The U.S. Air Force is temporarily moving several aircraft and hundreds of airmen away from Ellsworth Air Force Base to prepare for the arrival of the B-21 bomber.
Air Force officials said Monday 17 B-1B bombers along with 800 people are moving to Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota this month. The relocation is expected to last 10 months.
During this time, the Air Force plans to build a runway to accommodate the B-21 Raider – a next generation bomber set to make Ellsworth its home.
“The runway construction at Ellsworth is a key milestone in ensuring we’re ready to receive the B-21 Raider,” said Col. Derek Oakley, the commander of the 28th Bomber Wing. “This project illustrates the U.S. Air Force’s commitment to our nation’s newest long-range strike bomber and to the surrounding community.”
Officials said while residents around Ellsworth might notice more construction traffic, locals in the Red River Valley will begin seeing an increase in military vehicle freight and air traffic noise throughout the fall and into winter.
The first B-1B expected to arrive in December 2024 will be remain in place to help prepare the maintenance operations before the full fleet arrives early next year. Aircraft maintenance professionals will conduct inspections and repairs to ensure the B-1B fleet is safe for flight.
The B-21 is expected to arrive at Ellsworth in the mid-2020s.