efforts to secure funding, facilities, and enhanced benefits for the North Dakota National Guard demonstrate his commitment to ensuring the state's Guard members have the resources they need to succeed in their missions, both at home and abroad.