News - Tag Ellsworth AFB

A second B-21 Raider test aircraft takes off, Sept. 11, from Palmdale, Calif., to join the Air Force’s flight test campaign at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The addition of the second test aircraft expands mission systems and weapons integration testing, advancing the program toward operational readiness. (Courtesy photo)

Sept. 11, 2025

US Air Force announces arrival of second B-21 test aircraft at Edwards AFB

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) — Department of the Air Force announced the arrival of the second B-21 Raider flight test aircraft Sept. 11, 2025, marking a significant step toward operational readiness of the nation’s sixth-generation stealth bomber.

Aircraft maintainers work on B-1B Lancer

Feb. 21, 2025

Guardians of the North, 28th Maintenance Group mobilizes entire B-1 Fleet

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. — Raider maintainers from the 34th & 37th Bomber Generation Squadrons recently mobilized Ellsworth’s entire fleet of B-1B Lancers; while most will temporarily relocate to Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., some made their way to Anderson Air Force Base, Guam for a bomber task deployment.

A B-21 Raider conducts flight testing, which includes ground testing, taxiing, and flying operations, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The B-21 will be the backbone of the service’s future bomber force, and will possess the range, access and payload to penetrate the most highly-contested threat environments and hold any target around the globe at risk. The bomber platform is being developed through the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, which utilizes streamlined methods to develop, produce and field critical combat capabilities. (Courtesy photo)

Sept. 19, 2024

Air Force provides B-21 Raider program updates

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) — The B-21 Raider will incrementally replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers to become the backbone of the Air Force’s flexible global strike capability.

Sept. 13, 2024

Air Force announces second and third B-21 Raider bases

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — The Secretary of the Air Force has approved the second and third basing locations for the B-21 Raider, the Air Force’s newest bomber. Those bases are Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. and Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, in that order. Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota was previously selected as the first base to receive the B-21.“We continue

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, flys over Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 20, 2024, in support of a Bomber Task Force mission. Bomber missions contribute to joint force lethality and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by demonstrating USAF ability to operate anywhere in the world at any time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Jacobsen)

July 5, 2024

Airmen and B-1B Lancers return to Ellsworth after completing Bomber Task Force 24-6

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. — Airmen from the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron returned to Ellsworth AFB June 25, 2024, following the successful completion of BTF 24-6 at Andersen AFB, Guam. This mission, conducted with Allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, achieved significant milestones in strengthening partnerships and advancing strategic objectives.

May 22, 2024

B-21 Raider continues flight test, production

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) — Following its formal unveiling, Dec. 2, 2022, the B-21 Raider began flight testing here where it continues to make progress toward becoming the backbone of the U.S. Air Force bomber fleet.

Air Force Airmen assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, pose for a group photo alongside Swedish military personnel in front of a B-1B Lancer and two Saab JAS 39 Gripens at Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden, Feb. 26, 2024, during Bomber Task Force 24-2.

March 1, 2024

BTF 24-2 bombers return home after Global Guardian

Luleå, SWEDEN — U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth AFB, S.D., conducted a cross-combatant command mission from their deployed location at Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden, in support of Global Guardian, Feb. 29, 2024.

(From left to right) Capt. John Martin, Capt. Randy Kaufman, Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Capt. Joseph Reidy and Capt. Jeffrey Taliaferro gather after winning the Lemay Award for their work during Operation Desert Fox at the Air Force Association banquet in Washington, D.C., September 1999.

Dec. 15, 2023

Bones and Bombs, 25 years since the B-1’s combat debut

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. — The B-1B Lancer made its historic combat debut 25 years ago, on Dec. 18, 1998, in support of Operation Desert Fox on Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain. The four-day operation was conducted in response to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s failure to comply with United Nations resolutions and their interference with UNSCOM inspectors.

Dec. 5, 2023

AFIMSC plays critical role in fielding of B-21

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is playing a critical role in executing the multiyear beddown of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber for the Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Luciano Battalini, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion specialist, services a B-1B Lancer’s gear box at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., July 20, 2023.

July 27, 2023

Raider Maintainers Generate Red Flag Airpower

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — Wrenches turning, engines running and scattered voices fill the air on the flightline. Constant movement and an effort-by-all ensure the B-1B Lancers, assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron, are mission-ready at Red Flag-Nellis 23-3.