This is our second gallery for the abandoned Fortuna Air Force Station. It was demolished in the summer of 2015. Click here to start at part one.
Stairway to nowhere.
Terry ventured into the bowels of a structure at the top of the hill and came across this vivid reminder that the men and women who worked here were putting their lives on the line every day and facing a grim future if relations with the Soviets went the wrong way.
When we finished photographing the radar facilities at the top of the hill, we proceeded down to the living facilities at the west end of the base.
The Motor Pool. Just as we approached this building, a deer came bounding out and quickly disappeared into the distance.
The guard house at the southwest gate stands alone and abandoned.
The barracks are on the right, the mess hall and gymnasium are on the left. We went left first.
With rusty nails sticking up from the demolition debris on the floor, this warning is more relevant today than it was in the past.
One of two clubs we found… this one was inside the fence, the other was outside the security gate.
This club was just outside the fence, a short distance from the guard house.
Troy beginning the hike back to the car. Note to self: bring a bottle of water when you’re gonna spend two hours in the sun.
Photos by Troy Larson and Terry Hinnenkamp, © 2013 Sonic Tremor Media
Ghosts of North Dakota 
Stunning!
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Dennis This a real flashback for me. I was stationed at a base that no longer exsists (Ent AFB Colorado). I worked in the airman assignments section (wing level). I remember these names from the Pass Directory (list of all bases in the world and units assigned). I sent quite a few people to these units and bases in ND. We were the servicing CBPO for MAJCOM ADC which was servicing Majcom in many cases for these places. A lo ofmemories of places I always wondered about but never saw. Thanks
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Very nice picture sets. There is so much that could still be recycled from that site if someone was to put some time into it.
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They did salvage many of the other houses that were on the base. I know of a few houses in Williston that are from the base. My dad was one of the semi driver’s that helped move the houses to Williston.
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So many good memories. I was stationed at Fortuna from Dec 65 until Apr 67. I worked Mtce. In both the 64 & 35 towers.
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What was the mission there at Fortuna?
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As it states on the Part I post (http://www.ghostsofnorthdakota.com/2013/07/12/fortuna-air-force-station-part-i/), “Fortuna AFS was a GCI (Ground Control Intercept) base designed to detect unidentified aircraft and coordinate interception.”
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so many good memories is right. I was stationed there for two years in 1960 and lived in the house across from a guy by name of matthew and worked on the FST-2
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I was stationed there in 1974 – 1975 and 1976 – 1977 sure has changed a lot. I enjoyed my time there.
Worked in both 26 and 35 towers
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I can’t tell you how much I enjoy looking at all of your ND photos. I’m originally from Bismarck but gone since 1954. I live in Florida now but I still am homesick for the wide open spaces of the ND I knew as a kid. Maybe the next time around, I’ll stay.
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It is still so hard to see the whole AFB left to just rot and decay…..so many possibilities for the grounds/buildings. It was a great place “back in the day”
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Civilian stationed there from June 1978 to Sep 1979 as an CS electrician. Had to shut-off water and drain everything in the housing units and barracks and pickled them for abandiment. Most military were gone and only about 7 civilians left when I left. Got to be on the epicenter of a total eclipse of the sun…really neat to see and experience. Enjoyed the wide open spaces. Always looked like dinosaur country to my wife. Our girls loved living in Crosby ND. If you wanted a pizza, you had to go 70 miles down to Williston ND. Went to sunny El Cento CA with desert temperatures and what a difference that was.
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As a currant Air Force wife, we have been stationed many different places…Davis Monthan AFB right now..this is beautiful but also so sad to see a base in this state…bless you for catching these pics before this station is put to rest!!! I am from ND and never knew of this AFS..so thanks once again..
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The facility was bought by some ranchers, gutted for anything of value and went back to the county for delinquent taxes. The National Guard was asked to evaluate it’s destruction, but the place is full of asbestos.
