Reconnaissance Wing Commander Tim Monroe also announced a ramp-up in military exercises and asked civilian leaders to review the security of local infrastructure.

Lt. Col. Nate Butler is the director of the commander’s action wing at Ellsworth Air Base in South Dakota. He says the B-1B support group tested the Grand Forks Air Force Base underground refueling system, which Lt. Col. Butler says “worked out beautifully. It was a highly successful test.”

Grand Forks Air Force Base Squadron brought thousands of toys and items donated to them to Sanford Medical Center. The Toy Drive started after Robert Louthain’s 6-year-old daughter, Katarina, tragically lost her life earlier this year.

The aircraft touched down for a refueling exercise Tuesday as the air base prepares to host up to 19 bombers from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.