The United States Airforce is selecting Ellsworth Air Force Base for the first operational B-21 bomber.
Officials say that means hundreds of additional air force staff for the training unit.
Air Force officials say expect the B-21 Raider in about the middle of next year. The air base is waiting on construction of the Raider, as well as an environmental impact study, before the B-21 shows up at Ellsworth.
The B-21 is expected to replace the fleets of B-1 and B-2 bombers over the next ten years. The long-range strike bomber intended to operate both conventional and nuclear roles.
Colonel John Edwards is the commander of Ellsworth Air Force Base and the 28th bomb wing. He says this is a significant announcement for Ellsworth.
“It means that we will continue to fly the b1 mission here as we continue to prepare for the B21’s arrival and the hundreds of airmen that are going to be associated with that new mission,” Edwards says. “It’s going to really ensure that Ellsworth continues makes a significant impact into the security of the United States.”
In 2015, the Department of Defense awarded a contract to Northrop Grumman Corporation to build the B-21 Raider. The Air Force projects each plane to cost about $550 million. Development has cost is in the billions. The Air Force's initial intent is for a minimum of 100 B-21 Raiders split between Ellsworth and two other bases in Missouri and Texas.
Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender says it's the most significant announcement for the area in the last ten years.
“We’re certainly, in my opinion—and I’m a little biased—we’re the cream of the crop,” Allender says. “This is the finest military installation the Air Force has. With the finest personnel, the finest leadership, and some of the best support those members can get from a community. We’re ready to build up, we’re ready to meet the need, and we’re going to be the best neighbor they’ve ever seen.”
Allender says he hears estimates of around 1,500 additional personnel to the base, plus families and contract workers. He says that will test the region’s housing market.