Minn. unit gains new home: National Guard chopper facility

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St. Cloud Composite Squadron members tour the Minnesota National Guard's new $37.2 million aviation support facility ,where they are now conducting their weekly meetings.

Photo by Maj. Richard Sprouse


Maj. Richard J. Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer
Group 2
Minnesota Wing


MINNESOTA -- Members of the St. Cloud Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol have set up operations at the Minnesota National Guard's new $37.2 million aviation support facility.

The 114,000-square-foot building, which opened in March, stands on 52 acres near St. Cloud Regional Airport. It will support six Blackhawk helicopters and six Chinook helicopters.

The base is separate from the commercial aviation section of the airport and has its own entrance and security.

The facility is a boon for the St. Cloud squadron, said Capt. Pat Cruze, a squadron member who worked to secure space for the unit at the new facility. The squadron had been meeting at the St. Cloud Armory for years.

"It means we will have access to a state-of-the-art facility, in an operational military environment, with proper classroom and storage space," Cruze said. "It just can't be anything but a positive environment to develop our cadets, further engage staff and train for missions."

Cruze said the Minnesota National Guard was very helpful in securing a spot for the squadron at the new facility, which will be a regional center for National Guard aviation teams and will employ 60 people, including soldiers, building maintenance and security staff.

"When I approached the Guard this past summer about moving to the facility their attitude was, 'We would love to have you here; actually, we've been waiting for you!' I just couldn't believe how helpful everyone was and how quickly this all came together. It's still hard to believe we're actually here," Cruze said.

One-third of the soldiers working at the facility are deployed in Iraq and will be back in May, National Guard Staff Sgt. Rob Schuety said.

Once it's fully operational, two to three flights a day will be coming and going from the base. Schuety said it's hard to say what the pattern of the flights will be, but the site will be a regional launch point for the helicopters.

The choppers will be able to help in state emergencies such as search-and-rescue missions -- something Civil Air Patrol is well-known for.

"Your search and rescue training and abilities are nationally recognized and we're excited about working with you," Schuety told CAP officials.

St. Cloud is near Camp Ripley, making it easier to get the helicopters to Minnesota's 53,000-acre National Guard training site.

"I see a future including helicopter rides and possible joint training operations. The squadron is excited about the possibilities," Cruze said.