07.25.16

Hoeven Congratulates Brig. Gen. Becklund on Appointment as Deputy Adjutant General of ND National Guard

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today congratulated Brig. Gen. Robert Becklund on being appointed to the position of deputy adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard. Becklund currently serves as the Chief of Staff for Air, Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota National Guard and, in his civilian capacity, leads the Northern Plains Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) test site in Grand Forks. Becklund will replace Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, who was appointed as the state’s adjutant general and director of the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services last year.

“Brig. Gen. Becklund has provided tremendous service and leadership in North Dakota’s Air National Guard,” Hoeven said. “Further, he has played a vital role in establishing our state as a leader in UAS research, development and operations. We have worked closely with him for years to make North Dakota the northern hub for this expanding and vibrant industry, which promises both to grow our state’s economy and make our nation more secure. Between Bob’s experience, his skills and vision as a leader and the strength of his character, this appointment is well-earned.”

Previously, Becklund was assigned with the U.S. Air Force Remotely Piloted Aircraft Task Force at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and served as Commander of the 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard. As deputy adjutant general, Becklund will be second in command of the 4,100+ North Dakota Air and Army National Guard men and women, with approximately 1,100 full-time federal and state employees.

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