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The base was not purchased by ranchers. It was purchased by a man who owned a construction company and raped the place of any worth. He would have cleaned it up but the county got greedy and tried to tax him $250,000/yr. He let it go back to the county and now the taxpayers of the county have to pay for the clean up. I had good friends there including 3 of the last 7 guys. I can see it out of my window everyday. It’s a prime example of our government waste after the base was shutdown.
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The purchaser may have cleaned it up but we will never know. The county did not try to tax him $250000.00 / year that was probably what they valued the property at for a tax base. There is a big difference between those two things. As the purchaser sold off houses from the base and other items he did not have the county re-evaluate the value of the property to lower the value they had on the property.
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Something about this place gives me the creeps.
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***yes, now, but that’s because it is abandoned and run down,,,,,back in the day it was a thriving area!!
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Worked Maint. on the 35 and a height finder Fps-26 or 27 don’t remember . Norman C. Bennett and I were there in 64-65.We came over from Lewistown,Montana 694th.
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I am grateful to you for taking the time to check out these sites in our fair state. Many would be forgotten with out your efforts.
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Was not bought buy ranchers. Bought by a guy from Williston, Arvid Barstad, he is deceased but his family is in the house building business.
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Was there 77 – 79. Operations and anti-jamming. Lived in one of those barracks for 6 months, and then got married and my wife and I came back and got one of the few apartments in Fortuna. What an amazing bunch of pics. Did some of the work to close the AF ops down.
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My husband, Michael Kinney, was stationed at Fortuna from 1962 to 1966. We attended the reunion several years ago & got to tour the site. It looks about the same. Didn’t look to see if there was any left of the radio site across the highway to the south. We were never allowed there even when the base was open.
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I knew someone stationed there at this time. Please ask your husband if he knew a ‘Tony Oliveira’
He was from Sacramento, California. Any idea on whereabouts?
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Was at the 926th at Frobisher Airport on Baffin Island in 1961-1962. Isolated or not Fortuna and the 780th was paradise compared with Frobisher. Have explored Opheim and Havre, but never got to Fortuna. USA Today in their daily state glance about three years ago announced that Divide County was to receive a $250,000 grant from the US Dept. of Agriculture to demolish Fortuna AFS and return it to pasture land. I’d have thought it would have long happened by now. Guess there’s a lot of bureaucratic paperwork necessary before hand.
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Hi. I was stationed at Fortuna AFS from 1973-75 . I worked in the power generating plant, if my memory serves me correctly , we had four 800 kw Nordberg diesels. Sad to see some of the pictures. Nice area to raise a family back then, no need to lock your doors and in near by Westby I found businesses doors open and the owner might be down the street. That was a different time.
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Just to show how times have changed. When we changed oil in the big diesels, 200 gallons or so, we had a dump truck with a large tank for the used oil. We in stalled a speeder bar, 4 inch pipe with holes in, drove down dirt roads and opened the valve and let the oil flow on the very dry dusty roads. All seem to appreciate this as it keep the dust down. Boy times have changed for the better in this case. We did not know better back then. sorta like changing oil in your car and pouring it around the fence to keep the grass from growing … Terrible
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How can it be an example of government waste? The base became obselete and according to you, was sold. How is that government waste? Unless you’re a TPer.
BTW, I was born and raised in Fortuna(born in Crosby) and spent the first 9+ years of my life there.
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This is absolutely one of your best ones. Excellent job on exploring this place and sharing it with us!
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I was at Fortuna from 1962 to 1965 as a Heavy Ground Radar Technician. I worked on the FPS 26, FPS 35r and the older FPS 6 & 7 towers. I also worked along side of the tech reps on the installation of theFPS 26 and the FPS 35 and remember running hundred of cables to the OPS center. I saw the FPS35 antenna ripped off the roof after a tech bypassed the six 100HP drive motor starting capacitors. What a mess that was. The NCOIC’s luxary car was punctured when the IFF antenna fel and was 4 feet in the ground. I seem to remember thst the airman was sent to Greenland the next week. My wife was from Plentywood and I still travel back to visit family there. I feel bad about missing the reunions but the timing was never good.
