A significant relocation of strategic military assets brings temporary changes to two Air Force bases in the Dakotas.
According to The Aviationist, the U.S. Air Force is transferring 17 B-1B Lancer bombers and 800 Airmen from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota to Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota for approximately 10 months.
The temporary relocation, beginning this month, is necessitated by runway construction work at Ellsworth AFB to prepare for the arrival of the new B-21 Raider bomber. The project represents a crucial step in modernizing the Air Force's long-range bomber capabilities while maintaining operational readiness during the transition period.
Strategic Relocation Supports Next Generation Bomber Integration
Col. Derek Oakley, commander of the 28th Bomb Wing, emphasized the significance of the runway work in preparing for the B-21 Raider's arrival. The construction project demonstrates the Air Force's commitment to implementing its next-generation long-range strike capabilities while considering the impact on local communities.
The transfer operation begins with two bombers arriving at Grand Forks this week, followed by the complete fleet's relocation in early 2025. During their stay at Grand Forks, the B-1B bombers will maintain their regular operational duties while routine maintenance will be conducted on-site.
For more extensive maintenance requirements, the aircraft will rely on support from the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas. These bombers recently participated in significant military operations, including February 2024 airstrikes against Iranian-backed militia targets in Iraq and Syria.
Historic Return Brings Enhanced Operational Capabilities
The relocation marks a notable return for Grand Forks AFB, which previously hosted B-1B bombers until 1994. A successful hot-pit refueling operation conducted in October 2024 demonstrated the base's readiness to accommodate the bomber fleet once again.
Col. Tim Monroe of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing highlighted the potential benefits of integrating bomber operations with the base's existing drone capabilities. The temporary arrangement is expected to create valuable synergies between different Air Force assets.
There's no doubt integrating the B-1 community into our Grand Forks Unmanned Aerial System ecosystem will pay dividends for everyone involved. This temporary relocation is the vanguard of Air Force integration, readiness, and agile combat employment, and epitomizes the mantra of One Team, One Fight.
Future Vision Shapes Strategic Base Operations
The selection of Ellsworth as the first B-21 Raider base followed a successful Environmental Impact Assessment in 2021. This decision was part of a broader strategic plan that later designated Whiteman and Dyess AFBs as the second and third bases for the new bomber.
Local residents near both bases should expect changes during the transition period. Ellsworth area residents will notice increased construction activity, while those near Grand Forks should prepare for heightened military traffic and aircraft noise as operations intensify.
The extensive planning behind this temporary relocation includes ensuring Grand Forks AFB maintains its current mission operating RQ-4B Global Hawk surveillance drones while accommodating the B-1B fleet. These unmanned aircraft continue to provide crucial intelligence and surveillance capabilities worldwide.
Moving Forward With Strategic Transformation
The temporary relocation of 17 B-1B bombers and 800 Airmen from Ellsworth AFB to Grand Forks AFB represents a crucial phase in the U.S. Air Force's strategic modernization efforts. The move allows for essential runway upgrades at Ellsworth while maintaining operational capabilities during the transition.
This coordinated effort between bases will facilitate the eventual arrival of the B-21 Raider at Ellsworth AFB in the mid-2020s, marking a significant milestone in the Air Force's long-range bomber program. The project demonstrates the military's ability to maintain strategic capabilities while implementing infrastructure improvements for future operations.