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I just had to reply to this post. I was sent to Fortuna AFS in 1959. Before that I was stationed on the Rock called Iceland. I served one year on the Rock. We lost our bubble on the FPS 35 in December due to high winds of 90 miles per hour. You talk about getting a bubble back on the radar tower. It took over two days of 50 airman on the site to restore our bubble. My job was radar technician on the old FPS6, FPS35 and FPS 20. I remember that
Fortuna was like going back to the 19 century. When I was stationed at Fortuna there were about 50 airman stationed there. No housing for families or motor pool just airman trying to do their jobs. The reason I got out was I was tired of being sent to far out remote radar sites that no one really cared about. I enjoyed my four years but was more than glad to get out an go to college.
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Very goods pics,lived 10 miles from it on the Can. side of the border.
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My husband, Leroy Rusbult, was stationed at Fortuna from 1957 until Jan. 1961. He worked on the scopes and in motor pool. When he arrived in Fortuna on the Soo Line he thought he would catch a taxi. Fortunately an airman was at the bar and gave him a ride up to the base. This was in January so you know it was cold outside. We were married in 1960 and have lived in Plentywood ever since. He just passed away Oct. 29, we had been married for 53 years. He got to tour the base at the reunion with some of his former buddies. Many of the base boys married local girls. I remember when the base first opened, we could see the lights from our farm at Comertown. Was exciting and the base boys used to come over to Comertown for dances. They were always gentlemen and if anyone got too carried away, the “fly boys” always took care of the matter. Thank you to all who served up there in the remote part of the world.
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I was stationed at the 780th Fortuna 7/60-8/61 as a 27350a/b, discharged at Minot AFB. Remember times in Williston and Westby.
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I was there for a total eclipse of the sun. We were bowling on the ladys team, two bowling lanes. At the nco club, while it was going on. My husband worked in the 35-tower.
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I believe that would have been February 26th, 1979, which means it was 35 years ago, tomorrow! I remember seeing that eclipse in Minot.
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OMG I had forgotten about when the antenna on the 35 was knocked down, we have pictures of it somewhere.
My dad (S/Sgt Herman Luce)was stationed there from Oct. 62-June 68. He was RMTCE on the 35 tower.
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I was a medic from 69 to 71. I also had a job as the head bartender in the Enlisted Club that was the one outside the gate. It also had a bowling alley.
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Dave
We currently live in Minot ND where I retired from the USAF after 24 1/2 years service. Please contact us at:
Larry & Caren Barnett
1220 19th Ave SW
Minot, ND 58701
701-720-3727
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Wild Man do you still live in Chicago ?? We were roommates back then 69-70. Like to hear from you.
Terry Meranda
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I have a house in Naperville but spend my time in my condo at Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Two daughters. One downtown and one in Orlando. Would enjoy catching up sometime
If you like, email me your phone number. Drwg8r@aol.com
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My wife Karen and I came to 780th RADS Fortuna from Izmir AB TU in 1978 staying our two-year CONUS Isolated tour between the trailers off base, outside Fortuna, and later base housing. I worked at the GATR site as a SSgt located about a mile from base. We had MSgt West and MSgt Hord as NCOICs. I loved the club and attached two-lane bowling alley. Also loved going up to our sister site in Dana Saskatchewan. The Canadians really knew how to throw a party! In ’79, I believe, the radars closed down and 8 radio guys were left to man the GATR site. We were redesignated Operating Location BS ( you can imagine our unofficial logos). Karen and I moved into the commander’s house and the single guys shared another house. We turned another house into a recreation/club house. Our daughter was born in ’79 in Plentywood Montana. It was a clinic/nursing home…their slogan was “we get you coming and going.” We loved going to Crosby to the Dew Drop Inn for a burger and to Plentywood for Dairy Queen. We would go on commissary trips to Minot 150 miles away with shopping lists for the other site members. We considered Minot “R&R” because it was a real, full-up base and had the Field & Stream Steakhouse down town. I retired in 2011 after 37+ years active duty.
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My ex-husband and I were here at Fortuna from 1976 to 1978. My middle son was born in Minot, medivacted to Minot from Crosby, ND. Seeing these pictures and remembering back in the day, kind of is sad.
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Great photos! My dad was station there for one year in 1970. I did my 5th grade in the town of Fortuna and lived in the first prefab off the highway on the left right next to the sign that used to be there. My dad was Master Sargent Howard J. Phillips in case anybody visiting here might have worked with him during his time there.
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TDY AT FORTUNA, LATE 1968, BAKER IN FOOD SERVICE. TSGT ACARBOROUGH WAS FOOD SERVICE SUPERVISOR. HE WAS A GREAT LEADER. I WAS THERE FOR 3 MONTHS, BAKING PASTRIES FOR THE TROOPS, AND ENJOYED MY SHORT TOUR THERE. MADE MANY RUNS TO MINOT FOR FOOD SERVICE SUPPLIES, DRIVING AN AIR FORCE LARGE TRUCK. I WAS A SSGT. THIS BROUGHT BACK MANY MEMORIES. MR LINDY L. BUSBY, MSGT, USAF RET.
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THE NAME OF THE TSGT WAS TSGT SCARBOROUGH
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Our Westby school class got to go through and see the workings of the radar. I was very impressed. Westby was blessed by the addition of school kids and their families. Airmen also had basketball and softball teams which competed with Westby players. The base just became un-needed for defence anymore. I wonder how many people over the years were a part of it all.
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Any previous soldiers stationed at Fortuna from 1965 to 1966-67…Did you know a young man named
Tony Oliveira, was from Sacramento. Think he was over in Vietnam at one time.
Any one know of whereabouts? I would like to get in touch with him, Thank you.
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I was a prior enlisted man (T Sgt) and Fortuna was my first Officer duty station 1971 & 72! I was the base Admin Officer along with 32 other additional duties! Lt Col Singleton was the CO and one hell of a guy! The club outside the fence was the NCO Club (really the only club on the installation) and the other was a bar in the lobby of the BOQ, where the officers gathered for a drink or two. Great first assignment for a 2nd Lt.
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Hey Ron,
I remember you quite well. I have that silver mug that was presented to me when I left in July 72. Went into private practice in Parma Hts, OH. Sold practice 5 yrs. ago after 41 yrs. Retired thru the Army Res. Dental Corps as Col. (didn’t get promoted to Maj. in the AF Res., my fault not theirs). I still have also that ID card I believe you made up for the club. I’m reading this now, May 2020, not sure if you’ll get it but if you do it’d be nice to hear from you. Len Tomsik, DDS (ret) Col. (ret.). leonardtomsik@yahoo.com I also went to Finley & Opheim AFS for their dental care.
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Doc: I left a comment about the Weyburn nurses visit from some time ago today. This is the first time I’d seen this site. I remember Ron LeVene too. You & I spoke on the phone several years ago. I hope all is well with you still. Let me know the next time you visit Colorado. I live in Norman, OK, just a short drive.
Larry
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Hi, I was stationed at Fortuna from June 1971-August 1972. Worked ops 276X0. I remember Col. Singleton. Wasn’t there a guy who worked in admin named John Molina?
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Lawrence Bowman I was stationed there 1957-1958 So sad to se these pictures. I enjoyed my brief stay back then
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JT Barber – 72-74 in the Q-47 shop. Wife and I stopped in May of this year (16), and were heartbroken at the sight of piles of “scrap” steel and concrete pads that are now 780th ADGP/RADS. Yes, the -35 tower is still somewhat intact (I was able to make the roof), but doors are off/open, and there is evidence of water intrusion inside. We’d been there in May of 13, and have pics similar to Troy’s – glad we stopped then. Was just a young-and-dumb kid from Pennsylvania, who had been nowhere but Keesler and the FAA Center for school – really enjoyed Fortuna – even worked part time for Archie Thompte over in Ambrose. Had a great time spending time in Crosby, Westby, Plentywood, Writing Rock, Skjermo Lake this time. Will miss the feelings of nostalgia I had when I could stomp around the site.
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I was stationed at Fortuna from Oct. 1962 to Dec 1963. It was my first assignment. I think I know the Airman who destroyed the FPS 35 antenna. He happened to be my best friend and yes, he called me from Greenland. Thanks for the pictures. Brings back memories.
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I lived there when I was kid, 66-feb 69. My father was NCOIC of computer systems if I recall correctly. CMSGT John L. Watkins.
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Was a supply sgt back in 69 to 70. Sgt Getz was my boss and Dave Wild was my roommate. Worked at the nco club as a bartender also. Had some good memories while I was there.
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Hey Terry
Long time! Where are you now?
I talked to Larry & Caren Barnett a few months ago.
I’m living on the Lake of The Ozarks in central Missouri. I’ve been retired for 15 years.
Dave
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Dave
I line in Ohio for the last 26 years and have been retired 9 years ago. I have emailed Larry a couple of years ago when I saw his name on a Fortuna list. Hope you are doing well. That group we had back then was a lot of fun esp the nco club.
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Terry
Caren and I are retired in Minot, ND. I did a total of 24.5 years in the USAF and retired at the rank of Lt Col in 1996. Call me at 701-720-3727 to catch up.
Larry Barnett
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I worked for Civil Service as a carpenter at Fortuna 73-76. Lived on father-in-laws farm about 10 miles away. These pics are great and bring back a lot of memories. One of my first jobs before civil service was helping build the garages for the houses down by the highway. Then got the job for civil service working for Harvey Delong. I was in most all of those buildings doing repairs or helping one of the other engineers. That club outside the fence was the NCO club and I got the moonlighting job of reupholstering the front of the bar and all of the bar stools. I took the bar stools home 3 or 4 at a time, but had to work all night on the front of the bar after the club closed. So sad to see the place in such a mess. I often thought it would make some sort of private school or something. Everything was there to be self sustained.
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My grandma and uncle and dad were raised in Fortuna ND, MY dad married and lived in Minn, He took us 4 kids every summer to visit grandma I remember the base putting on the 4th of july fireworks we all sat down in the field to watch then they didnt do it anymore because the closed, the school in fortuna closed be cause the kids from the base were gone, so they ones left were bused to crosby. my grandma died in 1971, we spent time there in the sixties, writing rock still there I bet, My uncle and grandma farm 160 acres, they lived in town next to the public laundry mat, I remember the bar, store, drug store, post office, etc also the catholic church, grandma walked to it very Sunday.
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Hi, thanks for the pictures. I am not the Arvid Barstad that bought this site, but the Arvid Barstad that googled his own name. Still, I liked the pictures and thanks for the effort in taking them. Wish I could travel more to the US. Only been in California and Nevada. North Dakota seems like a nice place.
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was there from 1972-1975 worked in material control in FPS35 tower. Did a lot of party wasN in a local band with Terry Thone from Crosby. Always wanted to go back but never got the chance Live in Aberdeen SD now. Had a lot of good friends there.
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Hi, I played hockey with Terry Thone. I too played with Terry in a local band but, they weren’t my drums. They were Larry Bombards.
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Was there 1970 -1971 as a young airman was my first assignment as an Aerospace Control and Warning Craftman to 780th Air Defense Group, Fortuna Air Force Station – Radar Operations . Being a Floridian and young – 18 years old had never experience the Northern part of the country. Unusually experiences I will never forget. MSgt. (retired) Arnold L Gray.
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